Can You Transfer Downloaded Switch Games to SD Card? Your Nintendo Switch Storage Questions Answered!

Yes, absolutely! You can transfer downloaded Nintendo Switch games to an SD card. In fact, it’s highly recommended, especially if you’re a digital download enthusiast! The Switch’s internal storage is quite limited, making an SD card a vital upgrade for any serious gamer. Let’s dive into the specifics of how this works and answer some common questions.

Understanding Nintendo Switch Storage

The Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite come with 32GB of internal storage, while the Nintendo Switch OLED model boasts 64GB. However, a significant portion of this space is used by the system software, leaving you with even less room for your games, screenshots, and videos. Downloaded games can take up a considerable amount of space, quickly filling up the internal memory.

That’s where microSD cards come to the rescue. They offer a cost-effective way to expand your Switch’s storage capacity, allowing you to download more games without constantly deleting older ones.

How to Transfer Games to Your SD Card

The process of transferring downloaded games from your Nintendo Switch’s internal storage to an SD card is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Insert the SD card into your Nintendo Switch: Make sure your Switch is powered off before inserting the microSD card into the slot located under the kickstand.
2. Go to System Settings: From the HOME Menu, select “System Settings.”
3. Navigate to Data Management: Scroll down and select “Data Management.”
4. Choose “Move Data Between System / microSD Card”: Select this option to initiate the transfer process.
5. Select “Move to microSD Card”: This will move downloadable software, update data, and downloadable content (DLC) from the system memory to the microSD card.
6. Choose the Game(s) to Transfer: A list of your downloaded games will appear. Select the game(s) you want to move to the SD card.
7. Confirm the Transfer: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the transfer. The process might take some time depending on the size of the game.
8. Wait for the Transfer to Complete: Do not power off your Nintendo Switch while the transfer is in progress.

Once the transfer is complete, the game data will reside on your SD card, freeing up space on your Switch’s internal storage.

Important Considerations Before Transferring

• SD Card Compatibility: Not all SD cards are created equal. Nintendo recommends using a UHS-I (Ultra High-Speed Phase I) compatible microSD card with a transfer speed of at least 60-95MB/sec. Slower cards might lead to longer loading times and a less-than-optimal gaming experience. While higher-speed cards are compatible, the Switch may not be able to fully utilize their potential.
• SD Card Capacity: The Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB. However, it’s worth noting that cards of this size can be expensive. A 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB card offers a good balance between capacity and price for most users.
• Downloading Directly to the SD Card: If you have an SD card inserted, the Nintendo Switch will automatically download new games and updates directly to the card, unless it’s full. You can manage your storage and see what’s stored where in the Data Management settings.
• Digital vs. Physical Games: Remember that this process only applies to downloaded digital games. Physical games stored on cartridges don’t take up space on the system’s internal storage or the SD card (except for any required update data).
• Formatted SD Card: The SD card needs to be formatted correctly (FAT32 or exFAT) for the Nintendo Switch to recognize it. Generally, new SD cards are pre-formatted. If you’re using an old SD card, you might need to format it through your computer (but be sure to back up any important data first!). The Switch will automatically prompt you to format a newly inserted SD card if it detects that it needs to be.
• SD Cards and Multiple Consoles: An SD card can only be associated with one Nintendo Switch console at a time. If you try to use an SD card that contains game data from another Switch, you’ll be prompted to format the card, which will erase all the data on it.

FAQs: Nintendo Switch Storage and SD Cards

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nintendo Switch storage and SD cards:

1. Can I play games directly from the SD card?

Yes, you can! Once a game is transferred to or downloaded directly onto your SD card, you can play it directly from the card. There’s no need to move it back to the internal storage.

2. What happens if my SD card is full?

If your SD card is full, you’ll need to either delete some games or move them to another SD card or your computer (though you won’t be able to play them directly from your computer). You can also purchase a larger capacity SD card.

3. How do I delete games from my Nintendo Switch?

To delete a game, go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software. Select the game you want to delete and choose “Delete Software.” This will remove the game from your system but won’t delete your save data (which is stored separately).

4. Where is my save data stored?

Save data is always stored on the Nintendo Switch’s internal storage and cannot be transferred to an SD card. This is to prevent cheating and unauthorized copying of save data.

5. Can I use cloud saves with an SD card?

Yes! A Nintendo Switch Online membership allows you to back up your save data to the cloud. This is independent of whether you’re using an SD card.

6. How do I format an SD card for my Nintendo Switch?

While generally, new SD cards are pre-formatted, If you need to format an SD card, the easiest way is to insert it into your Nintendo Switch. If the Switch detects that it’s not formatted correctly, it will prompt you to format it. You can also format it on your computer (make sure to back up any important data first) using FAT32 or exFAT.

7. What’s the difference between FAT32 and exFAT?

FAT32 has a file size limit of 4GB, while exFAT does not. For SD cards larger than 32GB, exFAT is generally preferred.

8. Can I transfer screenshots and videos to the SD card?

Yes, you can! The process is similar to transferring games. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Screenshots and Videos and choose the option to move data between system memory and the SD card.

9. Will a faster SD card improve game performance?

While the Nintendo Switch can benefit from a faster SD card, the difference might not be drastically noticeable for all games. A card with a UHS-I speed rating is generally sufficient.

10. Can I use an SD card adapter with a microSD card?

Yes, you can use a microSD card with an SD card adapter in your Nintendo Switch as long as the microSD card meets the required speed and capacity specifications.

11. What happens if I remove the SD card while playing a game?

If you remove the SD card while playing a game that’s stored on it, the game will likely crash. You’ll need to re-insert the SD card to continue playing.

12. How do I know if my SD card is compatible?

Check the SD card’s packaging or specifications to ensure it meets Nintendo’s recommended requirements: UHS-I compatibility and a transfer speed of at least 60-95MB/sec.

13. Can I use multiple SD cards with my Nintendo Switch?

No, the Nintendo Switch only supports one SD card at a time. You’ll need to swap cards if you want to use different ones.

14. Where can I learn more about game development and design?

The Games Learning Society offers resources and information about game development, design, and the educational aspects of gaming. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to explore the world of game creation.

15. What should I do if my Nintendo Switch isn’t recognizing my SD card?

First, make sure the SD card is properly inserted. Then, try restarting your Nintendo Switch. If that doesn’t work, try formatting the SD card. If the issue persists, the SD card might be faulty and need to be replaced. You may need to consult with Nintendo support if you have tried all the available troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

Adding an SD card to your Nintendo Switch is a simple and effective way to expand your storage and enjoy more digital games. By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.