Switch 2 microSD card requirements: why it needs microSD Express
Switch 2 only uses microSD Express cards for expansion, and Nintendo supports any card that meets the microSD Express standard up to 2 TB. The microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards used by the original Switch don’t work for games.
| Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Supported capacity | Up to 2 TB[1,2] |
| First use | System update over the internet required[1] |
| Usage | |
| Game save data on card | No — save data stays in system memory[2] |
| Default install location | The card, once inserted[2] |
| Multiple cards | Single card recommended; software on different cards cannot be merged later[2] |
| Included with console | No[2] |
What an old Switch microSD card can still do
A standard microSD card from a Nintendo Switch can be inserted into Switch 2 for one purpose: importing screenshots and videos captured on the Switch into the Switch 2’s system memory. Digital games and other data on that card can’t be loaded or saved.
What goes on the card
Downloadable software, DLC, screenshots and videos can be stored on a microSD Express card and moved between it and system memory. Game save data can’t: it always stays in system memory.
Once a card is inserted, it becomes the default install location for downloaded software. Nintendo recommends using a single card and copying everything to a larger one when it fills up. Software spread across several cards can’t be merged onto one later.
microSD Express cards in the original Switch
They work, but a Nintendo Switch reads and writes them at ordinary microSD speed.
| Device | With | Status | Conditions / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| microSD Express card (Nintendo Switch 2) | Nintendo Switch 2 | Supported[1] | Up to 2 TB. A system update over the internet is required the first time a card is used. |
| microSD Express card (Nintendo Switch 2) | Nintendo Switch | Supported[1,2] | Runs at the same speed as a standard microSD card on Nintendo Switch. |
First use
The first time a microSD Express card is used, Switch 2 needs a system update over the internet. Cards aren’t included with the console.
Current cards compared: microSD Express cards for Switch 2. Card not showing up: Switch 2 not recognising a microSD Express card.
Sources
Last checked
- microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch
- microSD Express Card FAQ
Also used for this page
- Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 Accessory Compatibility
- Nintendo Switch 2 Tech Specs
- Nintendo Switch 2 – Specifications