Do you need a SD card to save games on Switch?

The answer to this question is no, you don’t need a SD card to save games on Nintendo Switch, as game save data is stored on the console’s System Memory, which has a capacity of 32GB. This means that you can play and save games on your Switch without needing an SD card, especially if you only have a few games installed, such as Breath of the Wild.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Can you save games on Switch without SD card?: Yes, you can save games on Switch without an SD card, as the console has 32GB of internal storage, which is enough to store save data for most games.
2. Do you need to put an SD card in a Nintendo Switch?: While it’s not necessary to put an SD card in a Nintendo Switch to save games, it’s recommended to use a single microSD card to expand the console’s storage capacity.
3. Do Switch games save to SD card?: No, Switch games do not save to an SD card, as save data is stored on the console’s System Memory to keep it safe.
4. Do you need an SD card for digital games on Switch?: If you plan on downloading digital games on your Switch, you may need an SD card to expand the console’s storage capacity, especially for large games like Zelda or Pokemon.

Saving Games and Data

5. How to save games on Switch?: To save games on Switch, you can use the Suspend Menu or Save Data Cloud Backup feature, which allows you to back up your save data to the cloud.
6. How do you save game data on Nintendo Switch?: You can save game data on Nintendo Switch by using the Save Data Cloud Backup feature, which requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
7. Does Nintendo Switch automatically save game progress?: No, the Switch does not automatically save game progress, as the save method depends on the individual game’s implementation.

SD Card and Storage

8. What gets stored on SD card on Switch?: On Switch, downloadable software, software update data, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured videos can be stored on an SD card.
9. Can I just put my SD card in new Switch?: No, you cannot simply put your SD card in a new Switch, as the card will be formatted, deleting all data on it.
10. What happens if you remove SD card from Switch?: Removing an SD card from Switch will not delete save data, as it’s stored on the console’s System Memory, but it may affect apps that use the SD card to store data.

Digital Games and Purchases

11. Do you own digital games on Switch?: Yes, you own digital games on Switch, as they are tied to your Nintendo Account and can be played on your primary Switch console.
12. How do digital download Switch games work?: Digital download Switch games work by automatically downloading to your Switch console once you’ve completed your purchase, as long as the console has enough memory space and an active internet connection.
13. Are digital switch games permanent?: Yes, digital Switch games are permanent, as they are stored via your Nintendo Account ID, allowing you to re-download them if you delete them to free up space.

Miscellaneous

14. Can two Nintendo accounts share games?: Yes, two Nintendo accounts can share games, as you can play digital games you’ve purchased on any Switch console linked to your Nintendo Account.
15. Does removing SD card delete everything?: No, removing an SD card does not delete everything, as save data is stored on the console’s System Memory, but it may affect apps that use the SD card to store data.