How Much Storage Does One Nintendo Switch Game Really Need?

The question of how much storage a single Nintendo Switch game requires doesn’t have a straightforward answer. It varies wildly depending on several factors, primarily whether you opt for a physical copy (cartridge) or a digital download from the Nintendo eShop. On average, you can expect a single game to consume anywhere from 5GB to 15GB of storage. This is a very general estimate, and some titles may fall outside of this range. Let’s dive into the nuances.

Physical vs. Digital: The Storage Showdown

The biggest determining factor is whether you’re buying a physical game or downloading it.

• Physical Copies (Cartridges): When you buy a physical game, the majority of the game data resides on the cartridge itself. However, even with physical copies, you will still see data stored on your switch. The game will still need to use System Storage for required game updates and downloadable content (DLC). This is because the cartridges can’t be updated, so patches and new content are installed directly onto your Switch’s storage. The storage needed for updates and DLC is often less than that of an entirely digital game, but can still be a few gigabytes.

• Digital Downloads (eShop): Buying a game from the Nintendo eShop means the entire game file needs to be downloaded and stored on your Switch or an inserted microSD card. These files can range in size from a few gigabytes to over 20GB for the most massive titles. This method eats up considerably more storage space.

What Affects Game Size?

Several elements influence the final file size of a Nintendo Switch game:

• Game Complexity: More complex games with detailed graphics, extensive open worlds, and vast amounts of content (like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) naturally require more storage.

• Game Type: Fighting games or puzzle games may be significantly smaller in size than expansive role-playing games (RPGs) or open-world adventures.

• Audio and Visual Assets: Games with high-resolution textures, detailed character models, and elaborate soundtracks take up significantly more storage space.

• Downloadable Content (DLC): Expansions, new characters, additional levels, and other DLC offerings will add to the game’s overall storage footprint.

• Game Engine: The game engine impacts game size. Well-optimized game engines can create great games without needing a lot of space.

The Nintendo Switch’s Internal Storage

The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but a portion of this is reserved for the system’s operating system, leaving you with approximately 25.9GB of usable space. The Nintendo Switch OLED model doubles the internal storage to 64GB, providing more wiggle room but still potentially insufficient for avid digital buyers. This limited internal storage highlights the necessity for most users to invest in a microSD card to expand their storage capacity.

Expanding Storage with microSD Cards

Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards for expanding storage. The console can handle cards up to 2TB in size, but currently, 1TB cards are the largest readily available and practical option. A microSD card is essential if you plan to download many games or even a few of the larger AAA titles.

Storage Recommendations: How Much Do You Need?

Deciding how much storage to add to your Nintendo Switch depends on your gaming habits:

• Casual Gamer (Mostly Physical): If you primarily buy physical games and only occasionally download smaller indie titles or DLC, a 64GB or 128GB microSD card should be adequate.

• Moderate Gamer (Mixed Physical and Digital): If you plan to purchase a mix of physical and digital games, a 128GB or 256GB microSD card is a solid choice.

• Hardcore Gamer (Mostly Digital): If you intend to download most of your games from the eShop, a 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB microSD card is highly recommended. This will provide ample space for a growing digital library.

Game Size Examples

To illustrate the variability, here are the sizes of some popular Nintendo Switch games:

• The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: 13.4 GB
• The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: 16.3 GB
• Super Mario Odyssey: 5.7 GB
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: 6.8 GB
• Animal Crossing: New Horizons: 6.2 GB
• Pokémon Sword/Shield: 10.3 GB

These examples showcase that while some games are relatively compact, others demand a significant chunk of storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to clarify common questions regarding Nintendo Switch game storage:

1. Can I Play Games Directly from a microSD Card?

Yes, you can install and play games directly from a microSD card on your Nintendo Switch. The console seamlessly integrates the external storage as if it were part of the internal system.

2. What Happens When My Internal Storage is Full?

When your Nintendo Switch’s internal storage is full, you’ll need to either delete existing games or transfer data to a microSD card to free up space for new downloads.

3. How Do I Transfer Games from Internal Storage to a microSD Card?

You can transfer game data from internal storage to a microSD card through the System Settings menu. Navigate to Data Management, then Move Data Between System / microSD Card.

4. Does a Faster microSD Card Improve Game Performance?

Yes, a faster microSD card with higher read/write speeds can improve loading times and overall game performance, especially for larger, more demanding titles.

5. What microSD Card Speed Should I Look For?

Aim for a microSD card with a U3 speed rating or an A1/A2 application performance class. These cards offer faster data transfer rates, optimizing the gaming experience.

6. Can I Use an SD Card Instead of a microSD Card?

No, the Nintendo Switch only supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. Standard SD cards and miniSD cards are not compatible.

7. What is the Maximum Storage Capacity Supported by the Nintendo Switch?

The Nintendo Switch officially supports microSD cards up to 2TB, although 1TB cards are the largest widely available option currently.

8. Does Downloading Updates Take Up Storage Space?

Yes, all game updates, patches, and DLC require storage space on either the internal storage or the microSD card.

9. Can I Redownload Games I’ve Purchased if I Delete Them?

Yes, you can redownload any games you’ve purchased from the Nintendo eShop, even if you’ve deleted them from your console. They remain linked to your Nintendo Account.

10. How Do I Check How Much Storage Space I Have Left?

You can check your available storage space in the System Settings menu under Data Management.

11. Does the Nintendo Switch OLED Have More Storage?

Yes, the Nintendo Switch OLED model has 64GB of internal storage, double the storage of the standard Nintendo Switch.

12. Can Multiple Users Share the Same microSD Card?

Each Nintendo Switch console requires its own microSD card. You cannot share a single card across multiple consoles simultaneously.

13. Are Some Games Only Available Digitally?

Yes, some indie games and smaller titles are exclusively available for download from the Nintendo eShop.

14. Does Having Multiple Games on a microSD Card Affect Performance?

Having multiple games on a microSD card doesn’t typically impact performance unless the card is nearing its storage capacity or is a slow card. It depends on the card speed.

15. Where Can I Learn More About Gaming and Education?

For more information about the intersection of gaming and education, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

Determining the necessary storage for your Nintendo Switch comes down to your personal gaming habits and preferences. Understanding the difference between physical and digital games, the factors influencing game sizes, and the capabilities of microSD cards will help you make an informed decision and ensure you have ample space for your ever-growing library of Nintendo Switch games.