Which microSD Card for Switch, Switch 2 and Dashcams?
microSD cards look identical, but the right one depends heavily on the device. A card that is perfect for an original Switch will not work for games on a Switch 2, and a fast gaming card can wear out quickly in a dashcam. Here is what to buy for each.
Nintendo Switch 2: microSD Express only
Nintendo is clear: Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards for games, updates, DLC, screenshots and video (Nintendo Support). Key points from Nintendo:
- Any card that meets the microSD Express standard, up to 2TB, is supported.
- The first time you use one, the console needs a system update over the internet.
- Game save data stays in system memory. It cannot be saved to the card.
- An old Switch microSD card can only be used on Switch 2 to import screenshots and videos.
(Nintendo microSD Express FAQ)
microSD Express uses a PCIe/NVMe interface. The SD Association lists it at 985 MB/s bus speed for PCIe Gen 3 (SD Association: Bus Speed). That is several times the 104 MB/s limit of UHS-I.
Pick: SanDisk microSD Express card, in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB. SanDisk rates it at up to 880MB/s read, and up to 480MB/s write (128GB) or 650MB/s write (256GB and 512GB) (SanDisk).
Original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite and OLED: a regular microSD card
The original Switch family uses standard microSD (microSDHC/microSDXC). It can also read a microSD Express card, but only at regular microSD speed (Nintendo Support). So there is no need to pay extra for Express unless you plan to move to a Switch 2.
A reliable UHS-I card in 256GB or 512GB is the sweet spot for a digital game library.
Pick: SanDisk microSDXC Card for Nintendo Switch.
Dashcams and security cameras: buy for endurance, not speed
A dashcam overwrites the same card around the clock, and that wears out flash memory. "Endurance" cards are built for that job and rated in hours of recording:
- SanDisk High Endurance: up to 2,500 hours (32GB) to 40,000 hours (512GB) of Full HD recording, rated U3 / V30 (SanDisk).
- SanDisk Max Endurance: up to 15,000 hours (32GB) to 120,000 hours (256GB) of Full HD recording (SanDisk).
SanDisk notes that the hours are lower when recording in 4K.
For a 4K dashcam, look for V30 (a 30 MB/s minimum sustained write, per the SD Association).
Picks: SanDisk High Endurance microSD for most cars, or SanDisk Max Endurance microSD for 24/7 rideshare or home security use.
Quick chooser
| Device | Card type | Look for |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch 2 | microSD Express | Express logo, up to 2TB |
| Switch / Lite / OLED | microSDXC UHS-I | 256GB–512GB |
| Dashcam / security cam | Endurance microSD | V30, rated hours |
FAQ
Can I use my old Switch microSD card in a Switch 2? Only to import screenshots and videos. Games and downloads on Switch 2 need a microSD Express card.
What is the largest card Switch 2 supports? Nintendo supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB.
Do game saves go on the microSD card? Not on Switch 2. Save data stays in system memory.
Will a microSD Express card work in the original Switch? Yes, but at regular microSD speed.
Why use an endurance card in a dashcam? Dashcams record and overwrite constantly. Endurance cards are rated for thousands of hours of continuous recording, while regular cards can wear out sooner.
Sources
- Nintendo, microSD card and microSD Express card compatibility: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68425/
- Nintendo, microSD Express Card FAQ: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/68218/
- SD Association, Bus Speed: https://www.sdcard.org/developers/sd-standard-overview/bus-speed-default-speed-high-speed-uhs-sd-express/
- SD Association, Speed Class: https://www.sdcard.org/developers/sd-standard-overview/speed-class/
- SanDisk microSD Express card: https://www.sandisk.com/products/memory-cards/microsd-cards/sandisk-microsd-express-memory-card
- SanDisk High Endurance microSD: https://www.sandisk.com/products/memory-cards/microsd-cards/sandisk-high-endurance-uhs-i-microsd
- SanDisk specialty cards (Max Endurance): https://www.sandisk.com/solutions/memory-cards/specialty