Nintendo Switch: How Many Games Can You Store?

So, you're a Nintendo Switch enthusiast, huh? Awesome! One of the burning questions every Switch owner faces sooner or later is: how many games can I actually cram onto this thing? Well, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of game storage on your beloved handheld console. We'll explore everything from the Switch's internal storage to external options like microSD cards, so you can maximize your gaming library without constantly deleting and redownloading titles.

Understanding Nintendo Switch Storage

First off, let's get clear about the built-in storage situation. The original Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, while the Nintendo Switch Lite only has 32GB as well. Sounds like a decent amount, right? Well, not exactly. After system files and essential data are accounted for, you're left with roughly 25.9GB of usable space. Yep, that's the reality. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch OLED model bumps things up a bit with 64GB of internal storage, giving you more breathing room right out of the box, with about 56.0 GB available for use.

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, 25.9GB isn't that bad." But consider this: modern games, especially AAA titles, can be quite large. Games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can take up around 14.4 GB, and L.A. Noire needs a whopping 29 GB. See where I'm going with this? You could potentially fill up your entire storage with just one or two big games! It's kinda crazy, right? And this is before you even think about downloading smaller indie games or demos.

So, before you get too disheartened, remember this is where microSD cards come to the rescue. Seriously, Nintendo knew what they were doing by including that little slot.

The Savior: microSD Cards

Ah, the microSD card – the unsung hero of Nintendo Switch storage. These tiny cards can massively expand your storage capacity, allowing you to carry dozens, if not hundreds, of games with you. The Nintendo Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. But here’s the key: you’ll want to aim for a microSDXC card if you're planning on getting serious about digital game downloads, especially since they support the highest storage capacities.

So, what's the maximum size microSD card the Switch can handle? Officially, the Nintendo Switch supports microSD cards up to 2TB. That's terabytes, guys! Can you imagine having 2TB of game storage on your Switch? That’s enough space for a seriously impressive digital library. While 2TB cards might be a bit pricey and overkill for most users right now, it’s good to know you have that option for future-proofing.

When choosing a microSD card, it’s not just about the storage capacity. You also need to consider the speed class. Nintendo recommends using a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) microSD card with a transfer speed of at least 60-95MB/s for optimal performance. This ensures that your games load quickly and run smoothly. Slower cards might result in longer loading times or even performance issues.

Where do you find these cards? They are readily available from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, and Lexar. Make sure you buy from trusted retailers to avoid counterfeit cards, which can be slower or have less storage than advertised. Nobody wants that, right?

Managing Your Game Storage

Okay, so you've got your microSD card installed and ready to go. Now what? Managing your game storage on the Nintendo Switch is pretty straightforward, but there are a few things you should know.

First, you can choose where your games are downloaded. By default, the Switch will save downloaded games to the system memory (internal storage) if there's enough space. If you want to save directly to your microSD card, you can change the download location in the system settings. Go to System Settings > Data Management > Save Data/Screenshots and Videos > Save Destination to select your preferred location.

What about games you've already downloaded to the system memory? No problem! You can easily move them to your microSD card to free up space. In the same Data Management menu, select Move Data Between System / microSD Card. From there, you can choose which games to move. Easy peasy! However, keep in mind that save data is always stored on the system memory and cannot be moved to the microSD card. This is to prevent cheating and ensure the integrity of your game progress.

Deleting games is also a breeze. If you need to free up space, you can archive or delete games. Archiving a game removes the game data from your system but keeps the game icon on the home screen. When you want to play it again, you'll need to redownload it. Deleting a game, on the other hand, removes the game data and the icon. Choose wisely! To archive or delete a game, highlight the game icon on the home screen, press the + or - button, and select Data Management.

Physical vs. Digital Games

Another factor that affects how many games you can have on your Nintendo Switch is whether you prefer physical or digital games. Physical games come on cartridges, so they don't take up any space on your system storage (except for updates and DLC). If you're a collector or prefer owning physical copies, this can be a great way to save storage space.

However, digital games offer the convenience of having your entire library at your fingertips. No need to swap cartridges! But as we've discussed, they do eat up storage space. A good strategy might be to buy physical copies of large, AAA games and download smaller indie titles digitally.

Think about your gaming habits. Do you like to have a wide variety of games available at all times, or do you tend to focus on one or two games at a time? If you're the former, a large microSD card is a must. If you're the latter, you might be able to get by with just the internal storage or a smaller microSD card.

Tips for Maximizing Storage

Alright, let's wrap things up with some handy tips for maximizing your Nintendo Switch storage:

1. Invest in a High-Capacity microSD Card: As we've stressed, this is the single best way to expand your storage. Aim for at least 128GB, but 256GB or 512GB is even better if you plan on downloading a lot of games.
2. Regularly Manage Your Storage: Take some time every now and then to go through your installed games and delete or archive the ones you're not playing. Be honest with yourself – are you really going to replay that game anytime soon?
3. Consider Physical Games: For large, AAA titles, physical copies can save a significant amount of storage space. Plus, you can always trade them in later if you're done with them.
4. Download Demos Sparingly: Demos can be a great way to try out new games, but they can also eat up storage space. Only download demos for games you're seriously considering buying.
5. Back Up Save Data: While save data is always stored on the system memory, it's a good idea to back it up to the cloud using Nintendo Switch Online. This way, you won't lose your progress if something happens to your Switch.

So, how many games can you have on your Nintendo Switch? The answer really depends on the size of the games and the storage capacity you have available. With a large microSD card and some smart storage management, you can carry a vast library of games with you wherever you go. Happy gaming, folks!