How to Add Memory to Your Nintendo Switch: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you running low on storage space on your Nintendo Switch? Is your console taking too long to load games and apps due to memory constraints? Adding memory to your Switch is a simple process that can breath new life into your gaming experience.
In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to add memory to your Nintendo Switch. We’ll cover the different expansion options available, the pros and cons of each, and provide you with a clear road map to upgrade your Switch’s memory to the next level.
Why Bother with Expanding your Switch’s Memory?
Before we dive into the how-to section, let’s consider why expanding your Switch’s memory is such a big deal.
Here are just a few reasons why:
• Install more games: With more memory, you can store more games and less likely to have to delete your progress or uninstall your favorite titles just to make room.
• Smoother gameplay: Expanding your Switch’s memory can help reduce loading times, allowing you to dive into your favorite games faster and enjoy a smoother, more responsive experience.
• Better backwards compatibility: With more memory, you may find that older games run more smoothly on your Switch, making them a great alternative to newer titles.
• Flexibility: Adding memory to your Switch makes it easier to play multiple genres and styles of games without having to store them on external storage devices like a microSD card.
The Expanding Options: SD Cards versus External Hard Drives
Your Nintendo Switch has a built-in microSD card slot, which is perfect for expansion. But which type of expansion should you choose: an external hard drive or an SD card? Let’s weigh the pros and cons:
| — | — | — | –
| **Speed** | Ultra-fast read/write speeds (50-100 MB/s) | **Slow** read/write speeds (about 10-30 MB/s) | **Speed** |
| **Capacities** | Up to **2TB** | **Over 5TB** |
| **Compatibility** | Works with standard Switch dock | **Works with compatible USB-C devices** |
|**Price** | Inexpensive | **More expensive** (especially for higher capacities)
**SD Cards**
Here are the benefits of using SD cards for Switch expansion:
• **Cost-effective**: Affordable and widely available in various capacities and write speeds.
• **Faster reading and writing**: Can read and write data at speeds of up to **1,000 MB/s**, making game loading times shorter.
• **Familiarity**: You might have SD cards lying around, such as those used in your mobile devices.
**External Hard Drives**
Here are the benefits of using external hard drives for Switch expansion:
• **Ample storage**: External hard drives with capacities of up to **5 TB** or more.
• **PC compatibility**: Can connect to USB-C devices, like PCs.
• **Future-proof**: Has a longer lifespan compared to SD cards
**Choosing the Right SD Card: A Guide**
Before we talk about the installation process, it’s important to choose the right SD card for your Nintendo Switch. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
• **Class Rank**: Look for an SD card with **10 or higher** (e.g., Class 10, U1) for faster writing speeds.
• **Capacity**: Choose an SD card between **128GB** to **2TB** to suit your gaming needs.
• **Compatibility**: Ensure the SD card is supported on the Nintendo Switch.
Here’s a quick list to reference:
| **Capacity** | **Write Speed** | **Class Rank** |
| — | — | — |
| **32GB** | **up to**50 MB/s | Class 10/ U1 |
| **128GB** | **up to**150 MB/s | Class 10/ U1 or higher |
| **256GB** | **up to**300 MB/s | U2 or higher |
| **512GB** | **up to**500 MB/s | U3 or higher |
**Installing Memory on Your Nintendo Switch**
Now it’s time to install the chosen memory on your console. Here’s a step-by-step guide for easy installation:
1. **Prepare the SD Card**: Format the SD card in the Nintendo Switch via **Settings** > **System Settings** > **Data Management** > **Select SD Card** > **FORMAT**.
2. **Insert and Boot**: Insert the formatted SD card into the Switch, then follow the on-screen instructions to update your console, if necessary.
3. **Content Transfer**: Transfer games and app data from your original Switch memory (if applicable).
**Installation Tips and Tricks**
• Make sure to **firmware patch** your Switch regularly.
• **Backup** your precious game data regularly to avoid any damage.
• **Use** **Fastboot** when booting up your Switch to load faster.
• **Organize** your files using multiple SD cards to prevent overwritting data.
To increase your Switch’s memory even further, take a look at this guide on expanding storage.