Will your Switch 1 SD card work in Switch 2 and how to transfer it

Part of our guide on choosing microsd for game storage

Know exactly how your Switch 1 SD card fits and works in Switch 2 and transfer your data without losing saves or games.

Does Switch 1 SD card work on Switch 2

Switch 2 supports microSD cards that fit Switch 1 physically. The slot and card sizes remain compatible for microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC formats.

Switch 2 requires microSD cards formatted to exFAT or FAT32. If your Switch 1 card uses FAT32 or exFAT, it usually works directly in Switch 2.

Game data on Switch 1 cards is encrypted and tied to the console. So inserting a Switch 1 SD card into Switch 2 will not allow immediate access to saved games or downloaded titles.

Your Switch 1 SD card will work for storing screenshots or non-game files when used in Switch 2. To use it for game data fully, you must transfer content through Nintendo’s tools or redownload games on Switch 2. We cover using a tool for protector in its own article.

The Switch 2 may handle save data encryption differently, so transferring the card alone won’t allow game continuation. You must use Nintendo’s transfer process to migrate game saves and licenses between consoles.

If your Switch 1 SD card is formatted in FAT32 and under 32 GB, it may need reformatting to exFAT when inserted into Switch 2. This formatting erases all data, so back up before switching cards.

A microSD card with corrupted or damaged files from Switch 1 may cause errors on Switch 2. The system can detect file inconsistencies and prompt you to format the card, losing stored media. People in this spot often ask about switch 2 microsd express card support as well.

Switch 1 SD cards formatted in FAT32 with sizes of 32 GB or less sometimes require reformatting on Switch 2 to exFAT. This is because Switch 2 prefers exFAT for performance and compatibility with larger files. For example, a 32 GB card formatted FAT32 may work initially but show errors with large game updates on Switch 2, prompting a format. Reformatting erases all data, so backing up is necessary before switching cards.

Some users report that very old or cheap microSD cards from Switch 1 cause slower load times or crashes on Switch 2. This happens because Switch 2 games often demand faster read speeds, especially with large open-world titles. Testing the card speed on a PC with tools like CrystalDiskMark can reveal if the card meets the minimum recommended UHS-I U1 standard.

If the Switch 1 SD card was used heavily and contains corrupted sectors, Switch 2 may refuse to read it or prompt repeated format requests. A corrupted card will produce read errors or cause the console to freeze during game loading. Running a file system check on a PC can detect and fix minor errors but some cards may need replacement if they fail repeatedly. If that sounds like your situation, read up on switch 2 microSD card not working next.

What SD card types Switch 2 supports

Switch 2 supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards up to 2 terabytes. Larger capacity cards are not officially supported and may cause issues.

The Switch 2 requires cards formatted in exFAT for capacities over 32 GB. Cards under 32 GB generally use FAT32 format.

While most microSD brands work, speed matters. Cards rated UHS-I with a minimum speed class of U1 or better give reliable game performance.

Avoid cards slower than Class 10. They may cause longer load times or game freezes.

Switch 2’s slot is physically compatible with all microSD types that fit into Switch 1.

Speed class affects game load times. Cards rated UHS-I U3 offer better performance for large games with frequent streaming. However, Switch 2’s internal bus limits speed gains beyond UHS-I U1 in many cases.

Cards over 512 GB are rare but supported theoretically. Yet, some high-capacity cards can cause compatibility issues or longer initial scanning times on Switch 2.

Formatting on a PC to exFAT does not guarantee instant compatibility. Switch 2 may still require formatting through its system menu to apply necessary directory structures.

Switch 2 supports microSD cards from 2 GB up to 2 TB, although cards above 1 TB are rare and expensive. Cards in the 128 GB to 512 GB range offer a good balance of price and storage for most users. For instance, a 256 GB card can hold roughly 40 games averaging 6 GB each, enough for a typical library.

Cards with UHS-I U3 speed ratings deliver faster data transfer, beneficial for large games with frequent streaming, such as open-world or multiplayer titles. However, Switch 2’s hardware limits mean you won’t see major speed gains beyond UHS-I U1 in most cases. Choose cards with at least UHS-I U1 to avoid lag or stutter.

Formatting microSD cards on a PC before use can cause issues if the format isn’t fully compatible. Switch 2 often requires formatting through its system menu to create the correct directory structures and file allocation tables. For example, a card formatted to exFAT on Windows might still prompt format on Switch 2, which is normal.

How to install or switch SD cards on Switch 2

Power off your Switch 2 fully before removing or inserting an SD card to avoid corruption.

The SD card slot is under the kickstand on Switch 2; push the card gently until it clicks in place.

To switch cards, power down, eject the current card by pushing it in to release, then insert the new card.

After inserting a new SD card, Switch 2 scans it and may prompt you to format it if the card’s file system isn’t supported.

Backing up data on your PC or Nintendo cloud before switching cards is wise to prevent loss.

If you insert a card formatted for Switch 1, Switch 2 may prompt to format it to exFAT for compatibility. Declining this means limited functionality and possible read errors.

Powering off completely is critical since Sleep Mode does not fully disengage the SD card controller. Removing cards during Sleep Mode risks corrupted files.

After replacing the card, check available storage in system settings to confirm recognition. If the size appears incorrect, reformat the card on Switch 2.

If you swap SD cards frequently, consider using a microSD card case to avoid losing or damaging cards. Handling cards carefully avoids bent or broken pins that cause read errors.

After inserting the SD card and powering on, navigate to System Settings > Data Management > Manage Save Data/Screenshots to verify the card’s recognized storage. If the size displayed is smaller than expected, the card might have hidden partitions or require reformatting.

If Switch 2 prompts to format the card after insertion, accept the prompt only after backing up any important data. Declining the format can prevent games and screenshots from saving properly, leading to unexpected behavior or errors.

1. Power off Switch 2 completely.
2. Open the kickstand to access the microSD slot.
3. Push the installed SD card gently to eject it.
4. Insert the new SD card until it clicks.
5. Power on and wait for the system to recognize it.

How to transfer data from Switch 1 SD card to Switch 2

Data on your Switch 1 SD card cannot be used directly on Switch 2 due to encryption tied to the original console.

Transfer user profiles and save data between consoles using Nintendo’s built-in data transfer tool over Wi-Fi.

Downloaded games and updates need to be re-downloaded on Switch 2, even if stored on the SD card.

Screenshots and videos on the SD card can move between consoles, but save files cannot.

Backing up SD card contents to a PC before transferring prevents data loss if something goes wrong.

Nintendo’s data transfer tool moves user profiles and save files but excludes downloaded games. You must redownload these manually from your eShop account.

Backing up screenshots and videos to a PC via a USB card reader gives an extra layer of security before transfer.

If Wi-Fi is unstable, data transfers may stall or fail. Use a reliable network and keep consoles close to the router.

Backing up the Switch 1 SD card data on a PC before transfer provides security in case the process fails. Use a USB microSD card reader to copy screenshots and videos, which are not encrypted and can be accessed directly.

The Nintendo data transfer tool works over a local Wi-Fi connection but can be slow with large save data. Keep both consoles plugged into power and avoid moving them during transfer to prevent disconnections.

After transferring save data and user profiles, redownload games from the eShop on Switch 2. This ensures your licenses are properly linked and the game data is decrypted for the new console. Downloading from the eShop also installs the latest updates.

1. From Switch 1, back up your data using the data transfer option in System Settings.
2. Connect both consoles to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. Initiate the transfer on Switch 1 and follow prompts to send data to Switch 2.
4. Re-download games on Switch 2 from the Nintendo eShop.
5. Copy screenshots and videos manually if needed.

Common mistakes when switching SD cards between Switch consoles

Mistake: Removing or inserting SD cards while the console is on causes data corruption and possible loss.

Mistake: Assuming game saves transfer with the SD card alone. Saves are encrypted per console profile.

Mistake: Using unsupported SD card types or formats leads to detection failure on Switch 2.

Mistake: Forgetting to back up screenshots or videos before formatting a new card.

Mistake: Ignoring system prompts to format the SD card, which is necessary for full compatibility.

Ignoring system prompts to format a new SD card leads to slow performance or unreadable data on Switch 2.

Using SD cards formatted in NTFS or other unsupported file systems will cause the console to reject the card.

Mixing SD cards with different block sizes or speeds during transfers can result in file corruption and game crashes.

Not backing up data before switching cards risks permanent loss if the card is damaged or erased during setup.

One common mistake is assuming that the SD card contains all game data and saves. In reality, saves are stored on the console memory or encrypted separately, so transferring the card alone won’t move saves.

Attempting to use a card formatted in a PC-only file system like NTFS results in the console not detecting the card. Switch 2 only supports exFAT and FAT32, so cards must be reformatted if necessary.

Failing to back up content before formatting the card on Switch 2 results in total data loss. Formatting is often necessary when switching cards or after errors, so backing up is essential to preserve screenshots and videos.

• Remove cards only when the console is fully powered off.
• Use Nintendo’s transfer tool for save data, not the SD card itself.
• Check and format SD cards on Switch 2 if needed.
• Backup media files regularly to avoid accidental loss.
• Follow on-screen prompts to ensure proper card setup.

How to choose the right SD card for your Switch 2

Prioritize microSDXC cards with at least Class 10 speed or UHS-I U1 rating to avoid performance issues.

Look for cards from reputable brands offering good warranty and reliability.

Capacity matters: 128 GB to 512 GB balances cost and storage for most gamers.

Format cards on the Switch 2 itself to ensure compatibility and proper file system setup.

Consider buying a USB microSD card reader to back up and manage your data safely.

Consider your gaming library size when picking capacity. A 256 GB card holds about 40 large games averaging 6 GB each.

Beware of counterfeit SD cards sold with false capacities. Check vendor reviews and test cards with software like H2testw.

If you frequently capture screenshots or videos, opt for higher capacity and faster cards to handle large file sizes smoothly.

Budget cards with Class 10 but no UHS rating may work but will increase load times and risk stuttering during gameplay.

Fake or counterfeit SD cards are a risk when buying from unofficial sellers. These cards often report false capacities or slower speeds, leading to corrupted saves or lost data. Test new cards with software like H2testw before use.

If you play many games that save large amounts of data or download many updates, a 512 GB card or larger can prevent frequent management. For example, a 512 GB card holds approximately 80 games at 6 GB each, reducing the need for redownloading or deleting.

Some budget cards have Class 10 speed but no UHS rating. These cards may work but cause longer load times and occasional stuttering during gameplay. Spending a bit more on a UHS-I U1 card improves performance and reduces frustration.

• Capacity: 128 GB to 512 GB recommended for most users
• Speed: UHS-I, Class 10 or better for gaming
• Brand: SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston are reliable
• Format: Always format on Switch 2 before use

Questions people still ask

I’ve switched SD cards between Switch consoles multiple times and here’s what worked best.