Securing a top-tier MicroSD card for the Nintendo Switch has become essential in 2025 due to the console’s limited 25.9GB internal storage, which struggles to accommodate multiple games—especially larger AAA titles. Options like the 512GB Kingston Canvas Select Plus are popular in the UK, while US users might prefer the 512GB TeamGroup Pro Plus.
Beyond suggesting suitable cards, we’ll also explore comparative loading speeds across storage methods and provide guidance for transferring data between internal memory and external storage solutions.
Best Switch MicroSD cards UK
British shoppers currently find 512GB models offering optimal value, though 256GB, 1TB, and increasingly affordable 2TB alternatives remain competitive. Larger capacities minimize the need for frequent data management while maintaining reasonable cost efficiency.
Best Switch MicroSD cards USA
American markets showcase diverse brand options, with 512GB cards providing the sweet spot for storage economics. While 1TB and 256GB variants offer similar pricing per gigabyte, broader manufacturer selection allows for tailored choices based on reliability and warranty considerations.
Originally capped at 32GB, the Switch now accommodates up to 2TB cards following firmware updates. While maximum capacity cards deliver greater installation flexibility, real-world performance differences between UHS-1 models prove negligible despite varying theoretical speed ratings. Prioritize reputable brands and storage volume over maximum throughput specifications.
Storage speed evaluations using Zelda: Breath of the Wild revealed consistent patterns: internal memory outperformed both cartridges and external storage. Fast-travel and initial load benchmarks showed internal storage shaving seconds off compared to other methods, though MicroSD cards still proved faster than physical media.
| Zelda/Switch Load Times | Cartridge | Internal Storage | Sandisk 16GB Ultra SDHC | Sandisk 64GB Extreme SDXC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shrine of Resurrection (Travel) | 24.2 | 21.8 | 23.0 | 23.8 |
| Dueling Peaks Tower (Travel) | 20.5 | 18.8 | 19.8 | 20.1 |
| Great Plateau Tower (Travel) | 32.6 | 27.7 | 30.9 | 31.2 |
| Owa Daim Shrine (Initial Load) | 9.5 | 8.7 | 9.3 | 9.3 |
| Kakariko Village (Initial Load) | 27.0 | 24.1 | 26.3 | 26.6 |
| Temple of Time (Initial Load) | 35.7 | 30.7 | 34.1 | 34.4 |
Data transfers between storage types require archiving and re-downloading titles through system settings. This process preserves save files but necessitates internet access for reinstalls. For optimal performance, prioritize internal storage for frequently played titles and use MicroSD expansion for broader game libraries.
Important: Recent system updates introduced performance enhancements for load sequences, though storage hierarchy remains unchanged from our initial testing period.
When selecting storage solutions, prioritize capacity from established manufacturers over speed ratings. While UHS-1 compatibility meets Switch requirements, higher-tier cards offer minimal real-world benefits. Opt for maximum affordable storage to minimize data management hassles while maintaining reliable performance.