How do I use external storage on my Switch?

How do I use external storage on my Nintendo Switch?

Using external storage on your Nintendo Switch is a great way to expand your console’s limited internal storage capacity, making it easier to download and play your favorite games without running out of space. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to use external storage on your Switch, and also provide some important points to keep in mind.

Inserting a MicroSD Card

To start, you’ll need a microSD card, which can be purchased separately and can store up to 2TB of data. Here’s how to insert your microSD card into your Switch:

• Locate the microSD card slot under the kickstand of your Switch.
• Push the card in until it clicks into place.

Formats and Compatibility

It’s essential to ensure that your microSD card is in the correct format and is compatible with your Switch:

• The Switch only recognizes microSDHC (16GB-64GB) and microSDXC (64GB-2TB) cards.
• SDXC cards are formatted FAT32 by default, so you may need to format them to exFAT if you’re having compatibility issues.

Moving Content to External Storage

Here’s how to move data to your external storage device:

• Go to Settings > Data Management > Update Data Management.
• Tap "External Storage" to move data to your external storage device.
• You can also move content between microSD cards, so long as they are all compatible with your Switch.

How to Switch Storage

If you’re changing microSD cards or updating the content on your current microSD card, you may need to switch the content back to your internal storage:

• Go to Settings > Data Management > Update Data Management.
• Tap "Clear" to remove data from your external storage device.

Do Games Run Slower on External Storage?

It’s common for some users to worry that game performance may be affected by using external storage. Here’s what you need to know:

• Firmware version 4.1.0 or higher – Games will load equally as fast from both the internal storage and microSD card.
• Before firmware version 4.1.0 – Games may load slower when played from a microSD card due to technical constraints.

Multiple microSD Cards

You may need to use multiple microSD cards to store large quantities of data. Here’s what you need to know:

• Recommended practice: Use a single microSD card for your games, and another for saves or other data.
• Compatibility: Make sure each microSD card is in the correct format (microSDHC or microSDXC) and is compatible with your Switch.

Comparison of microSD Card Brands

Here’s a comparison of some popular microSD card brands for Nintendo Switch:

Final Checklist

Before using external storage on your Switch, be sure to:

• Make sure your microSD card is compatible with your Switch.
• Format your microSD card to FAT32 or exFAT as needed.
• Set the correct file system format before moving data to external storage.
• Consider the limitations of external storage for playing games and loading content.
• Regularly check and manage your storage usage to ensure optimal performance.

With these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to using external storage on your Nintendo Switch to extend your gaming experience and provide more storage space for your favorite games and data.