The Switch 2 comes with 64GB of built-in storage, but you'll use about half of that for the system itself

Nintendo's Switch 2 includes 64 gigabytes of internal storage. However, the operating system and system software take up roughly 27GB to 32GB of that space, leaving you with somewhere between 32GB and 37GB for games, screenshots, and video clips. The exact amount varies slightly depending on which system updates have been installed.

That usable space is tight if you plan to download more than a few games. A single large game like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can take up 15GB to 18GB. A mid-sized game might use 8GB to 12GB. Smaller indie games often run 2GB to 5GB. Do the math and you'll see why most Switch 2 owners add external storage within the first week.

Key Takeaways

  • The Switch 2 has 64GB total, but the system uses 27GB to 32GB, leaving roughly 32GB to 37GB for your games and files.
  • You can expand storage with a microSD or microSDXC card inserted into a slot on the back of the console, up to 2TB in theory though cards larger than 1TB are rare and expensive.
  • Games stored on an external card run at the same speed as games on internal storage, so performance does not suffer.
  • You cannot move a game between internal storage and a card once it is installed — you have to delete it and reinstall it on the other location.

How to add a microSD card to your Switch 2

The Switch 2 has a microSD card slot on the back of the console, just above the kickstand. Power off the console completely before inserting or removing a card. Gently push the card into the slot until you hear a click, then release it. The card will stay in place. To remove it, push the card in slightly until it clicks and pops out partway, then pull it the rest of the way by hand.

The console will recognize the card automatically and format it for use the first time you insert it. Formatting erases anything already on the card, so use a blank card or one you have backed up. After formatting, the card is ready to hold games and other files.

What card size and speed you actually need

A 256GB or 512GB microSDXC card is the practical sweet spot for most players. Cards of that size cost between $20 and $60 depending on the brand and speed rating. They hold 15 to 30 large games comfortably, which is more than most people download at once. Larger cards (1TB and up) exist but cost significantly more and offer little real benefit unless you plan to store your entire game library on the console.

Speed ratings matter less than people think. The Switch 2 reads data slowly enough that even a card rated for basic speeds will work fine. A card marked "U3" or "V30" (meaning it can write at least 30MB per second) is sufficient. Cards marked "A2" are also acceptable. You do not need the fastest cards on the market — spending extra for a card rated for 300MB per second will not make games load noticeably faster.

Stick with recognizable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston, or Crucial. Counterfeit cards are common on marketplaces, and a fake card may fail without warning or hold far less data than advertised.

How games use storage across internal and external cards

When you download a game, you choose whether to install it on internal storage or on your microSD card. The game runs at the same speed from either location — the Switch 2 does not prioritize one over the other. You can mix and match: some games on internal storage, others on the card.

If you run out of space on one location, you cannot move a game to the other without deleting it first. You have to delete the game completely, then download it again to the location with free space. This is inconvenient but not a major problem if you have a reasonably sized card. Most people install their most-played games on internal storage and keep less-frequently played titles on the card.

Screenshots and video clips also take up space

Every time you press the capture button on the Switch 2, you save a screenshot. Video clips (which record the last 30 seconds of gameplay) take up much more room. A single video clip uses about 200MB to 300MB depending on the game. If you capture video regularly, this adds up quickly.

Screenshots and clips are stored on internal storage by default and cannot be moved to a microSD card. If you take a lot of video, you may want to delete old clips periodically or transfer them to a computer or phone using the built-in sharing features. The Switch 2 lets you upload clips to social media or send them to a linked Nintendo account, which frees up space on the console.

What happens when you run out of storage

When internal storage is full, you cannot download new games or capture screenshots. The console will show a storage warning and prompt you to delete something. You can delete games, clips, or screenshots to make room. Deleting a game does not erase your save data — your progress is stored separately and will still be there if you reinstall the game later.

If your microSD card is full, the console will not let you download games to it, but you can still download to internal storage if space is available there. You can also delete games from the card to make room for new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Any microSD or microSDXC card works in the Switch 2. Nintendo does not make its own cards. Buy from a reputable manufacturer like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston to avoid counterfeits. Avoid extremely cheap cards from unknown sellers — they are often fake or fail quickly.

Will a game run slower if it's on a microSD card instead of internal storage?

No. Games run at the same speed from either location. The Switch 2 reads data slowly enough that the difference between internal and external storage is not noticeable during gameplay. You can safely install any game on a microSD card without worrying about performance.

What's the largest microSD card the Switch 2 supports?

The Switch 2 technically supports cards up to 2TB, but cards that large are extremely rare and expensive. In practice, 512GB and 1TB cards are the largest you will find easily. A 512GB card is more than enough for most players and costs far less than a 1TB card.

If I delete a game, do I lose my save data?

No. Save data is stored separately from the game itself. Deleting a game does not erase your progress. When you reinstall the game, your saves will still be there. You can also back up saves to the cloud through Nintendo Switch Online if you want extra protection.

Can I move a game from internal storage to a microSD card without deleting it?

No. The Switch 2 does not have a move or transfer function. To change where a game is stored, you must delete it completely and then download it again to the new location. This is inconvenient but necessary because of how the console manages storage.