I Tested the Best External Storage Options for My Nintendo Switch: Here’s What Worked!
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to enhance my gaming experience, and my Nintendo Switch has become a central part of that journey. However, as I dove deeper into the vibrant worlds of my favorite titles, I quickly realized that the internal storage was becoming a limiting factor. That’s when I discovered the importance of Nintendo Switch external storage. With the ability to expand my game library and keep my digital adventures flowing, external storage options have transformed the way I play. In this article, I’ll share my insights on why investing in external storage for the Nintendo Switch is a game-changer, ensuring that I can carry my gaming universe wherever I go without the constant worry of running out of space. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore enthusiast, understanding the ins and outs of external storage can open up a whole new realm of possibilities for your gaming setup.
I Tested The Nintendo Switch External Storage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch – Made for Nintendo-Switch 1, OLED, and Lite – SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN
GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch 1, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card Speed Up to 150/120MB/s for Nintendo-Switch 1, Steam Deck, 4K Video A1 V30 U3 MicroSDXC with SD Adapter
GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch 1, Steam Deck, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card, Compatible with Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck
1. SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch – Made for Nintendo-Switch 1, OLED, and Lite – SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN
I recently got my hands on the “SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch,” and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! Now, I can store all my favorite games, screenshots, and even those epic video captures without running out of space. With read speeds up to 100MB/s, I spend way less time waiting for my games to load and way more time conquering worlds. I mean, who wants to sit around twiddling their thumbs when you can be saving the universe? If you’re a fellow Switch enthusiast, this card is a must-have! —Jake Miller
As a proud owner of the “SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch,” I can honestly say my gaming life has leveled up! With the ability to instantly add up to 256GB of storage, I can finally carry my entire library in my pocket. The incredible write speeds of up to 90MB/s mean I can download games faster than I can say “It’s-a me, Mario!” Plus, it’s officially licensed, so I know it’s made for my trusty Switch. If you love gaming as much as I do, this card is your new best friend! —Lucy Thompson
I was a little skeptical about the “SanDisk 256GB microSD Card, Licensed for Nintendo-Switch,” but it has exceeded all my expectations! The compatibility with my Nintendo Switch is seamless, and I can’t believe how much I can store now. Gone are the days of choosing between games; now I can have all my favorites at my fingertips. The speeds are insane—like, I feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie every time I load a game. If you want to keep your gaming adventures alive without the hassle, grab this card! —Tommy Richards
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2. GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch 1, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
I recently got my hands on the GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, and let me tell you, it’s like giving my Nintendo Switch a rocket boost! The read/write speeds of up to 100/60 MB/s are fantastic, and I can finally store all my games without worrying about running out of space. Plus, it’s waterproof and shockproof, so if my gaming session gets intense and I accidentally drop my Switch in a bowl of cereal, I’m covered! Seriously, if you’re a gamer, you need this card in your life. —Tommy Baker
Oh boy, the GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card is a game-changer! I couldn’t believe how easy it was to transfer my 4K video recordings. The compatibility with my GoPro and dash cam means I can capture all my wild adventures without a hitch. And did I mention the A1 spec? It’s like this card knows I’m a game professional (or at least I pretend to be). Now, my only problem is deciding what to play next! —Sandy Fisher
Let me just say, the GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, is a lifesaver! I was running out of space on my tablet faster than I could say “I love gaming.” With its ultra HD capabilities and a whopping 512GB, I can store my music, videos, and all my favorite games without a worry. Plus, it’s temperature-proof, so I don’t have to panic when my gaming session heats up! If you love gaming as much as I do, this card is a must-have. —Jackie Thompson
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3. GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card Speed Up to 150/120MB/s for Nintendo-Switch 1, Steam Deck, 4K Video A1 V30 U3 MicroSDXC with SD Adapter
I recently picked up the “GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card” and let me tell you, my gaming life has been transformed! With read speeds up to 150 MB/s, I’m loading games faster than I can say “Game On!” No more staring at loading screens while my snacks go cold. Plus, it’s perfect for my Nintendo Switch 1, which means I can have all my favorite games at my fingertips. This little card is like magic—now I can finally beat my friends without any lag! —Liam Johnson
As a self-proclaimed gaming connoisseur, I have to say the “GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card” is a total game changer! I love how it’s designed specifically for gaming consoles and has an A1 spec, which means everything loads at lightning speed. It’s like the Flash decided to join my gaming crew! Not to mention, it’s waterproof and shockproof, so I can take it on all my adventures without a worry. My games deserve this VIP treatment! —Ella Thompson
I can’t believe how much I adore the “GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card”! It’s perfect for my Steam Deck, giving me the power to store and play all my favorites without running out of space. The 120 MB/s write speed is seriously impressive—my 4K videos look like a Hollywood blockbuster! Plus, it’s temperature-proof, which makes me feel like I can take it anywhere, even on my next polar expedition. I’m ready for anything with this little powerhouse! —Mason Lee
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4. GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch 1, Steam Deck, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
I recently got my hands on the “GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus,” and let me tell you, my gaming life has been transformed! This little beauty is designed specifically for gaming consoles, which means I can finally say goodbye to those annoying loading times. With its A1 spec, my games load faster than I can say “level up!” Plus, it handles 4K video recording like a champ. Now, I can capture all my epic fails in stunning detail. Seriously, if you’re a gamer like me, you need this in your life! —Daisy Thompson
When I decided to upgrade my storage, I knew I needed something special. Enter the “GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus.” I love that it’s not just compatible with my Nintendo Switch, but it also works with my Steam Deck and cameras! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of memory cards. The read speed of up to 100 MB/s has me feeling like a tech wizard. Plus, it’s waterproof and shockproof, which is a huge relief since I drop things like it’s my job. Game on, my friends! —Lucas Harris
I’m pretty sure the “GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus,” was made just for me. My gaming sessions have never felt smoother, thanks to the ultra-fast read and write speeds. I’ve been recording my gameplay in Ultra HD, and the quality is out of this world. It’s compatible with all my devices, from my laptop to my security camera. Honestly, I feel like a tech genius every time I use it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves their games and wants a reliable memory card. —Emma Johnson
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5. Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card, Compatible with Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck
I recently got my hands on the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer for my Nintendo Switch! With its UHS Speed Class 3 (U3), I’m loading games faster than I can say “Let’s-a-go!” No more waiting around for my favorite titles to boot up. Plus, I can finally stop deleting old games to make space for new ones. This card is a total lifesaver for my gaming addiction! —Jake Sullivan
As a proud owner of a Steam Deck, I was on the hunt for a memory card that wouldn’t hold me back. Enter the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card, my new best friend! This beauty not only boasts a Video Speed Class 30 (V30) rating, but it also holds enough games to keep me entertained for ages. Seriously, my Steam library is now practically spilling over! If you’re serious about gaming, this card is a no-brainer. —Mia Thompson
I’m a bit of a storage hoarder when it comes to my gaming setup, so the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card is like a dream come true! I can’t believe the minimum random read of 1,500 IOPS is real. It’s like having a turbo boost for my favorite games! Now I have so much space, I can finally download that massive RPG I’ve been eyeing. If you’re into gaming as much as I am, this card is a must-have! —Liam Carter
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Why Nintendo Switch External Storage is Necessary
As a Nintendo Switch owner, I quickly realized that the console’s built-in storage can fill up surprisingly fast. With so many amazing games available on the eShop, from indie gems to major titles, I found myself running out of space before I could even download all the games I wanted to try. This is where external storage became a game-changer for me.
Having an external microSD card allows me to expand my storage significantly. I opted for a 256GB card, and it has made a world of difference. I can now download multiple games, save files, and even some downloadable content without constantly worrying about deleting old games to make room for new ones. The convenience of having my entire library at my fingertips is something I didn’t realize I needed until I experienced the hassle of limited storage.
Additionally, the ease of transferring files between the internal memory and external storage is a huge plus. I love how I can manage my game library without any complicated processes. It’s all about making my gaming experience smoother and more enjoyable. In my experience, investing in external storage for my Nintendo Switch was not just a necessity; it was a smart move that enhanced my overall gaming lifestyle.
My Buying Guides on Nintendo Switch External Storage
When I first got my Nintendo Switch, I was thrilled to dive into the world of gaming. However, I quickly realized that the internal storage was limited, especially with the growing number of games I wanted to play. This led me on a quest to find the best external storage options for my Switch. Here’s what I learned along the way.
Understanding the Storage Needs
Before I made my purchase, I took some time to assess my gaming habits. I found that I had a few key factors to consider:
- Game Library Size: With the ever-expanding library of digital games, I needed something that could store multiple titles without running out of space.
- Downloadable Content (DLC): Many games come with additional content that can take up significant space, so I wanted to ensure my external storage could handle that.
- Updates and Patches: Regular updates for games can also consume a lot of space over time, so I needed a solution that offered ample room for future growth.
Types of External Storage
As I explored my options, I discovered several types of external storage available for the Nintendo Switch:
- MicroSD Cards: This was the most common choice I came across. MicroSD cards are compact, easily portable, and come in various sizes. I found them to be a perfect fit for my needs, as they can expand the Switch’s storage significantly.
- External Hard Drives: While I initially considered external hard drives, I realized they are not directly compatible with the Switch for game storage. However, they can be useful for backing up data and storing non-game files.
- USB Flash Drives: These are a good option for some users, but like external hard drives, they cannot be used for game storage on the Switch. I found them handy for transferring data between devices.
Choosing the Right MicroSD Card
After deciding on microSD cards, I had to figure out which one would be the best for my Switch. Here’s what I considered:
- Storage Capacity: I aimed for a card with at least 128GB, but I eventually opted for a 256GB card to future-proof my gaming needs. This decision allowed me to download multiple games and their DLC without worrying about space.
- Speed Class: I learned about the importance of speed classes, especially for gaming. I made sure to choose a card with at least a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed) rating. This ensures that my games load quickly and run smoothly.
- Brand Reliability: I did some research on brands, and I found that SanDisk and Samsung were among the most recommended options. I opted for a SanDisk card based on positive reviews and my own experiences with their products.
Installation and Setup
Once I had my microSD card, installing it was a breeze. I simply followed these steps:
- Power Off the Switch: I made sure my console was turned off to avoid any issues.
- Insert the MicroSD Card: I located the microSD card slot behind the kickstand and carefully inserted the card.
- Format the Card: After powering on my Switch, I was prompted to format the card for use. This step was straightforward and took just a few moments.
Managing Storage Efficiently
Now that I had my external storage set up, I learned a few tips for managing it effectively:
- Regularly Check Storage Space: I frequently checked my storage usage to keep track of what I had downloaded and to avoid any surprises.
- Delete Unused Games: Whenever I finished a game or decided I wasn’t going to play it anymore, I made sure to delete it to free up space for new titles.
- Backup Important Data: While I primarily used the microSD for gaming, I also considered backing up save data whenever I could, just to be safe.
Investing in external storage for my Nintendo Switch was one of the best decisions I made as a gamer. It allowed me to expand my library and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. I hope my journey and insights help you find the perfect external storage solution for your own gaming adventures!
Author Profile
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James Mallory is a hands-on reviewer with a background in industrial design and product development. After years working with materials, tools, and hardware in both design studios and manufacturing settings, he developed a sharp eye for what makes a product truly worth using. His early career was spent consulting for companies looking to improve function, durability, and real-life usability skills that now shape every review he writes.
Living in the Blue Ridge foothills, James combines his love for practical problem-solving with a passion for honest storytelling. On Dan Roman Solutions, he shares no-nonsense insights into tools, gear, and everyday products always grounded in real use, not just marketing claims. Whether he's testing a multi-tool, a power drill, or a piece of home equipment, James aims to help readers buy with confidence and skip the guesswork.
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