Best Memory Cards for Nintendo Switch
For the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED, a genuine microSDXC card is a simple way to make room for downloadable games. Switch 2 uses a different storage requirement, so choose the card for your actual console. Our top picks include SanDisk microSD Card for Nintendo Switch 256GB , Samsung EVO Select microSDXC 256GB , SanDisk Pokémon microSD Card 256GB.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
Reviewed October 30, 2026 · Research-based buying guide
This UHS-I microSDXC card is marketed for Nintendo Switch systems and provides room for downloaded games on the original Switch family.
Check Price at AmazonRead full review ↓Samsung EVO Select 256GB is a standard UHS-I microSDXC choice for the original Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED when storage needs are moderate.
Check Price at AmazonRead full review ↓SanDisk offers this UHS-I card in a Nintendo Switch-approved Pokémon design. It is an option when a themed card costs about the same as a standard equivalent.
Check Price at AmazonRead full review ↓Disclosure: We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Amazon links lead to search results; check the exact model, bundle, price and seller before buying.
How We Selected Our Picks
We compared manufacturer documentation, compatibility, features and the needs of this particular setup. This guide is based on product research; it does not claim hands-on testing or independent performance measurements.
Detailed Recommendations
SanDisk microSD Card for Nintendo Switch 256GB Check Price at Amazon
| Type / connection | microSDXC UHS-I |
|---|---|
| Key features | Nintendo Switch family licensed card |
This UHS-I microSDXC card is marketed for Nintendo Switch systems and provides room for downloaded games on the original Switch family.
It is an ordinary microSD card, not microSD Express for Switch 2. Verify capacity, seller and exact package before purchase.
- Nintendo Switch family licensed card
- microSDXC UHS-I
- It is an ordinary microSD card, not microSD Express for Switch 2. Verify capacity, seller and exact package before purchase.
Samsung EVO Select microSDXC 256GB Check Price at Amazon
| Type / connection | microSDXC UHS-I |
|---|---|
| Key features | 256GB; UHS-I card |
Samsung EVO Select 256GB is a standard UHS-I microSDXC choice for the original Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED when storage needs are moderate.
It is not a microSD Express card for Switch 2 game storage. A microSDXC-compatible system update may be needed on older consoles.
- 256GB; UHS-I card
- microSDXC UHS-I
- It is not a microSD Express card for Switch 2 game storage. A microSDXC-compatible system update may be needed on older consoles.
SanDisk Pokémon microSD Card 256GB Check Price at Amazon
| Type / connection | microSDXC UHS-I |
|---|---|
| Key features | Nintendo Switch-approved design |
SanDisk offers this UHS-I card in a Nintendo Switch-approved Pokémon design. It is an option when a themed card costs about the same as a standard equivalent.
Do not confuse it with a separately marketed microSD Express model. The character artwork does not increase Switch transfer speed.
- Nintendo Switch-approved design
- microSDXC UHS-I
- Do not confuse it with a separately marketed microSD Express model. The character artwork does not increase Switch transfer speed.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SanDisk microSD Card for Nintendo Switch 256GB | Best Licensed Card | Nintendo Switch family licensed card | Check Price at Amazon |
| Samsung EVO Select microSDXC 256GB | Best Standard microSDXC | 256GB; UHS-I card | Check Price at Amazon |
| SanDisk Pokémon microSD Card 256GB | Best Themed Option | Nintendo Switch-approved design | Check Price at Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are game save files stored?
Nintendo stores game save data in system memory, not on the microSD card.
Will a standard microSDXC card store Switch 2 games?
No. Nintendo requires microSD Express for Switch 2 software storage.
Our Verdict
Choose the model that suits your device, setup and budget, and verify the exact version before ordering.