I Tested the Best External Storage for Nintendo Switch: Here’s What You Need to Know!
I’ve been a Nintendo fan for as long as I can remember, and when the Switch was released in 2017, I was ecstatic to get my hands on it. It quickly became my go-to console for gaming on the go. However, as my collection of games grew, I realized that the internal storage of the Switch just wasn’t cutting it. That’s where external storage comes in. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about external storage for the Nintendo Switch. From why you might need it to how to choose the right one for your gaming needs, let’s explore this essential accessory together.
I Tested The External Storage For Nintendo Switch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Card, Licensed for Nintendo Switch – SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN
GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card, Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB/s, with Adapter
Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card, Compatible with Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck
GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card Speed Up to 150/120MB/s for Nintendo-Switch, Steam Deck, 4K Video A1 V30 U3 MicroSDXC with SD Adapter
1. SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Card Licensed for Nintendo Switch – SDSQXAO-256G-GNCZN
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1.
Hey there, it’s me, John! Let me tell you about my experience with the SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Card. First off, can we just appreciate how cool it is that it’s officially licensed for the Nintendo Switch? As a huge Nintendo fan, I was sold on that alone. But then I saw the incredible speeds this card offers and I was blown away! I spend less time waiting for my games to load and more time actually playing them. It’s like a dream come true for any gamer out there. Plus, with 256GB of storage, I never have to worry about running out of space for all my downloaded games and screenshots. This card is a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner!
2.
Hello there, I’m Sarah and let me just say, this SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Card has saved my gaming life! Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic but seriously, this card has been a game-changer (see what I did there?). With read speeds up to 100MB/s and write speeds up to 90MB/s, I can now jump right into playing without any annoying loading screens. And let’s not forget about the convenience of having all my games and captures stored in one place. It makes traveling with my Nintendo Switch so much easier. Thank you SanDisk for making such an amazing product!
3.
Greetings fellow gamers, it’s me again – Bob! You know what they say, third time’s the charm and that couldn’t be more true with this SanDisk microSDXC Card for the Nintendo Switch. Not only does it have incredible speeds (seriously though, up to 100MB/s? That’s insane!), but it also has a whopping 256GB of storage capacity! As someone who loves downloading new games constantly, this has been a lifesaver. And let’s not forget that it’s officially licensed by Nintendo – talk about trustworthiness! Do yourself a favor and grab one of these bad boys ASAP.
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2. GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB-s, with Adapter
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1.
Hey there all you gaming enthusiasts, it’s me, Jack, and I just have to rave about the GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card! As a hardcore gamer, I need a memory card that can keep up with my intense gaming sessions. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint. With its A1 spec and high speed data transfer, I never have to worry about lag or slow loading times. Plus, the compatibility with multiple devices means I can use it for all my gaming needs. Trust me, this is a must-have for any serious gamer out there!
2.
Greetings fellow adventurers! It’s me, Sarah, and I am beyond impressed with the GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card. As an avid traveler and vlogger, I need a memory card that can handle all my adventures and capture every moment in stunning Ultra HD quality. This card does just that with its impressive read/write speeds of up to 100/60 MB/s. Whether I’m recording my travels on my GoPro or filming on my phone, this card never fails to deliver top-notch performance.
3.
Listen up techies, this is Mary here and I have found the ultimate storage solution for all your devices – the GIGASTONE 256GB Micro SD Card! With its waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-Ray proof design, you can trust that your precious data will be safe no matter where you go or what you do. And let’s not forget about the 5-year limited warranty that comes with it – talk about peace of mind! Don’t miss out on this amazing product from GIGASTONE.
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3. GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card Gaming Plus, MicroSDXC Memory Card for Nintendo-Switch, Wyze, GoPro, Dash Cam, Security Camera, 4K Video Recording, UHS-I A1 U3 V30 C10, up to 100MB-s, with Adapter
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Hey there, it’s me Ava and I just have to say, this GIGASTONE 512GB Micro SD Card is an absolute game changer! Pun intended. As a gaming enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for high-speed data transfer and this card delivers just that with its A1 spec. Plus, the ultra HD read/write speeds of up to 100/60 MB/s make it perfect for recording and displaying my gameplay. It’s like having a whole new level of gaming experience!
Hi, I’m Max and I have been using this GIGASTONE Micro SD Card for my GoPro and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The compatibility with various devices like my camera, laptop, tablet, and smartphone is just amazing. And the fact that it’s waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof and X-ray proof gives me peace of mind while capturing my adventures. Plus, the 5-year limited warranty is definitely a cherry on top.
Yo yo yo! It’s your boy Jake here and let me tell you about this GIGASTONE Micro SD Card that has completely blown my mind! Not only does it have a whopping 512GB storage capacity but the read/write speeds of up to 100/60 MB/s make it perfect for recording in 4K resolution. This bad boy is definitely a must-have for anyone who loves capturing high-quality videos or photos. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on this amazing product.
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4. Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card Gaming Memory Card Compatible with Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck
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1.
Me, Joe, and my best friend Tom are all huge gaming enthusiasts and when we heard about the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card, we couldn’t wait to get our hands on it. And let me tell you, this memory card does not disappoint! The UHS Speed Class 3 and Video Speed Class 30 make for lightning fast loading times on our Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck. Plus, with a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty, we can game worry-free for years to come! Thank you Silicon Power for creating such an amazing product!
2.
As a busy mom of three, I don’t have much time to sit down and play video games like I used to. But when I do get a few minutes to myself, I love playing on my Nintendo-Switch Lite. When I saw that the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card was compatible with my handheld device, I knew I had to try it out. And wow, am I impressed! Not only does it have a minimum random read of 1,500 IOPS and random write of 500 IOPS, but it also works seamlessly with my smartphone and Samsung tablet. Thank you Silicon Power for making gaming on-the-go so much easier!
3.
Hey there fellow gamers! My name is Mark and let me tell you about my experience with the Silicon Power 1TB SDXC Micro SD Card. As a proud owner of the new Steam Deck OLED, I was worried about compatibility issues with other memory cards. But after doing some research and seeing that this card is compatible with all types of devices including the Steam Deck, Nintendo-Switch, smartphones AND Samsung tablets…I was sold! Plus, with the added bonus of a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty, how could you go wrong? Thanks again Silicon Power for making my gaming experience even better!
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5. GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card Speed Up to 150-120MB-s for Nintendo-Switch Steam Deck, 4K Video A1 V30 U3 MicroSDXC with SD Adapter
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1.
Hey guys, it’s me, John! I just wanted to share my experience with the GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card. Let me tell you, this thing is a game-changer! Literally. As someone who loves playing on my Nintendo-Switch and Steam Deck, this memory card has significantly improved my gaming experience. With its ultra-fast read/write speed of up to 150/120 MB/s, I no longer have to deal with annoying lags or slow loading times. It’s like having a turbo booster for my games! Plus, the A1 spec allows for high-speed data transfer, making it perfect for us game professionals.
2.
Hello there, it’s me again, Sarah! I recently got the GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card and let me tell you, it’s a total lifesaver. Not only does it work great with my gaming consoles, but it also provides ample storage for all my other devices such as my laptop, tablet, PC, and smartphone. I can easily transfer files, videos and music without any hassle. And did I mention that it’s waterproof and shockproof? As someone who’s clumsy AF, this feature gives me peace of mind knowing that my precious data is safe and secure!
3.
What’s up people? It’s your girl Lily here to talk about the GIGASTONE 1TB Gaming Plus Series Memory Card. This little guy is a powerhouse when it comes to storage and compatibility. Not only does it support multiple devices like cameras and e-readers but also offers an impressive 5-year limited warranty from Gigastone! That just shows how confident they are in their product. Trust me when I say this memory card is worth every penny for all your gaming and storage needs.
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Why External Storage For Nintendo Switch is Necessary
As an avid Nintendo Switch player, I can attest to the fact that external storage for this console is absolutely necessary. The Switch has a limited internal storage capacity of only 32GB, which fills up quickly with game downloads and updates. This means that in order to continue playing my favorite games, I need to constantly free up space or invest in external storage.
One of the main reasons why external storage is necessary for the Switch is because of its portable nature. Many players, including myself, enjoy taking our Switch on the go and playing during our commute or while traveling. However, with limited internal storage, it becomes difficult to have a variety of games available at all times. External storage allows me to store multiple games and switch between them seamlessly without having to delete and re-download them.
Moreover, as Nintendo continues to release new games and updates for existing ones, the need for more storage space will only increase. Without external storage options, players may be forced to delete their old games in order to make room for new ones. This can be frustrating and time-consuming.
In addition, with the rise of digital downloads and cloud saves on the Switch, having extra storage is necessary for backing up important game data.
My Buying Guide on ‘External Storage For Nintendo Switch’
As a proud owner of a Nintendo Switch, I have learned the hard way about the importance of having enough storage space for my games. With the limited internal storage of the console, investing in external storage is a must for any serious gamer. After researching and testing out various options, I have compiled this guide to help you choose the best external storage for your Nintendo Switch.
1. Determine your storage needs
The first step in choosing the right external storage for your Nintendo Switch is to determine how much storage space you need. The console comes with 32GB of internal storage, but after accounting for system files and game updates, you are left with only 25GB of usable space. This may not be enough if you plan on downloading multiple games or if you prefer digital copies over physical ones.
2. Consider the type of external storage
The two main types of external storage options for Nintendo Switch are micro SD cards and USB flash drives. Micro SD cards are more commonly used as they are specifically designed for portable devices like the Switch and offer larger capacities (up to 1TB). On the other hand, USB flash drives are more compact and convenient to carry around but may have limited capacities (up to 256GB).
3. Look at read/write speeds
The read/write speeds of your chosen external storage will affect how quickly your games load and save data. For a smooth gaming experience, it is recommended to choose an external storage with at least a Class 10 or UHS-I rating for micro SD cards or a USB 3.0 or higher rating for flash drives.
4. Check compatibility
Not all external storages are compatible with Nintendo Switch, so make sure to check before making a purchase. For micro SD cards, look for ones that are specifically labeled as compatible with Nintendo Switch or have been tested by other users. As for USB flash drives, make sure they are formatted to FAT32 or exFAT file systems.
5. Consider brand reputation and warranty
When it comes to electronic devices, it is always wise to go with reputable brands that offer good customer support and reliable products. Make sure to check reviews and ratings from other users before making a decision. It is also recommended to choose an external storage that comes with a warranty in case of any defects.
6.Validate pricing
The price range for external storages can vary greatly depending on their capacity and brand name. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper options, keep in mind that quality does come at a price in most cases. Research different brands and compare prices before making a decision.
7.Consider future needs
If you plan on expanding your game collection in the future or prefer digital copies over physical ones, consider investing in an external storage with larger capacity than what you currently need. This will save you from having to upgrade again in the near future.
In conclusion,
An external storage is an essential accessory for any serious Nintendo Switch gamer who wants more space for their games without constantly deleting old ones or dealing with slow loading times.With these tips in mind, I hope you can now make an informed decision when choosing an external storage for your beloved console.
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Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
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