The Switch 2 comes with 64 GB of built-in storage, but you can only use about 45 GB for games and saves

Nintendo built 64 gigabytes into the Switch 2, but the system itself takes up roughly 19 GB right out of the box. That leaves you with approximately 45 GB of usable space for games, game updates, screenshots, and save files. The exact amount varies slightly depending on which games you have installed and how many system updates have been released since you bought the console.

This is more storage than the original Switch, which shipped with 32 GB total (about 25 GB usable). However, modern games are getting larger. A single AAA title can take 15 to 30 GB of space, which means the built-in storage fills up quickly if you want to keep more than two or three games installed at once.

Key Takeaways

  • The Switch 2 has 64 GB total storage, but the system uses about 19 GB, leaving roughly 45 GB for your games and saves.
  • Most people who own more than a few games will need a microSD card to avoid constantly deleting and reinstalling titles.
  • The Switch 2 uses microSD UHS-II cards, which are faster than the original Switch's microSD cards and cost between $20 and $60 depending on capacity.
  • Game updates and patches read automatically when you connect to WiFi, and these updates can be several gigabytes each, eating into your available space.

Why the built-in storage fills up so fast

Game sizes have grown significantly. Indie games like Stardew Valley take less than 1 GB, but major releases like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom require about 16 GB, and some third-party ports take 20 GB or more. If you want to keep three or four games ready to play without reinstalling, you will run out of space within a month or two of normal use.

The Switch 2 also stores game updates separately from the base game. When a developer releases a patch, it downloads as a separate file. A game that was 10 GB at launch might be 12 or 13 GB after a few months of updates. These updates happen automatically whenever you connect to WiFi, so you may not notice your storage shrinking until you try to read something new.

Adding a microSD card is the standard solution

Nintendo designed the Switch 2 to accept microSD UHS-II cards, which are the faster version of the standard microSD format. You insert the card into a slot on the bottom of the console, and the system treats it as an extension of the built-in storage. Games, updates, and saves all go to the card once the built-in space is full.

A 256 GB microSD UHS-II card typically costs $25 to $40 and gives you room for 15 to 20 games depending on their size. A 512 GB card costs $45 to $70 and holds roughly 30 to 40 games. Both are widely available from electronics retailers and online marketplaces. The card does not need to be Nintendo-branded — any microSD UHS-II card works, though Nintendo recommends cards from established manufacturers like SanDisk, Kingston, or Crucial to avoid compatibility issues.

How to check your current storage and manage space

On the Switch 2 home screen, go to System Settings, then Storage. The console shows you how much space is used and how much is free. If you are running low, you can delete individual games from this menu — the save file stays on the system, so you can reinstall the game later without losing your progress. Deleting a 20 GB game frees up that space when ready.

You can also see which games are taking up the most space. This helps you decide whether to delete something you are not actively playing. The system does not let you move games between the built-in storage and a microSD card once they are installed, so plan ahead if you have limited space.

The difference between microSD and microSD UHS-II

The original Switch used standard microSD cards, which have slower read and write speeds. The Switch 2 uses the faster UHS-II standard, which means games load slightly quicker and large files transfer to the card faster. In practice, you will notice the difference most when installing a large game or downloading a big update — it takes a few minutes less with a UHS-II card.

Standard microSD cards still work in the Switch 2, but they run at the slower speed. If you already own a microSD card from an original Switch, you can use it in the Switch 2, though you will not get the speed benefit. Buying a new UHS-II card is worth it if you plan to read many games or if you frequently transfer files.

What happens when you run out of space

When the Switch 2 storage is full, you cannot read new games or updates. The system will show you an error message and ask you to free up space. You have two options: delete a game you are not playing, or insert a microSD card if you have one available. There is no way to force the system to use cloud storage instead — every game and update must be stored locally on either the built-in storage or a microSD card.

Save files are stored separately and take up very little space — usually less than 100 MB per game. Deleting a game does not delete its save file, so you can reinstall the game later and pick up where you left off. Screenshots and video clips, however, do take up significant space if you record a lot of gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any microSD card in the Switch 2?

Any microSD UHS-II card works, but Nintendo recommends cards from major manufacturers. Standard microSD cards also work but run slower. Avoid extremely cheap or counterfeit cards, which may fail or corrupt your data.

Do I need to buy a microSD card right away?

Not when ready. If you plan to own only one or two games, the built-in 45 GB is enough. Most people who own more than three games find a microSD card necessary within a few months.

Will my save files be lost if I remove the microSD card?

No. Save files are stored on the console itself, not on the card. Removing the card only affects the games stored on it — you can reinsert it later and everything will be there.

How fast is the Switch 2 storage compared to the original Switch?

The built-in storage speed is similar, but the microSD UHS-II cards are faster than the original Switch's microSD cards. You will notice the difference mainly when downloading large games or updates.

What happens to my games if I upgrade to a bigger microSD card?

You will need to manually transfer games to the new card using a computer and a card reader, or reinstall them from the Nintendo eShop. The system does not have a built-in transfer tool for microSD cards.