Switch 2 not recognising a microSD Express card

Updated Troubleshooting

The most common reason is the card itself: Switch 2 only works with microSD Express cards. A microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC card from a Nintendo Switch won’t be accepted for games, even if it has plenty of space.

microSD Express card not recognised by Switch 2

Symptoms
A card is inserted but Switch 2 does not detect it or cannot read it.
Documented cause
The card is not a microSD Express card, the slot or contacts are dirty, the card needs formatting, or the card or console is faulty.[1]
  1. Power off and reseat the card. Hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds to power off, then remove the card. It sits behind the adjustable stand.[1]
  2. Check that it is a microSD Express card. Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express cards. Standard microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards from a Switch can only import screenshots and videos.[1,2]
  3. Check the slot and contacts for dirt. If there is visible dirt or debris in the slot or on the card's contacts, the card may need replacing and the console may need service.[1]
  4. Format the card. System Settings → System → Formatting Options → Format microSD Card. This erases the card, so back up screenshots and videos first. Save data is in system memory and is not affected, and downloaded software can be downloaded again.[1]
  5. Try another card, then request service. Replace the card if it still is not detected. If several cards fail, send the console for service with one of the problem cards.[1]

Formatting won’t touch save data

Save data on Switch 2 is always stored in system memory and can’t be moved to the card, so formatting the card doesn’t affect saves. It does erase screenshots and videos stored on the card. Software downloaded to the card can be downloaded again with the Nintendo Account that bought it.

Card requirements
Supported capacityUp to 2 TB[2,3]
First useSystem update over the internet required[3]
Game save data on cardNo — save data stays in system memory[2]
Note Switch 2 needs a system update over the internet the first time a microSD Express card is used.

If several different microSD Express cards fail, the console needs service. Nintendo asks for one or more of the problem cards to be sent along for testing.

More on which cards work: Switch 2 microSD card requirements.

Sources

Last checked

  1. microSD Express Card is Not Recognized in Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Support · Official support
  2. microSD Express Card FAQ Nintendo Australia Support · Official support
  3. microSD Card and microSD Express Card Compatibility with Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch Nintendo Support · Official support

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