Is it OK to remove SD card from Switch?

Removing an SD card from a Nintendo Switch can be done, but it’s crucial to do it properly to avoid any potential data loss or damage to the card or the console. It is generally recommended to power off the Switch before removing or inserting a microSD card to ensure proper use and prevent any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What happens if you remove the SD card while the Switch is on? If a microSD card is inserted or removed while the console is powered on or while in sleep mode, you will be prompted to restart the console.
2. Does removing SD card delete everything? Removing the card without unmounting it can result in data loss.
3. Can you remove SD card from Switch without turning off? Important: Before inserting or removing a microSD card from Nintendo Switch, always power off the console by holding down the POWER Button for at least three seconds, then select “Power Options” > “Turn Off“.

SD Card Management

4. Is it safe to remove SD card without ejecting? Removing the card without unmounting it can result in data loss.
5. How To Remove A Micro SD Card From A Nintendo Switch To remove a microSD card from a Nintendo Switch, first power off the console, then locate the microSD card slot on the top of the console and gently push the card in until it clicks, then release it and pull it out.
6. Is it safe to remove SD card? External storage (including SD card) should only be removed after it has been unmounted from the system, which ensures that no data gets to be read from or written into the device, so as to prevent data corruption and app crashes.

Troubleshooting

7. What happens when you remove an SD card? Nothing happens unless you are actively using the SD card, if no data is being transferred then taking the card out without unmounting it first will cause no adverse effects.
8. What happens if you delete SD card? Erasing the memory card leaves some traces of the deleted items.
9. Can you remove SD card as internal storage? In menu Settings / Storage / Internal Storage, open the 3-dot-menu and select Migrate data.

SD Card Purpose and Performance

10. What is the purpose of SD card in switch? If you play a lot of games on your Nintendo Switch, you’ll find out that the console doesn’t have enough storage capacity.
11. What does adding an SD card to switch do? The Nintendo Switch only comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is minuscule if you plan on having more than just a handful of games and apps downloaded to your handheld console.
12. What gets stored on SD card on switch? Downloadable software, software update data, downloadable content (DLC), screenshots, and captured videos can be saved to a microSD card on Nintendo Switch.

Technical Specifications and Limitations

13. Does SD card affect switch performance? In order to improve your gameplay experience, using a microSD card with a higher transfer speed is recommended.
14. What is the max memory card for Nintendo Switch? Nintendo Switch console (HAC-001(-01)) supports microSDHC or microSDXC cards up to 2TB (sold separately).
15. What are the disadvantages of SD card? SD cards are brittle and can be broken easily, especially the metal part, and have limited read/write cycles.