A full Switch has one fix in Nintendo's pages that matters most: only microSD cards work, so an SD or miniSD card will not fit, and game save data cannot be stored on a microSD card at all. It stays in system memory, so a full card is different from a full console. Supported cards are microSD to 2 GB, microSDHC 4 to 32 GB and microSDXC 64 GB to 2 TB, with UHS-I speeds of 60 to 95 MB/s recommended. Insert or remove the card only with the console off, and format it if it is not recognized.
Differential
Likely causes of “Nintendo Switch storage is full or games will not install”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
System memory full of games and captures
What separates it You cannot download a game and the storage bar is nearly full
How to confirm Check System Settings, Data Management and archive or delete what you do not play; archived games keep their save data
- 2
A microSD card that is unsupported
What separates it The card is inserted but not detected because the microSD card is unsupported
How to confirm Check it is microSD, microSDHC (4 to 32 GB) or microSDXC (64 GB to 2 TB); a microSDXC card needs a system update
- 3
A card inserted while the console was on
What separates it The console asked to restart after the card was inserted, or the card is not read
How to confirm Turn the console off, reseat the card until it clicks and power on
- 4
Dirt or a damaged card slot
What separates it The card is not recognized in the slot or the connectors look dirty
How to confirm Look for dirt on the card's connectors and inside the slot; visible contamination means the card may need replacing and the console service
- 5
A slow or worn card
What separates it Games load slowly or the card is often not detected
How to confirm Use a UHS-I card with a transfer speed of about 60 to 95 MB/s and format it once after backing up
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The card's type (microSD, SDHC or SDXC), capacity and make
- The space shown under Data Management for system memory and the card
- Whether the card was inserted while the console was off
- Whether the console is a launch, revised or OLED model, since the OLED has 64GB of system memory
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedCheck where the space is going
ReversibleOpen System Settings, Data Management to see how much space software, screenshots and videos use in system memory and on the card.
Know what a card can hold
ReversibleNintendo says a microSD card can hold downloadable software, software update data, downloadable content, screenshots and videos. Game save data is stored in system memory and cannot be copied to a card.
Use a supported card
ReversiblemicroSD up to 2 GB, microSDHC 4 to 32 GB and microSDXC 64 GB to 2 TB work. A microSDXC card needs a system update, which needs an internet connection. UHS-I cards at 60 to 95 MB/s are recommended.
Insert the card with the console off
ReversibleHold POWER for three seconds, choose Power Options, Turn Off. Swing the stand open on the launch or OLED console to reach the slot, push the card in until it clicks and power on.
If the card is not recognized
ReversiblePower off, remove and reseat it, look for dirt on the connectors, confirm it is a supported type and, for an SDXC card, run a system update.
Format the card if it still fails
ReversibleBack up screenshots and videos to a computer first, because formatting erases everything. In System Settings, Data Management, Format microSD Card. Downloadable software can be redownloaded with the same Nintendo Account.
Move data
ReversibleScreenshots and videos can be moved between system memory and the card. Downloadable software can be moved if the system is on version 10.0.0 or higher. When a card is inserted it becomes the default save location for downloads.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- System memory by model
- The OLED Model has 64GB; the launch (HAC-001) and revised (HAC-001(-01)) models have 32GB, with part reserved for the system. All three take microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB.
- Where the card slot is
- On the launch model the stand swings open to show the slot; on the OLED the adjustable stand swings open. On the Switch Lite a cover opens instead.
- Tools and supplies
- A computer to back up screenshots, a supported microSD card and a soft cloth.
- What to tell Nintendo
- The card's make and capacity and the console serial number; not a part number.
- On a Switch Lite
- The Switch Lite has 32 GB of internal storage against the OLED Model's 64 GB, so it fills sooner. Move software to a microSD card in System Settings, Data Management, and archive games you are not playing; Lite screenshots and saves stay on the console.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the card is still not detected after formatting and a system update, try another card and contact Nintendo if the slot is at fault
- !If dirt is visible in the slot, the console needs service; do not use a tool in the slot
- !If a card is corrupt after formatting, replace it
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Nintendo writes them for the Switch family and the Switch 2 (which takes microSD Express cards). Nintendo does not endorse a card make in these articles, so this page lists supported types only.
Battery repair steps and Nintendo's out-of-warranty cost table.
Which cards work and what they can hold.
Not recognized steps and formatting.
Card troubleshooting.
Exact questions
Common questions
Can I use an SD card on the Switch?+
No. Nintendo says only microSD cards work because of the slot size; SD and miniSD cards are not compatible.
What sizes of microSD card work?+
microSD up to 2 GB, microSDHC 4 to 32 GB and microSDXC 64 GB to 2 TB.
Can I store save data on the microSD card?+
No. Nintendo says game save data is stored in system memory and cannot be copied to a microSD card.
Do I lose my games if I format the card?+
Downloadable software on the card can be redownloaded with the same Nintendo Account. Screenshots and videos are lost unless backed up.
How much internal storage does each model have?+
32GB on the launch and revised models and 64GB on the OLED, with some reserved for the system.
Should I use more than one card?+
Nintendo recommends a single card. Software saved on multiple cards cannot be combined onto one later.
Why does the console ask me to restart when I insert a card?+
Nintendo says inserting or removing a card while the console is on or asleep prompts a restart. Turn the console off first.
Does the Switch 2 use the same cards?+
No. Nintendo says the Switch 2 accepts only microSD Express cards, so an older microSD card will not work in it.