How to properly use a MicroSD card on a Nintendo Switch?

[Midoriya]

I know this is probably a mundane thread for some, but I finally have a MicroSD card for my Switch, which means I can buy more digital games for it without having to archive everything. The problem is I’ve never used one of these on a Switch before, so I’m wondering how it works? Do you just swap them out? Also, if I already have data saved for digital games on my Switch, is it possible to transfer that data to the new memory card without losing it? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Khaelis]

- Its basically no different to the internal hard drive of the Switch, except you can remove it. The only thing that's stored on it is the game's files, as well as screen captures and videos you save.
- A game's save data is always saved to the internal storage, not the SD card. All you need to do is re-download any archived games.


If you have an existing SD card and wish to transfer the data to the new microSD card, you'll need access to a computer with an SD card slot, or a USB adapter that allows you to insert microSD cards (or their adapter) into. Insert the old microSD card into its adapter (which should have come with the microSD card), and insert it into your computer's SD card slot. Copy the Nintendo folder to your desktop, and swap out the microSD card with the new one and add the Nintendo folder you copied to your desktop to the new microSD card. Once its finished, you're pretty much good to go with inserting it into your Nintendo Switch.

If you do not have an existing microSD card, you can insert your microSD card into the Nintendo Switch and use the transfer tool within the Switch's options to transfer game data to the microSD card.

 

[Midoriya]

- Its basically no different to the internal hard drive of the Switch, except you can remove it. The only thing that's stored on it is the game's files, as well as screen captures and videos you save.
- A game's save data is always saved to the internal storage, not the SD card. All you need to do is re-download any archived games.


If you have an existing SD card and wish to transfer the data, you'll need access to a computer with an SD card slot. Insert the old microSD card into its adapter (which should have come with the microSD card), and insert it into your computer's SD card slot. Copy the Nintendo folder to your desktop, and swap out the microSD card with the new one and add the Nintendo folder you copied to your desktop to the new microSD card. Once its finished, you're pretty much good to go with inserting it into your Nintendo Switch.

If you do not have an existing microSD card, you can insert your microSD card into the Nintendo Switch and use the transfer tool within the Switch's options to transfer game data to the microSD card.

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation, Khaelis! This is super helpful and informative!

 

[Khaelis]

Thanks so much for the detailed explanation, Khaelis! This is super helpful and informative!

No problem. Probably a bit more information than you needed, but the last thing you'd want is accidentally doing something wrong and potentially breaking it or something. XD

SD/microSD cards are basically just like any external storage device like a USB stick or something. Once you figure them out, they're pretty straightforward to use.

 

[Imbri]

I Googled it when I got a card last year. It seems a lot more daunting than it actually is. As long as you take your time, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Alienfish]

Also a tip; if you have an old microSD from your new 3ds, you can simply format that one and use, I advise google for full instructions though (I have a small storage one for my screenshots so I can easily upload stuff to here when there are events here cause snapping those with a phone camera gives bad quality). Saves money and searching for one

 

[Midoriya]

I was able to successfully move all my games to my memory card! If I had known it would be this easy I wouldn’t have even created a thread for this. I just ended up archiving all of my games before putting the card in and then downloaded them onto the card, checking each time to make sure the save data was still there, which it was. Now I can buy more games (I’m looking at you, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, My Hero One’s Justice 2, and Fire Emblem Classic )!

Thanks everyone for your help!