If you are an avid Nintendo Switch gamer, you may have wondered if you can save your games on an SD card. The answer is, it depends on the game and the type of SD card you’re using. In this article, we’ll explore the different scenarios and options available for saving Switch games on an SD card.
What is an SD Card?
An SD (Secure Digital) card is a small storage device used to store digital information. It’s commonly used in electronic devices such as cameras, smartphones, and tablets. The Nintendo Switch also supports the use of SD cards to expand its storage capacity beyond its internal memory.
Which Games Can Be Saved on an SD Card?
Not all games can be saved directly onto an SD card. Some games require saving data to be stored on the Switch’s internal memory. Other games may allow you to save data onto an SD card but with certain restrictions.
For example, games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Pokemon Sword and Shield, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate do not allow saving data directly onto an SD card. These games require saving data to be stored on the Switch’s internal memory or cloud storage service (Nintendo Switch Online subscription required).
On the other hand, games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe allow you to save data directly onto an SD card without any restrictions.
How to Save Games on an SD Card?
Assuming that your game allows saving data directly onto an SD card, here’s how you can do it:
- Insert your SD card into your Nintendo Switch.
- Select ‘System Settings’ from the home screen.
- Scroll down and select ‘Data Management’.
- Select ‘Move Data Between System / microSD Card’.
- Select the game you want to move and choose ‘Move to microSD Card’.
It’s important to note that you cannot partially transfer game data between the internal memory and an SD card. You can only move the entire game data to the SD card.
What Type of SD Card Should You Use?
If you decide to use an SD card to save your Switch games, it’s important to choose the right type of SD card. Nintendo recommends using a microSDXC card with a UHS-I (Ultra High-Speed Phase I) rating and a transfer speed of 60-95 MB/s.
You should also consider the size of the SD card you need. The Switch can support up to 2TB microSD cards, but it’s not necessary to get a large capacity card if you only plan on saving a few games.
Conclusion
In summary, not all Switch games can be saved directly onto an SD card. Some games require saving data to be stored on the Switch’s internal memory or cloud storage service. However, for games that allow saving data directly onto an SD card, it’s easy to move them using the Switch’s built-in data management system.
Remember to choose the right type of SD card with adequate storage capacity and speed for optimal performance. With enough space on your SD card, you can enjoy more games without having to worry about running out of storage space on your Switch!