Best daily deals

Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more.

How to insert a microSD card into a Nintendo Switch

Is it time to switch to larger storage?
By
April 13, 2023

The Nintendo Switch has managed to hang on as one of the most popular gaming devices available today. Its ability to provide a quality console gaming experience on the go is unparalleled, and you can fit quite a few games on its internal storage. However, what if you want to download more games and are all out of space? If that’s the case, you may want to buy a large Switch-compatible microSD card to increase your storage. Let’s go over how to put an SD card into your Nintendo Switch.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Remove your Nintendo Switch from the dock and power the device off. On the backside, open the Nintendo Switch stand. Underneath, you will find the microSD card slot. Insert your microSD card into the slot and you will hear a click.

How to insert a microSD card into a Nintendo Switch

With your Nintendo Switch out of the dock, in handheld mode, push the power button and hold it down for five seconds.

hold this down for five seconds
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Press A on Power Options.

select power options
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Press A on Turn Off.

select turn off from power options
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Flip your device around to the backside. The microSD card slot is located behind the built-in stand.

where is the microsd card slot
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Gently open the stand on the back of the Nintendo Switch to reveal the microSD card slot.

microsd card slot
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Insert your microSD card into the empty slot. Push it in gently until you hear the click and feel a bit of resistance.

insertion of the card
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

How to check the storage on your Nintendo Switch

From the home screen, press A on the gear-shaped Settings button.

go to settings
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

Within Settings, scroll down to Data Management. Your remaining storage on your microSD card will appear on the right.

data management tab
Curtis Joe / Android Authority

FAQs

The Nintendo Switch can handle up to 2 TB of additional storage via microSD.