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Is SD Card Faster Than Switch Internal Storage? A Deep Dive

The short answer is: no, an SD card is generally not faster than the Nintendo Switch’s internal storage. While the difference might not be dramatically noticeable in all situations, the internal memory consistently offers slightly faster loading times and data access speeds compared to even the fastest microSD cards compatible with the Switch. This is a result of the internal memory being directly integrated with the system’s architecture, allowing for more efficient data transfer. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and what factors influence performance.

Understanding Storage Performance on the Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch provides three primary storage options:

Internal Storage: The built-in 32GB (or 64GB on the OLED model) of flash memory.
Game Cartridges: Physical game media that plugs directly into the console.
MicroSD Cards: Expandable storage using external memory cards.

Each option offers different performance characteristics, impacting game loading times, save data access, and overall system responsiveness.

The Speed Hierarchy: Internal > SD Card > Game Cartridge

Extensive testing, including reports from Digital Foundry, has consistently shown a clear pecking order regarding loading speeds:

Internal Storage: Reigns supreme as the fastest option.
MicroSD Card: Offers a significant improvement over game cartridges but lags slightly behind internal storage.
Game Cartridges: The slowest of the three, due to the physical limitations of accessing data from the cartridge itself.

Factors Influencing SD Card Performance

Several factors determine how well an SD card performs on the Nintendo Switch:

Speed Class: SD cards are classified based on their minimum sequential write speeds. Look for cards with a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) rating, which the Switch supports. UHS-II cards are not compatible with the Switch, so don’t waste your money on them.
Transfer Speed (MB/s): A higher transfer speed indicates faster data transfer capabilities. Aim for a card with a transfer speed between 60-95 MB/sec or higher for optimal performance. The theoretical maximum speed of UHS-I is 104MB/s.
Brand and Quality: Reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Kingston generally offer better performance and reliability than lesser-known brands. The Kingston Canvas Go Plus microSDXC is one of the fastest SD cards of its class.
Fragmentation: Over time, files on an SD card can become fragmented, slowing down access times. Regularly backing up and reformatting the card can help mitigate this.
Fake SD Cards: There are counterfeit cards in the market that may misrepresent their capacity or speed. Always buy from reputable retailers.

Why Internal Storage is Faster

The Nintendo Switch’s internal storage is directly connected to the system’s motherboard and optimized for fast data access. This tight integration eliminates the overhead associated with external storage devices like SD cards.

Think of it like this: the internal storage is like having a data file right next to the processor, while the SD card is like having to retrieve it from a nearby room. Even if the room is well-organized (a fast SD card), the extra step of going to the room introduces a slight delay.

Practical Implications for Gamers

While the difference between internal storage and a good SD card might be a second or two for loading a level, this can add up over time, especially in games with frequent loading screens.

Here’s a strategy to optimize your Switch experience:

Prioritize Frequently Played Games: Store games you play most often on the internal storage for the fastest loading times.
Use a High-Quality SD Card: Invest in a reputable UHS-I microSD card with a high transfer speed.
Store Less-Played Games on SD Card: Use the SD card for games you play less frequently or for storing screenshots and videos.
Consider Game Size: Smaller indie titles that load frequently may benefit from being stored on the internal memory.

SD Card as Internal Storage? Not Quite

It’s important to note that the Nintendo Switch doesn’t offer the option to “adopt” an SD card as internal storage, the way some Android devices do. While this feature can increase available storage, it can also lead to performance issues if the SD card is slower than the internal memory. Because the Switch doesn’t offer this feature, users benefit from the reliability of the internal drive for high-performance scenarios.

Capacity Considerations: How Much Storage Do You Need?

Choosing the right SD card capacity depends on your gaming habits:

Minimalist (Mostly Physical Games): A 128GB card is sufficient for save data, smaller digital games, and screenshots.
Casual Digital Gamer: A 256GB card strikes a good balance between capacity and cost.
Avid Digital Collector: A 512GB or 1TB card is recommended for storing a large library of digital games. 1TB cards that have been tested for the Switch exist and bear the Hylian Crest, inspired by The Legend of Zelda™.
We’d recommend a 128GB SD card for most users; this will give you enough room for about 15-18 Nintendo Switch games on your console, but it’s worth noting that smaller indie titles will take up far less space.
We highly recommend getting a 256GB card. It has the space to hold plenty of saved data, screenshots, and videos.

Related Information about Gaming and Learning

Want to explore more about how games can enhance learning? Explore the work of the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. GamesLearningSociety.org is a valuable resource for educators and researchers interested in the intersection of gaming and education.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address common concerns about storage on the Nintendo Switch:

1. Does using an SD card affect Switch performance?

Yes, using an SD card can affect performance. A faster card generally improves loading times compared to a slower card or a game cartridge. The internal memory is generally faster.

2. Is it okay to move games to an SD card on Switch?

Yes, it’s perfectly fine to move games to an SD card. It’s a great way to expand your storage capacity. Prioritize the internal memory for your most-played games.

3. Do games run slower on a microSD card in the Switch?

They can run slightly slower compared to the internal storage, but the difference is often minimal with a high-quality SD card.

4. Where do you put a MicroSD card on Nintendo Switch?

The MicroSD card slot is located under the kickstand on the back of the Nintendo Switch console.

5. Is 256GB enough for Nintendo Switch?

For most users, 256GB is a solid choice, providing ample space for multiple digital games, save data, and screenshots.

6. How many Switch games can 128GB hold?

A 128GB SD card can typically hold around 15-18 Nintendo Switch games, although this varies depending on the game sizes.

7. Is SanDisk Ultra 256GB good for the Switch?

Yes, the SanDisk Ultra microSDHC card is a good option for the Nintendo Switch, providing reliable performance and ample storage.

8. What is the fastest memory card for the Switch?

The Kingston Canvas Go Plus microSDXC is a fast and competitively priced option for the Switch. However, remember that the Switch’s UHS-I limitation means that very high-end (and expensive) SD cards won’t provide any additional benefit.

9. What is the max speed SD card for Switch?

The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-1 cards, which have a maximum possible speed of 104MB/s.

10. Can I put a 1TB SD card in my switch?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch is compatible with 1TB microSD cards.

11. Does SD card drain battery on Switch?

No, the SD card itself does not directly drain the battery on the Nintendo Switch.

12. What happens if my SD card breaks on my Nintendo Switch?

If your SD card breaks, you’ll lose any game data stored on it. Make sure you use cloud saves for Nintendo Switch Online games.

13. Is it better to buy physical or digital games on Switch?

This is a personal preference. Physical games don’t take up storage space but digital games offer convenience. Note that digital copies of some games like Mario Kart 8 take up at least 6.8gb. It is recommended to buy the physical copy instead.

14. What happens when the Switch is full?

When the Switch is full, you will be prompted to either archive or delete software to free up space. Archiving removes the game from your system but retains the save data, so you can redownload it later.

15. Can I use any SD card with my Switch?

You can use any SD card, but for the best performance, it’s recommended to use a UHS-I microSD card with a transfer speed of at least 60-95 MB/sec.

Conclusion

While an SD card is essential for expanding your storage on the Nintendo Switch, remember that the internal storage offers slightly faster loading times. By understanding the factors that influence SD card performance and strategically managing your storage, you can optimize your gaming experience and enjoy the best of both worlds: ample storage and responsive gameplay.

Is SD card faster than Switch internal?