Running out of storage on your Nintendo Switch can be a frustrating experience. And now you&rsquo;re wondering whether to invest in a Nintendo Switch memory card. Whether you are an avid gamer or a casual player, choosing the right one can impact your gaming experience. 
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In this guide, we will walk you through why you need a memory card for your Nintendo Switch, the types of compatible memory cards, and recommend a high-performance option to bring your gaming to new heights.

Here&rsquo;s a simple answer: SD7.1 microSD enables seamless gameplay on the Switch 2, which no longer supports UHS-I microSD cards for game storage, making <a href="https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68425" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SD7.1 the essential choice for modern gaming</a>.
Popular games like "Cyberpunk 2077" and other next-gen titles can gobble up a hefty chunk of that space. So, without a memory card, you'll find yourself in an endless cycle of deleting and redownloading games, which isn&rsquo;t exactly anyone&rsquo;s idea of fun.
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Meanwhile, choosing the right memory card means you no longer have to agonize over what to delete to make room for new content. Imagine building an ever-growing library of your favorite games, saving files, and downloadable content without constantly hitting storage limits. With options like the SD7.1 memory card, offering generous capacities of 256GB, 512GB and 1TB, you can enjoy ample space for your gaming needs&mdash;whether you&rsquo;re saving AAA titles or installing future updates. More storage equals less stress, and more room to play.
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But storage is not the only part of the story&mdash;what truly elevates SD7.1 is its next-generation performance. Powered by a PCIe Gen3x1 interface on compatible devices like the Switch 2, SD7.1 delivers ultra-fast read and write speeds tailored for today&rsquo;s demanding titles. The benefits are immediate: significantly shorter loading times, seamless data transfers, and smoother gameplay with minimal lag. It&rsquo;s like upgrading from a basic laptop to a high-end gaming rig&mdash;the difference is tangible from the first boot-up.

Why do you need a SD7.1 for your Switch 2?

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Choosing the right type of memory card is crucial for compatibility and performance. The Nintendo Switch supports:
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<a name="_heading=h.rgzzqzcfg2od"></a>microSDHC:
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These cards range from 4GB to 32GB and offer better performance than standard microSD cards. They&rsquo;re a solid mid-range choice but will still struggle with today's larger game downloads. Titles designed for Switch 2, like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition, which requires approximately 60 GB of storage, so you'll likely run out of space quickly.
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<a name="_heading=h.abd0c3dw5lta"></a>microSDXC:
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Starting at 64GB and scaling up to 1TB, these cards are your best bet for seamless gaming. They&rsquo;re designed to handle frequent downloads, game saves, expansions, and updates without compromise. In particular, SD7.1 cards with PCIe Gen3x1 interface, now supported by the Nintendo Switch 2, are offering blazing-fast speeds, ultra-stable performance, and next-level responsiveness tailored to high-capacity modern games.
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One standout option is the<a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/memory-cards/memory-cards-microSDXC-SD71-Express/"> </a><a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/memory-cards/memory-cards-microSDXC-SD71-Express/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ADATA Premier Extreme SD7.1 microSDXC</a>, which has been officially tested for compatibility with Switch 2. Equipped with the Silicon Motion SM2708 SD Express controller, this card achieves read/write speeds of up to 800/700 MB/s. That means dramatically shorter game download and installation times, smooth 4K video capture, and near-instant access to large open-world games&mdash;delivering an experience built for next-gen gaming.
While UHS-I microSD cards (Speed Class U3) were commonly used in older Switch models, they are no longer supported for game storage on the Switch 2. For truly unlocking the power of the Nintendo Switch 2, SD7.1 cards like ADATA's are a game-changer, bringing console-level performance to portable gaming.
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<li>Capacity: 256GB to 512GB (especially for Switch 2 titles exceeding 30GB)</li>
<li>Speed: PCIe Gen3x1 (SD7.1 standard)</li>
<li>Durability: Waterproof, shockproof, temperature-resistant&mdash;built for long-term gaming usage</li>
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Types of Memory Cards Compatible with Nintendo Switch

Let&rsquo;s get your Nintendo Switch all set up with that extra memory card so you can jump into your games without a hitch.
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<a name="_heading=h.uw0oh1ekhbvg"></a>Steps for Physical Setup
First, you need to make sure your hardware is set up correctly. Here&rsquo;s how:
 
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<ol start="1" type="1">
<li>Turn off the Nintendo Switch. This prevents any potential issues and safeguards your data.</li>
<li>Open the lid and insert the microSDXC card. Gently lift the back panel of your Switch and insert the microSDXC card until it clicks into place.</li>
<li>Power up your Nintendo Switch. This initiates the recognition process of your new storage addition.</li>
</ol>
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<a name="_heading=h.gb9xffq6931v"></a>Formatting the Memory Card
To ensure your card integrates seamlessly with the system, navigate to the system settings. If the system prompts you to format the card, proceed with the formatting process. This will align the card's configuration with your console for optimal performance.
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<a name="_heading=h.ppbvsp1ozggs"></a>Managing and Using the Memory Card
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<ol start="1" type="1">
<li>Access System Settings on the Switch. From the main menu, select the gear icon to access settings. It&rsquo;s the hub for managing your system&rsquo;s functions.</li>
<li>Scroll down to Data Management. Here, you can view available storage on your console and microSDXC card. This data keeps you informed and in control.</li>
<li>Confirm the memory card is detected under System Memory and MicroSD Card. Checking this ensures your new storage is ready for use, preventing potential disruptions.</li>
<li>Format the microSD Card before use (if needed). If your memory card isn&rsquo;t recognized or you&rsquo;re preparing a new card, formatting may be necessary. Nintendo recommends using the SD Association's SD Memory Card Formatter, as Nintendo products strictly follow the SD card standard. Make sure to select the Overwrite format when using the tool. You can find detailed instructions on the <a href="https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SD Association</a> website.</li>
</ol>

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Your Nintendo Switch Memory Card

Looking to upgrade your Nintendo Switch 2 storage? Discover the best memory cards for Nintendo Switch 2 to boost performance, load faster, and store more games with ease.