PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.

Nintendo Switch-Branded Micro SD Cards Launching

In Japan, 16GB and 32GB branded cards will be available on Switch launch day.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

Our team tests, rates, and reviews more than 1,500 products each year to help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology.

Our Expert
LOOK INSIDE PC LABS HOW WE TEST
65 EXPERTS
43 YEARS
41,500+ REVIEWS

The storage available as standard inside the Nintendo Switch is tiny compared to other games consoles at just 32GB. But due to the use of cartridges for games, if you buy physical copies then internal storage isn't going to be an issue. Digital purchases, however, will fill up that 32GB quickly, so a Micro SD card is essential.

Unlike Sony, which forced expensive proprietary memory cards on to PS Vita owners, Nintendo opted for the Micro SD standard. These cards are cheap and readily available worldwide, but that doesn't mean Nintendo isn't keen to make some cash from sales of the cards.

With that in mind, accessory manufacturer Hori is set to launch a range of Nintendo Switch-branded Micro SD cards. They'll have the Switch name across the top of the card in white on a red background. They are fast Class 10 cards and will initially be available in 16GB and 32GB sizes launching on March 3 in Japan alongside the Switch. Both cards are already listed on Amazon Japan without a price.

I suspect we'll get the same branded cards in the US and across Europe. I also don't think it will take long for a 64GB card to appear. Typically, you can expect to pay $10 for a 16GB card and $13 for a 32GB card. If I had to guess, I'd say Hori will offer these branded versions for $15 and $25 respectively, or even $20 and $30 considering Nintendo will demand a percentage of the profits on every card sold.

If they do turn out to be that expensive, then do not buy one. There is no difference to a standard Class 10 card other than branding. Also, consider that a 64GB Micro SD card can be had for under $20.

About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

Read full bio