Do Switch Games Automatically Download to SD Card?
If you own a Nintendo Switch, you probably know that it has a limited internal storage of 32GB (or 64GB for the OLED model). That means you can quickly run out of space if you download a lot of games from the Nintendo eShop. Fortunately, you can expand your storage by using a microSD card, which is a small removable memory card that can store up to 2TB of data.
do switch games automatically download to sd card
But do switch games automatically download to SD card? The answer is yes, but only if you have an SD card inserted in your console and you have set it as the default save location for your downloads. Otherwise, your games will be saved in the system memory, which is faster but more limited. In this article, we will show you how to download switch games to SD card, how to manage your switch storage, and how to choose the best SD card for switch.
How to Download Switch Games to SD Card
Insert an SD card into your Switch console
The first step is to insert an SD card into your Switch console. The slot is located behind the kickstand on the back of the device. You can use any microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC card that meets these requirements:
Capacity: between 4GB and 2TB
Speed class: at least UHS-I (U1) or higher
Format: FAT32 or exFAT
If you insert an SD card that has not been formatted for Switch, you will be asked to format it. Formatting will erase all data on the card, so make sure you back up any important files before proceeding. To format an SD card for Switch, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down and select Data Management.
Select Format microSD Card.
Select Continue.
Select Format.
The console will then restart and your SD card will be ready to use.
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Choose where to save your downloaded games
Once you have an SD card inserted in your console, you can choose where to save your downloaded games from the Nintendo eShop. By default, if there is enough space on the SD card, your games will be saved there automatically. However, you can also change this setting manually. To do so, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, open Nintendo eShop.
Select your profile icon in the top-right corner.- Select Settings.
- Select Software Download Location.
- Choose between System Memory or microSD Card.
If you want to move an existing game from system memory to SD card or vice versa, you can do so by following these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down and select Data Management.
Select Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
Select the game you want to move and select Move.
Select the destination and select Move again.
Note that some games cannot be moved between system memory and SD card, such as pre-installed software or save data. Also, moving games may take some time depending on the size of the game and the speed of the SD card.
How to Manage Switch Storage
Check how much free space you have on your system memory and SD card
It is important to keep track of how much free space you have on your system memory and SD card, especially if you download a lot of games. To check how much free space you have, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down and select Data Management.
Select Quick Archive or Manage Software.
You will see a bar graph showing how much space is used and available on your system memory and SD card. You can also see the size of each game and whether it is saved on the system memory or the SD card.
Delete or archive games you don't play anymore
If you are running low on space, you can delete or archive games you don't play anymore. Deleting a game will remove it completely from your console, along with any updates or DLC. Archiving a game will only remove the game data, but keep the icon on the HOME Menu and any save data. You can re-download an archived game at any time from Nintendo eShop or from your profile page.
To delete or archive a game, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
Scroll down and select Data Management.
Select Quick Archive or Manage Software.
Select the game you want to delete or archive and press + or -.- Select Delete Software or Archive Software and confirm.
Deleting or archiving games can free up some space on your system memory or SD card, but there are some trade-offs. Deleting a game means you will lose any updates or DLC you have downloaded, and you will have to download them again if you want to play the game in the future. Archiving a game means you will still have the icon on the HOME Menu, which can clutter your screen and make it harder to find the games you want to play. You will also need an internet connection to re-download an archived game.
How to Choose the Best SD Card for Switch
Consider the capacity, speed, and reliability of different SD cards
When choosing an SD card for your Switch, there are three main factors to consider: capacity, speed, and reliability. Here is a brief explanation of each factor:
Capacity: This is how much data an SD card can store. The more capacity, the more games you can download and save on your SD card. However, more capacity also means higher price and longer download times. You should choose an SD card that has enough capacity for your gaming needs, but not too much that you waste money and time.
Speed: This is how fast an SD card can read and write data. The faster the speed, the shorter the loading times and the smoother the gameplay. However, faster speed also means higher price and more power consumption. You should choose an SD card that has a speed class of at least UHS-I (U1) or higher, which is the minimum requirement for Switch. You can also look for UHS Speed Class 3 (U3) or Video Speed Class 30 (V30) or higher, which are recommended for 4K video recording and playback.
Reliability: This is how durable and stable an SD card is. The more reliable, the less likely it is to fail or corrupt your data. However, reliability is hard to measure and compare among different brands and models. You should choose an SD card that has a good reputation and warranty from a trusted manufacturer. You should also avoid buying fake or counterfeit SD cards from unknown sellers, as they may damage your console or data.
Compare some of the best SD cards for Switch available on the market
To help you choose the best SD card for Switch, we have compiled a table with some examples of SD cards from different brands, sizes, and prices. We have also highlighted their pros and cons and recommended one or two based on our criteria.
Brand
Model
Size
Price
Pros
Cons
Recommendation
Samsung
EVO Select
256GB
$29.99
- High capacity- Fast speed (U3/V30)- Reliable performance- Affordable price- 10-year warranty
- None
Best overall
SanDisk
Ultra
128GB
$19.99
- Good capacity- Fast speed (U1)- Reliable performance- Affordable price- 10-year warranty
- Not as fast as U3/V30 cards- May not support 4K video recording or playback
Best value
Nintendo
Licensed microSDXC Card by SanDisk for Nintendo Switch - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Edition64GB
$24.99
- Officially licensed by Nintendo- Fast speed (U3)- Reliable performance- Cool design- 30-year warranty
- Expensive for the size- Limited availability- May not be compatible with other devices
Best for fans
Lexar
Professional 1000x
512GB
$69.99
- Huge capacity- Fast speed (U3/V30)- Reliable performance- Lifetime warranty
- Very expensive- Overkill for most users- May drain battery faster
Best for power users
As you can see, there are many options to choose from when it comes to SD cards for Switch. Our personal recommendation is the Samsung EVO Select 256GB, as it offers a great balance of capacity, speed, reliability, and price. However, you may have different preferences and needs, so feel free to do your own research and compare different SD cards before buying one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, do switch games automatically download to SD card? The answer is yes, but only if you have an SD card inserted in your console and you have set it as the default save location for your downloads. Otherwise, your games will be saved in the system memory, which is faster but more limited.
We have also shown you how to download switch games to SD card, how to manage your switch storage, and how to choose the best SD card for switch. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading and happy gaming!
FAQs
Can I use an SD card from another device on my Switch?
Yes, you can use an SD card from another device on your Switch, as long as it meets the requirements for Switch and it is formatted for Switch. However, formatting an SD card for Switch will erase all data on it, so make sure you back up any important files before doing so.
Can I use multiple SD cards on my Switch?
Yes, you can use multiple SD cards on your Switch, but you can only use one at a time. You will need to swap the SD cards manually and restart the console each time you change them. You will also need to re-download any games that are not on the current SD card.
Can I play games from an SD card on another Switch?
No, you cannot play games from an SD card on another Switch, unless you transfer your user account and save data to the other console first. This is because the games are linked to your Nintendo account and your console. To transfer your user account and save data to another Switch, follow these steps:
On both consoles, go to System Settings and select Users.
Select Transfer Your User Data.Select the source console and the target console.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the transfer.
Note that transferring your user account and save data will delete them from the source console, so make sure you are not using it anymore.
How can I backup my save data to the cloud?
If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can backup your save data to the cloud and access it from any Switch console. This is useful if you want to protect your save data from being lost or corrupted, or if you want to play the same game on multiple consoles. To backup your save data to the cloud, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select your profile icon in the top-left corner.
Select User Settings.
Select Save Data Cloud.
Select Backup Save Data or Download Save Data and choose the game you want to backup or download.
Note that not all games support cloud save data backup, and some games may have restrictions on how often you can backup or download your save data. You can check the list of compatible games and their limitations here: [text]
How can I update my games on my SD card?
If you have games on your SD card, you can update them the same way as games on your system memory. You will need an internet connection and enough free space on your SD card or system memory. To update your games, follow these steps:
From the HOME Menu, select the game you want to update and press + or -.
Select Software Update.
Select Via the Internet or Match Version with Local Users.
The console will then check for any available updates and download them automatically. You can also enable automatic updates for your games by going to System Settings > Data Management > Software Update Settings and selecting On. 44f88ac181