The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of built-in storage, but you can only use about 26GB for games and apps

The Switch stores its operating system and system files on that 32GB, which takes up roughly 6GB by itself. That leaves you with around 26GB of usable space for the things you actually want to play. If you buy digital games, that space fills up fast — a single large game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes up 18GB, leaving you almost nothing.

The real solution is a microSD card. The Switch accepts microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards up to 2TB in size, though cards larger than 256GB are uncommon and expensive. Most people buy a 128GB or 256GB card, which costs between $15 and $40 depending on the brand and speed. Once you insert the card, the Switch treats it as an extension of your storage — you can install games on it just like the built-in drive.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Switch has 32GB total, but only about 26GB is available for games because the system takes up the rest.
  • A single large game can take 15GB to 20GB, so the built-in storage fills up after two or three digital purchases.
  • A microSD card is the only way to expand storage, and you insert it into a slot on the back of the Switch below the kickstand.
  • A 128GB or 256GB microSD card costs $15 to $40 and gives you room for dozens of games without deleting anything.
  • Games on a microSD card run at the same speed as games on the built-in storage — the card speed does not affect gameplay.

How to check your current storage

Open the Switch home screen and press the X button to open System Settings. Scroll down and select System, then choose Storage. The screen shows your total storage, how much is used, and how much is free. If you have a microSD card inserted, you will see a separate line showing that card's storage as well.

The storage screen also shows you which games and apps are taking up the most space. Highlight any game and press A to see its exact size. This is useful if you need to delete something to make room for a new purchase — you can see at a glance which games are worth keeping and which ones you have not played in months.

What size microSD card you actually need

A 64GB card is the minimum if you plan to buy more than a couple of digital games. Most games range from 2GB to 20GB, so a 64GB card holds roughly three to five large titles depending on what you buy. A 128GB card is the sweet spot for most players — it costs only a few dollars more and holds 10 to 15 games comfortably.

A 256GB card is worth it if you want to keep 20 or more games installed at once without managing storage. Anything larger than 256GB is overkill for the Switch unless you plan to never delete a single game. The Switch does not use the full speed of high-end cards, so you do not need to buy the most expensive option — a mid-range card from a brand like SanDisk, Kingston, or Samsung works perfectly.

How to insert a microSD card

Power off your Switch completely. Flip it over and locate the small slot on the back, just below the kickstand. The slot is easy to miss because it is recessed into the plastic. Push a microSD card into the slot at a slight angle until you hear a click — the card should sit flush with the back of the Switch when it is fully inserted.

Turn the Switch back on. It will recognize the card automatically and ask you to format it. Select Format microSD Card and confirm. Formatting erases anything on the card and prepares it for the Switch — this takes a few minutes. Once it is done, you can start installing games to the card. The Switch will use the microSD card for new downloads by default, though you can move games between storage locations in the System Settings menu.

Physical games do not use much storage

If you buy games on cartridges instead of downloading them, you do not need as much extra storage. Physical games run directly from the cartridge and only store a small cache file on the Switch — usually between 1GB and 4GB per game. This means you can own dozens of physical games without running out of space.

The trade-off is that physical games cost more upfront and take up shelf space. Digital games are cheaper during sales and more convenient because you do not have to swap cartridges, but they demand storage space. Many players use a mix of both — physical for games they know they will keep, digital for everything else.

What happens when you run out of storage

When your Switch storage is full, you cannot download new games or install updates. The system will show an error message telling you to free up space. You have two options: delete a game you are not playing, or buy a microSD card if you do not have one yet.

Deleting a game removes it from your Switch, but you can download it again later without paying twice — your purchase is tied to your account, not the device. If you have save data for that game, the save stays on your Switch even after you delete the game file. This means you can pick up where you left off if you reinstall it months later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any microSD card, or does it have to be Nintendo brand?

Any microSD card works with the Switch — it does not have to be Nintendo brand. The Switch accepts standard microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards from any manufacturer. Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk, Kingston, Samsung, or Crucial to avoid counterfeit cards, which are common on third-party marketplaces.

Do games run slower if they are on a microSD card instead of built-in storage?

No. Games run at the same speed whether they are on the built-in storage or a microSD card. The Switch does not use the full speed of modern cards, so even a slower card will not cause lag or loading delays. You can safely buy a mid-range card without worrying about performance.

What happens to my save data if I delete a game?

Your save data stays on the Switch even after you delete the game. The save file is stored separately from the game itself, so you can reinstall the game later and pick up exactly where you left off. If you want to delete the save data too, you can do that separately in System Settings under Data Management.

Can I use the same microSD card on multiple Switch consoles?

Yes, but you will need to reformat it each time you move it to a different Switch. Formatting erases the card, so you will lose any games stored on it. If you want to share games across multiple Switches, it is easier to buy a separate card for each console or use the account system to share digital purchases.

Is 32GB enough if I only buy physical games?

Yes. Physical games use very little built-in storage, so 32GB is plenty if you only buy cartridges. You will have room for system updates and the small cache files that physical games create. You only need a microSD card if you plan to download digital games.