How Do You Get More Storage on a Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is an incredibly popular gaming console, and for good reason. Its portability, versatility, and wide range of games make it a must-have for many gamers. However, one of the biggest concerns for many Switch owners is the limited storage capacity of the console. Out of the box, the Switch comes with a relatively small 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, which can quickly fill up with games, demos, and other content. But don’t worry, there are several ways to expand your Switch’s storage capacity. In this article, we’ll explore the most effective methods to get more storage on your Nintendo Switch.
Method 1: Using MicroSD Cards
Pros: Inexpensive, widely available, and easy to install
Cons: Limited to 2TB storage capacity, may slow down performance with large storage capacities
The first and most obvious way to increase your Switch’s storage capacity is by using microSD cards. These tiny cards can be inserted into the Switch’s microSD card slot to add up to 2TB of extra storage. Here are some key things to keep in mind when using microSD cards:
- Compatibility: Make sure to choose a microSD card that is compatible with the Switch. Most modern microSD cards are compatible, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.
- Capacity: While 2TB may seem like a lot, it’s not uncommon for Switch owners to need more storage. Consider a card with a higher capacity if you plan to download a lot of games.
- Speed: Faster microSD cards can improve game loading times and overall performance. However, the Switch is designed to work with slower cards, so you don’t need to break the bank.
Here are some popular microSD card options for the Nintendo Switch:
| Brand | Capacity | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| SanDisk | 128GB | U1 (90MB/s) |
| PNY | 256GB | V30 (45MB/s) |
| Samsung | 512GB | EVO Plus (90MB/s) |
Method 2: Using an External Hard Drive
Pros: Large storage capacity, easy to use
Cons: Requires a USB-C adapter, may slow down performance
Another option for expanding your Switch’s storage is by using an external hard drive. While this method is a bit more cumbersome than using microSD cards, it offers much larger storage capacities. Here are some things to keep in mind when using an external hard drive:
- Compatibility: The Switch only supports external hard drives with a USB-C interface. You’ll need a USB-C adapter to connect your hard drive to the Switch.
- Capacity: External hard drives come in a wide range of capacities, from 256GB to 4TB or more.
- Speed: Faster hard drives can improve performance, but the Switch is designed to work with slower drives.
Here are some popular external hard drive options for the Nintendo Switch:
| Brand | Capacity | Interface |
|---|---|---|
| Seagate | 1TB | USB-C |
| Western Digital | 2TB | USB-C |
| LaCie | 4TB | USB-C |
Method 3: Deleting Games and Content
Pros: Free, easy to do
Cons: May require frequent deletion, may delete important files
If you’re running low on storage space, one of the easiest ways to free up space is by deleting games and content. Here are some tips for deleting games and content on your Switch:
- Delete demos: If you’ve downloaded demos and no longer need them, delete them to free up space.
- Delete games: If you’ve completed a game and no longer need to keep it, delete it to free up space.
- Delete screenshots and videos: Take up a lot of space, delete them to free up space.
- Delete digital purchases: If you’ve purchased digital content and no longer need it, delete it to free up space.
Method 4: Using Cloud Storage
Pros: Accessible from any device, easy to use
Cons: Requires an internet connection, may have limitations
Finally, another way to expand your Switch’s storage capacity is by using cloud storage. The Switch offers built-in cloud storage through its online service, Nintendo Switch Online. Here are some benefits of using cloud storage:
- Accessible from any device: You can access your cloud storage from any device with an internet connection.
- Easy to use: Cloud storage is easy to use and requires minimal setup.
- Back up your data: Cloud storage can help you back up your important files and data.
Here are some cloud storage options for the Nintendo Switch:
- Nintendo Switch Online: Offers 2GB of cloud storage for free, with optional upgrades to 10GB or 250GB.
- Google Drive: Offers 15GB of cloud storage for free, with optional upgrades to 100GB or more.
- Microsoft OneDrive: Offers 5GB of cloud storage for free, with optional upgrades to 50GB or more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several ways to expand your Nintendo Switch’s storage capacity. From using microSD cards to deleting games and content, there’s an option for everyone. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, taking steps to increase your Switch’s storage capacity can help you get the most out of your gaming experience. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily increase your Switch’s storage capacity and enjoy more of your favorite games.