What once was a headache in trying to transfer data from your Nintendo Switch’s internal memory to an SD card is now a breeze. The Nintendo Switch comes with only 32GB of internal memory. With games that can be more than 30GB each, Nintendo Switch’s built-in 32GB storage will not get you very far.
Even though microSD cards have always been a part of the Switch, for years Switch users were unable to transfer data from internal memory to their microSD cards. Thankfully, Nintendo realized the error of their ways and made it much easier to manage data on the Nintendo Switch.
Want to download a lot of games to your Nintendo Switch? By adding a microSD card to your device, you can expand the storage on your Switch to better accommodate your downloading habits. That means more games, more screenshots, more videos, and more! If you have already downloaded games onto your Nintendo Switch system memory you may want to transfer them to your microSD card to clear up space. It is an easy feat to accomplish, if you have a few minutes to follow some simple steps.
Follow These Steps to Transfer Nintendo Switch Games to Your MicroSD Card
- Make sure your Switch is turned off. Insert your microSD card into the Nintendo Switch console. The slot is located behind the kickstand.
- Turn on your Switch.
- Select System Settings from your Switch’s Home screen.
- Select Data Management. You’ll need to scroll down a bit.

- Select Manage Software.
- Select the game you want to transfer.

- Select Archive Software.
- Select Archive.

- Press Home button to go back to your Home screen. It’s on the right Joy-Con underneath the thumbstick.
- Select the archived game from your Home screen.
- Select Download.

The game will download onto your microSD card automatically. Remember that you can play the game off the microSD card, but when you save data, the data will always be saved to your system memory.
These easy to follow steps to transfer Nintendo Switch Games to your microSD card will help you free up space and manage your data with ease.