Nintendo Switch’s memory will expand by up to 2TB

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Good news for those who prefer to digitally download their games: a Nintendo representative has confirmed to Game Informer that its upcoming Switch console will support Micro SDXC cards, allowing them to expand console’s storage space by up to 2TB.

Of course, right now the highest capacity offered by Micro SDXC cards is 256GB - though physically larger cards can hold up to 512GB - but this means that Nintendo has future proofed the console the way many phone manufacturers have done ready for a time when these higher capacity cards inevitably become available. 

Some concerns were raised after it was revealed that the Nintendo Switch only comes with 32GB of internal storage. Compared to internal storage offered by other mainstream consoles, this is minuscule.

Both the Xbox One and PS4 come with a minimum of 500GB onboard.

Make room

Of course, the Nintendo Switch doesn’t need quite as much internal storage as consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as, if it works like Nintendo’s previous offerings, it’ll run games from its cartridges rather than install them onto the system. 

For those who prefer digital downloads to carrying cartridges, however, it’ll be welcome news as it was revealed that launch title Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild will take up almost half of this space on its own without taking into account the fact that the console’s operating system will also have to take up storage space. 

Expanding the console’s memory won’t come cheap, though, since buying a 256GB Micro SDXC can set you back over £100. Taking into consideration the cost of the console, its games and its accessories this is worth bearing in mind.

Emma Boyle

Emma Boyle is TechRadar’s ex-Gaming Editor, and is now a content developer and freelance journalist. She has written for magazines and websites including T3, Stuff and The Independent. Emma currently works as a Content Developer in Edinburgh.

Latest in Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Odyssey played on a Nintendo Switch in portable mode
YouTuber seemingly reveals the first hands-on look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new magnetic Joy-Cons
Nintendo Switch Pro
To the surprise of absolutely no one, another new look at the Nintendo Switch 2 has seemingly leaked
Nintendo Switch 2
If the Switch 2 can't perform at the same level as the Z1 Extreme Asus ROG Ally even with Nvidia's DLSS, then Nintendo is in trouble
Nintendo Switch 2
New Nintendo Switch 2 leak may have revealed the first look at the new handheld
Nintendo Switch Pro
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories have reportedly appeared for sale online, but I've seen Bigfoot photos that are more believable
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo finally confirms that the Switch 2 will be backwards compatible
Latest in News
A screenshot showing Naoe looking at the hidden blade in Assassin's Creed Shadows
Prep 107GB of space as Assassin's Creed Shadows preload and expected global release times are shared by Ubisoft
Sam Altman and OpenAI
UK regulator clears Microsoft’s $13bn deal with OpenAI after lengthy delay
Google AI Mode
Google previews AI Mode for search, taking on the likes of ChatGPT search and Perplexity
AMD Ryzen 9950X
Ryzen CPUs are the cheapest Zen 5 cores you can buy, but I was surprised to see this AMD 192-core CPUs on the value leaderboard
A hand holding a phone showing the Android Find My Device network
Android's Find My Device can now let you track your friends – and I can't decide if that's cool or creepy
Insta360 X4 360 degree camera without lens protector
Leaked DJI Osmo 360 image suggests GoPro and Insta360 should be worried – here's why