Christmas is rapidly approaching so you’re no doubt neck deep in buying presents. If you have any friends or family that are getting a Nintendo Switch for Xmas, your best bet is to absolutely get them a fancy new micro SD card.

Games are all good and that but the Switch isn’t lacking in that department. Where it is lacking is in the storage department. The internal storage features a measly 32GB of space, of which only 25GB is actually usable.

That’s such a low amount of space that certain games like NBA 2K19 won’t even fit on it. Heck, even if you buy most of your games physically you’ll run into trouble eventually thanks to the many patches you’ll have to install to make them function.

Below, we’ve rounded up all of the best micro SD cards you can get right now at the cheapest prices. The costs are slowly creeping down, so you might be surprised at how much bang you can get for your buck.

Please note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale which helps support the site. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.

Best Switch Micro SD cards (USA)

Our US micro SD card recommendations are mostly taken up by SanDisk, as these cards offer far greater value for money than their direct competitors. Having said that, we do recommend a Samsung card at 128GB due to its competitive price and a 512GB option by PNY, as it’s the only current card of that size on the US market.

Best Switch Micro SD cards (UK)

Our UK recommendations are very similar, with SanDisk generally offering the best bang for your buck across all of the ranges. Samsung’s competitively-priced 128GB still makes an appearance but we have another contender in the 512GB range with Integral.

Nintendo Switch Micro SD Cards FAQ

Our micro SD card FAQ below should answer any questions you might have, but feel free to ask us anything in the comments section and we’ll do our best to answer. The most frequently asked questions will then get added here.

Can You Use Any Micro SD Card For Nintendo Switch?

The Switch supports any UHS-I Micro SD, Micro SDHC, or Micro SDXC cards. If you have no idea what any of that means, it’s not really worth worrying about as you have to really go looking for the cards that the Switch doesn’t support.

Given how little the speed differs between the different cards that the Switch does support, we recommend just ignoring that aspect entirely and just grabbing the cheapest you can find. It really doesn’t make much difference.

Besides, cartridges are almost always slower than Micro SD cards, so no matter which you go for, you’re going to get improved loading speeds.

Where Is The Micro SD Card slot?

If you’re wondering how to go about putting a Micro SD card into your Nintendo Switch, the handy photo above should help.

To access the Micro SD card slot on your Nintendo Switch, simply pop out the kickstand on the back of the Switch. Inserting a Micro SD card can be a bit fiddly, so you’ll want to do it with the logo facing up. Push the card into the slot until it makes a reassuring clicking sound.

What Speed Micro SD Card Should I Buy?

At the moment, speed isn’t really worth considering when you purchase a micro SD card for your Nintendo Switch. The reason for this is that the Switch only supports UHS-1 cards, which max out at 104MB/s in terms of speed. The UHS-2 types are three times faster, with a 312MB/s speed but that’s irrelevant as the Switch doesn’t currently support them.

While it’s true that the speed between even the UHS-1 cards does vary, the differences just aren’t noticeable enough to worry about. That’s why we’ve focused purely on the best value for money, as there is a considerably larger difference between the prices of two micro SD cards than there is the speed.

What Size/Capacity Micro SD Card Should I Buy?

It’s going to be a while until 2TB cards are available and, more importantly, affordable. Right now you typically have the choice of 512GB, 400GB, 256GB, 200GB, and 128GB.

SanDisk has finally released a Micro SD card with a capacity of 400GB, which is a fantastic option for Switch owners who plan to download a lot of games, but it comes with a high price tag at the moment.

PNY has just released a 512GB Micro SD card too, with a similarly eye-watering price tag. This is the largest micro SD card from a respected manufacturer that we have seen. If you have that sort of cash to spend, this could be the ultimate option for your Switch.

On the other end of the scale you can pick up a very cheap 128GB Micro SD card, but chances are you’ll fill it up within a year or sooner with downloads, so we recommend you think long-term and consider the ~200-256GB range.

The best value for money right now is 200GB from SanDisk, which has been available for as little as $50.

An alternative approach would be to buy multiple cards and swap them depending on which games you want to play – slightly more effort, but potentially very affordable.

What Type/Brand Of Micro SD Card Is Best?

Nintendo Switch ideally wants the fastest micro SD card for improved loading times; generally, a good micro SD card will outperform Nintendo’s official game cards, which is a bonus for downloaders.

Each time SD Card technology has evolved its speed is rated, you can usually get a “read speed” rating on the SD Card your looking at buying. You should also notice that micro SDXC is the newer, faster type versus the older micro SDHC.

Brands also offer “premium” versions of their products; one example is the SanDisk “Ultra” range, which is typically populated by their fastest cards.

We’d recommend going for one of the premium offerings if you can, but it shouldn’t make a huge difference for the average user.

Should I Install All Of My Games On A Micro SD?

Given the Nintendo Switch’s limited 32GB of internal storage – of which only 25.9GB is actually usable – you’re going to be forced to install the vast majority of your downloaded games directly onto the micro SD.

However, we have learned that games installed directly onto the internal storage saw improved load times over cartridges and micro SDs, with the most extreme cases improving load times on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild by a whopping five seconds.

The differences between Switch cartridges and micro SD were too small to really fuss over – a mere second or two here and there – but it does seem like installing on the internal storage offers a significant improvement. As such, we’d recommend installing your most played game/s on your internal storage, and the rest onto the micro SD.

How Do I Move A Game Between Micro SD And Internal Storage?

Sadly, there’s no easy way to quickly move a game from the micro SD to your internal storage. Instead, you’re going to have to delete and download it again.

When downloading a game, the Switch will always favour the micro SD card over internal storage, so to ensure a download goes into the internal storage, you’re going to have to take the micro SD card out first.

Turn off the Switch before you do so to avoid any nasty data corruption, then take the micro SD card out of its slot. Turn the Switch back on, head to the eShop, and download the game you want to be installed on your internal storage. Once the download is complete, you can turn the Switch back off and pop the micro SD card back in.

To move a game from internal storage to micro SD card, just reverse the steps. First delete or archive it, then download it while the micro SD card is in its slot. As the console favours micro SD over internal storage, it will download there first – provided there’s enough space, of course.

Don’t worry about losing your save files while deleting or archiving a game though – they’re stored in a different location, and require deleting separately. Also, cloud-based saving is a thing now thanks to Nintendo Switch Online. Huzzah!

Whichever Micro SD card you pick, you’re going to be increasing the potential of your beloved Nintendo Switch. If you plan on taking your Switch out with you on your travels, having a large capacity will be a great idea as you won’t need to carry loads of pesky carts around with you.

Charles Martinet is best known for voicing Nintendo’s iconic character Mario. Since 1990, Martinet has been providing the voice for this character and nearly three decades later he’s still doing it. Thanks to the recent release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, Martinet was able to reach a very special milestone.

According to the Guinness World Records – the global authority on record-breaking achievements since 1955 – Charles now officially holds the world record for the most video game voiceover performances as the same character. To be precise, that’s exactly 100 performances as Mario, as of 7th December 2018. Here’s a look at the voice of Mario receiving the certificate for his achievement:

Once again, it’s thanks to the recent release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We think it’s rather fitting he’s been able to reach this milestone with a game that is arguably one of the greatest Nintendo titles to ever be released and one that is already breaking existing sales records on all fronts.

On behalf of the community here at Nintendo Life, we would like to congratulate Charles on this epic milestone.

By Christine McKee
Saturday, December 15, 2018, 03:01 pm PT (06:01 pm ET)

For two hours only, eBay is knocking 10% off already reduced prices on tech or 15% off everything else. With a max discount of $75 off, it’s a great time to snap up the lowest prices available on Apple’s latest iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and Apple Watch Series 4 right before Christmas.

10% off tech or 15% off everything else

With just two hours remaining before the deal expires, now is the time to take advantage of eBay’s latest coupon, which knocks 10% off tech and 15% off everything else. This offer includes Apple’s latest products, such as the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, HomePod, MacBook Pro, Beats headphones and even 2018 iPad Pros, with no minimum spend and a max discount of $75 off.

To snap up the deals, apply coupon code PICKUPSALE during checkout. The 10% discount is valid in the following categories: Cameras & Photo, Cell Phones & Accessories, Computers/Tablets & Networking, Consumer Electronics, Video Games & Consoles, while the 15% discount works in all other categories with the exception of warranties and protection plans, gift cards, coins, paper money, coupons and real estate. The offer is open to eBay members with a registered address in the United States, Canada, Latin America or the Caribbean. Coupon can be used once within a single transaction (or cart), while supplies last. Offer expires at 11:59 p.m. Pacific on Dec. 15.

Up to $75 off the following:

Additional Apple Deals

AppleInsider and Apple authorized resellers are also running a handful of additional exclusive promotions this month on Apple hardware that will not only deliver the lowest prices on many of the items, but also throw in discounts on AppleCare, software and accessories. These deals are as follows:

Play THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV STEAM EDITION for FREE starting now through Sunday at 1PM Pacific Time. You can also pickup THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV at 75% off the regular price!*

If you already have Steam installed, click here to install or play THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV STEAM EDITION. If you don’t have Steam, you can download it here.

*Offer ends Monday at 10AM Pacific Time

© 2018 Valve Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks are property of their respective owners in the US and other countries.

7.20e:
==
* Wraith Band: Bonus agility reduced from +8 to +6 (cost reduced by 25)
* Bracer: Bonus strength reduced from +8 to +6 (cost reduced by 25)
* Null Talisman: Bonus intelligence reduced from +8 to +6 (cost reduced by 25)
* Power Treads: Bonus damage reduced from 16 to 12

* Anti-Mage: Counterspell duration reduced from 1.4 to 1.2
* Anti-Mage: Counterspell manacost increased from 40 to 45/50/55/60
* Beastmaster: Level 25 Talent reduced from +40 Inner Beast Attack Speed to +30
* Brewmaster: Drunken Brawler critical damage reduced from 200/220/240/260% to 170/200/230/260%
* Brewmaster: Drunken Brawler cooldown increased from 20/19/18/17 to 23/21/19/17
* Bristleback: Strength gain increased from 2.2 to 2.5
* Bristleback: Bristleback now considers damage from towers as valid
* Chaos Knight: Chaos Strike lifesteal increased from 35/45/55/65% to 50/55/60/65%
* Dark Seer: Surge speed reduced from 36/54/72/90% to 30/45/60/75%
* Dazzle: Poison Touch cast range reduced from 600/700/800/900 to 500/600/700/800
* Dazzle: Poison Touch manacost increased from 80/100/120/140 to 95/110/125/140
* Dazzle: Shallow Grave cooldown increased from 60/45/30/15 to 60/46/32/18
* Death Prophet: Spirit Siphon charge replenish time reduced from 60/55/50/45 to 60/52/44/36
* Death Prophet: Exorcism damage increased from 56-61 to 59-64
* Ember Spirit: Strength increased from 20 + 2.4 to 21 + 2.6
* Grimstroke: Ink Swell max stun duration reduced from 1.7/2.4/3.1/3.8 to 1.4/2.2/3/3.8
* Grimstroke: Soulbind cooldown increased from 90/70/50 to 100/75/50
* Gyrocopter: Agility gain increased from 2.8 to 3.1
* Huskar: Level 10 Talent reduced from +20 Damage to +15
* Juggernaut: Omnislash bonus damage from 30/45/60 to 30/40/50
* Keeper of the Light: Will-O-Wisp off period increased from 1.75 to 1.85
* Keeper of the Light: Will-O-Wisp AoE increased from 650 to 675
* Lifestealer: Agility gain increased from 1.9 to 2.4
* Lina: Base armor increased by 1
* Lone Druid: Base movement speed reduced from 340 to 330
* Lone Druid: Spirit Bear movement speed increased from 340/350/360/370 to 340/355/370/385
* Lone Druid: Level 10 Talent reduced from +150 Attack Range to +125
* Lone Druid: Level 20 Talent improved from -0.2 Spirit Bear Base Attack Time to -0.3
* Magnus: Empower bonus damage reduced from 20/30/40/50 to 10/20/30/40%
* Magnus: Empower cleave reduced from 20/38/56/74% to 14/34/54/74%
* Magnus: Reverse Polarity cooldown increased from 120 to 130
* Night Stalker: Dark Ascension cooldown reduced from 160/140/120 to 140/130/120
* Outworld Devourer: Equilibrium mana restore from 80/100/120/140% to 65/90/115/140%
* Phantom Assassin: Phantom Strike duration reduced from 2.25 to 2
* Phantom Assassin: Stifling Dagger manacost increased from 30/25/20/15 to 30
* Phantom Assassin: Coup de Grace critical damage reduced from 210/330/450% to 200/325/450%
* Phantom Assassin: Blur manacost increased from 30 to 50
* Puck: Base armor increased by 1
* Puck: Illusory Orb cooldown reduced from 14/13/12/11 to 13/12/11/10
* Queen of Pain: Agility increased from 18 + 2 to 22 + 2.2
* Queen of Pain: Scream of Pain manacost reduced from 110/120/130/140 to 95/110/125/140
* Riki: Base damage increased by 3
* Sand King: Sand Storm damage reduced from 25/50/75/100 to 20/40/60/80
* Shadow Fiend: Base armor increased by 1
* Slark: Level 20 talent reduced from +1.5s Pounce Leash to +1.25s
* Spectre: Haunt illusion damage increased from 40/55/70% to 40/60/80%
* Storm Spirit: Base damage increased by 2
* Sven: Base movement speed increased from 290 to 295
* Sven: Warcry shield health is 25% stronger on your hero
* Terrorblade: Metamorphosis movement speed loss increased from 25 to 30
* Undying: Flesh Golem cooldown increased from 110 to 125
* Undying: Level 10 Talent reduced from +10 Health Regen to +8
* Ursa: Base movement speed increased from 305 to 315
* Venomancer: Poison Nova damage increased from 30/55/80 to 40/65/90

It’s been a while since we’ve done a lovely livestream, so come join Alex as he plays through the epic space shooter Everspace – Stellar Edition on the Nintendo Switch.

In our Everspace review, we felt it was an entertaining roguelike which fuses FTL with Rogue Squadron. We awarded it a mighty 8/10.

The livestream starts at 5pm UK time, so don’t miss out. Of course we’ll be archiving it for your future viewing pleasure, so no worries if you can’t join us live.

Sneaking onto the Nintendo Switch this week is Atari Flashback Classics, a collection of 150 Atari favourites all in one handy bundle.

Atari Flashback Classics includes a whole range of titles from the Atari 2600 and Atari 5200 home consoles, as well as some former arcade exclusives. We’re talking games like Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command, and Pong to name a few, with in-game achievements, leaderboards, and other social features supported, too. There’s even an archive full of classic artwork to round things off nicely.

We’ve got a feature list and a collection of screenshots for you to check out below.

Key Features Include:
– 150 Classic Atari 2600, 5200 and Arcade Games: Play seminal Atari titles including Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, Tempest®, Warlords®, and many more.
– Online and Local Multiplayer: Battle for arcade supremacy against friends online or at home.
– Online Leaderboards: Compare your high scores with players from around the world.
– Nintendo Switch Functionality: Designed to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s greatest features.
– Brand New User-Interface: New User-Interface designed to re-create the greatest classic arcade experience.

The game is available directly from the North American eShop for $39.99. A European release date is still to be confirmed, so you might have to set up a North American account if you’re hoping to get your hands on it immediately.

Do you plan on jumping into this Atari collection? Let us know with a comment.