Finding storage for your games is one of the most important parts of owning a new console. The Nintendo Switch 2 does have internal storage, but you’ll likely want to use an SD card, especially if you’re transferring a bunch of games from an original Nintendo Switch. Here’s what you need to know about moving games to an SD card on the Switch 2.
How to move games to an SD card
The Nintendo Switch 2 uses a different microSD card than the Nintendo Switch, so you first need to get a microSD Express card. The Nintendo Switch 2 console will prompt you to insert the new SD card when you’re setting it up for the first time.
To insert the microSD Express card, you need to lift the stand on the back of the Nintendo Switch 2. The SD card port is located on the bottom-right side of the console, and you can press “How to insert” on the screen during this process to see the exact spot.
The Nintendo Switch 2 will automatically start moving games to the new console once your save data and screenshots have been transferred. All compatible games that were already downloaded on the previous Nintendo Switch console will automatically start downloading on the Nintendo Switch 2 when you reach the home screen.
When you buy game software–like from the Nintendo eShop, for example–it’ll be added to your collection of Virtual Game Cards. Select the Virtual Game Cards icon at the bottom of the home screen to see your collection and pick games to download onto the microSD Express card. The blue icon on the bottom-right corner of the Virtual Game Card indicates that it’s on the SD card. If the icon is black, the game hasn’t been downloaded yet.
A microSD Express card does not come with the purchase of a Nintendo Switch 2 console, so you need to buy it separately, along with any other peripherals you may need or want.
