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

The Switch's 32 GB of memory is divided between the operating system, which takes up roughly 6 GB, and the space left for you. That leaves around 26 GB for games, screenshots, videos, and save data. A single large game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes up 13.4 GB, so you can see how quickly the built-in storage fills up if you own more than a couple of titles.

The actual usable space varies slightly depending on your Switch model and whether you have system updates installed, but 26 GB is what most people report as their working limit. If you plan to own more than two or three games, or if you want to record gameplay video, you will run out of space quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Switch has 32 GB total, but only about 26 GB is available for games, saves, and videos after the operating system takes its share.
  • A microSD card is the only way to expand storage, and the Switch accepts cards up to 2 TB in size, though cards larger than 512 GB are uncommon and expensive.
  • Games do not run faster or slower from a microSD card versus built-in storage, so there is no performance penalty for using one.
  • You can move games between built-in storage and a microSD card at any time, so you do not have to choose where to install them permanently.
  • The Switch OLED model has 64 GB of built-in storage instead of 32 GB, giving you roughly 52 GB of usable space before adding a card.

Why the Switch runs out of space so fast

Modern Switch games are large. Doom Eternal is 22 GB, The Witcher 3 is 32 GB, and NBA 2K24 is 150 GB. Even smaller indie games often take 2 to 5 GB. With only 26 GB available on the base model, you can fit maybe one or two AAA titles before you hit the limit.

The Switch also stores save data, screenshots, and video clips. If you record gameplay — which the Switch does automatically when you hold the capture button — those files add up quickly. A 30-second video clip takes roughly 200 MB to 300 MB depending on the game.

Nintendo knew this would be a problem, which is why the Switch supports microSD cards from the start. The company did not include a larger drive in the base model because it would have raised the price and the storage needs of games have only grown since the console launched in 2017.

Adding a microSD card is the only real solution

If you own more than a couple of games, you need a microSD card. The Switch accepts microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards up to 2 TB in capacity. In practice, most people buy cards between 128 GB and 512 GB because larger cards are expensive and unnecessary for most game libraries.

A 256 GB card costs between $20 and $35 depending on the brand and speed rating. A 512 GB card runs $40 to $70. These prices fluctuate, so check current prices before buying. The card slides into a slot on the bottom of the Switch (or the back of the Switch Lite), and the system recognizes it when ready.

Speed matters less than you might think. The Switch does not require a fast card — even a basic card rated for 90 MB/s will work fine. Games load at the same speed whether they are on the built-in storage or the microSD card, so there is no performance reason to keep games on the internal drive.

How to check your current storage and move games

To see how much space you have left, go to System Settings, then Data Management, then Manage Software. The screen shows your total storage and how much is in use. If you are close to full, you can delete games you are not playing right now — your save data stays on the console even after you delete the game.

To move a game between built-in storage and a microSD card, go to the same Data Management menu, select the game, and choose Move. The Switch will transfer the files, which can take a few minutes depending on the game size. You do not lose any progress or saves during the move.

If you do not have a microSD card yet, the Switch will prompt you to insert one the first time you try to read a large game and there is not enough space. You can buy a card at any electronics retailer, or order one online. Make sure it is a microSD card specifically — the Switch does not work with full-size SD cards.

The Switch OLED model has double the built-in storage

The Nintendo Switch OLED model, released in 2021, comes with 64 GB of built-in storage instead of 32 GB. After the operating system, you have roughly 52 GB of usable space. That is enough for two or three large games before you need a microSD card, compared to one game on the standard model.

The Switch Lite, the portable-only version, also has 32 GB of built-in storage with the same 26 GB usable. The original Switch and Switch OLED both have a microSD card slot, but the Switch Lite also has one, so all models can be expanded.

If you are buying a Switch now and plan to own many games, the OLED model's extra storage is a real advantage. However, a microSD card is so cheap that the difference matters less than it did when the Switch first launched.

What to know before buying a microSD card

Not all microSD cards are created equal. Buy from a reputable brand like SanDisk, Kingston, or Samsung. Counterfeit cards exist and will fail or corrupt your data. If a card is significantly cheaper than others at the same capacity, it is probably fake.

The Switch does not care about card speed for gaming, but faster cards are useful if you plan to transfer large files to a computer. A card rated for at least 90 MB/s read speed is fine. You do not need to pay extra for "gaming" or "high-speed" cards — the Switch will not use that speed.

Once you insert a microSD card, the Switch formats it automatically. This erases anything already on the card, so make sure it is blank or that you do not need what is on it. After formatting, the card is ready to use when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a regular SD card instead of a microSD card?

No. The Switch has a microSD card slot, not a full-size SD slot. You need a microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card. An adapter that lets you use a full-size SD card in a microSD slot will not work with the Switch.

Will my games run slower if I install them on a microSD card?

No. The Switch reads games at the same speed from built-in storage and microSD cards. There is no performance difference, so you can safely move games to the card without worrying about load times or frame rate.

What happens if I fill up my microSD card too?

The Switch will tell you there is not enough space and will not let you read or install new games. You can delete games you are not playing, move them to built-in storage if there is room, or buy a larger card. Your save data is not affected by deleting games.

Do I need to eject the microSD card before turning off the Switch?

No. The Switch does not require you to eject the card before powering down. The card stays in the slot permanently unless you physically remove it. You can swap cards if you own multiple ones, but most people buy one large card and leave it in.

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

Yes, but the card will be formatted for whichever console you insert it into first. If you move the card between consoles, the second console will reformat it and erase the games from the first console. You can transfer games and saves between consoles through Nintendo's system, but a single card cannot hold games for multiple consoles at once.