How to Expand Your Nintendo Switch Storage with a microSD Card and Migrate Games Effortlessly

The Nintendo Switch starts with just 32GB of internal storage—barely enough for a few games and apps. The fix? A microSD card for seamless expansion. Whether you're adding one for the first time or upgrading to a larger card, I'll guide you through the process step by step, based on hands-on testing with models including the OLED version.

First, back up your games to a computer via microSD for peace of mind. eShop titles are tied to your account, so you can re-download them, but local backups save hours. I've relied on this method countless times during upgrades.

Game saves, like your Breath of the Wild Master Trials progress, stay safe in internal memory as long as you archive without deleting.

You'll need: a computer with space, a microSD card adapter (if no slot), and a UHS-I microSD (60-95MB/s speeds; faster is better). Stick to one card per Switch to avoid issues. This works identically for original Switch and OLED models—do it in handheld mode near your PC for easy access under the kickstand.

Migrating Games from Internal Storage to microSD

If internal storage is full, here's how to move games. I tested this by shifting Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to a 128GB SanDisk microSDXC UHS-I card.

• Power off: Hold power button, select Power Options > Power Off.
• Flip the Switch, lift the kickstand by the right Joy-Con to reveal the slot.
• Insert the microSD—listen for the click.
• Power on, go to System Settings (gear icon, bottom right).
• Scroll to Data Management for storage overview.
• Select Manage Software under Quick Archive.
• Spot local vs. microSD games. No direct transfer—archive first, one by one.
• Highlight a game to migrate.
• Scroll to Archive Software, confirm—icon and saves stay.
• Alternative: From home screen, select game, press "+" on right Joy-Con > Manage Software > Archive Software.
• Home button to menu, select archived game icon, press A > Download.
• Check System Settings > Data Management—it'll show microSD icon.
• Repeat as needed. New downloads default to microSD.

Upgrading from One microSD Card to Another

To swap for more space or speed, use a computer.

• Power off, eject old microSD from kickstand slot.
• Insert into computer/adapter (e.g., SanDisk MobileMate USB 3.0). Open File Explorer/Finder—find "Nintendo" folder.
• Copy "Nintendo" to desktop (Ctrl+C/V or Cmd).
• Safely eject old card.
• Insert new microSD.
• Paste "Nintendo" folder unchanged.
• Eject after transfer.
• Insert into powered-off Switch.
• Boot up, check System Settings > Data Management > Manage Software.
• Verify via system memory free space.

If issues arise, delete files from PC and re-download from eShop, forcing to microSD if needed.

You're set—expanded library ready!

Updated March 4: Originally published March 8, 2019. Confirmed process matches Nintendo Switch OLED; note Nintendo Switch Lite storage cannot be upgraded.