Nintendo Switch: How Many Games Can You Store?

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Nintendo Switch: How Many Games Can You Store?

Hey there, fellow Nintendo Switch enthusiasts! Ever wondered just how many games you can cram onto your beloved console? It's a question that crosses every gamer's mind, especially when those eShop sales are just too tempting to resist. Let's dive deep into the storage capabilities of the Nintendo Switch and explore how you can maximize your gaming library without running into that dreaded "storage full" message.

Understanding the Nintendo Switch's Internal Storage

So, you're probably thinking, "How many games can I actually download before my Switch starts throwing a fit?" Well, let's break it down. The original Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, but here's the kicker: a chunk of that is reserved for the system's operating system. That means you're left with roughly 25.9GB of usable space. Now, the Nintendo Switch OLED model bumps that up to 64GB, giving you around 57GB after system files.

But wait, there's more! Game sizes vary wildly. An indie gem might be a few hundred megabytes, while a AAA title like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can hog over 14GB. To give you a clearer picture, let's consider some examples:

  • Stardew Valley: Around 1GB
  • Hollow Knight: Approximately 9GB
  • Super Mario Odyssey: Roughly 6GB
  • The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: About 14.4GB
  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Around 6.2GB

As you can see, the number of games you can store internally depends heavily on the size of each game. You might squeeze in a dozen smaller indie titles, but only a couple of massive AAA games. So, what's a gamer to do when the internal storage isn't enough? Fear not, because Nintendo has a solution!

The Savior: MicroSD Cards

Here's where microSD cards come to the rescue! The Nintendo Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards, allowing you to expand your storage significantly. The Switch can handle cards up to 2TB, which is an insane amount of space for digital games. With a microSD card, you can carry your entire gaming library with you wherever you go. No more agonizing over which games to delete to make room for new ones!

Choosing the right microSD card is crucial. You'll want to consider both capacity and speed. A faster card will ensure quicker loading times and smoother gameplay. Look for cards with a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Phase I) rating and a speed class of 1 (U1) or higher. A U3 rating is even better, as it guarantees a minimum write speed of 30MB/s.

Here are some recommended microSD card sizes and how many games you might expect to store on them:

  • 64GB MicroSD Card: This is a good starting point. It can hold a decent number of indie games and a few larger titles.
  • 128GB MicroSD Card: A sweet spot for many gamers. You'll have plenty of room for a mix of large and small games.
  • 256GB MicroSD Card: Ideal for avid gamers who want to keep a large library of games on hand.
  • 512GB+ MicroSD Card: For the ultimate digital hoarders! You'll likely never run out of space with a card this size.

Managing Your Game Storage

Alright, so you've got your microSD card, and you're ready to download a ton of games. But how do you manage everything? The Nintendo Switch makes it relatively easy to move games and data between the internal storage and the microSD card. Here's a quick guide:

  1. Insert the microSD card into the slot on the back of the Switch, under the kickstand.
  2. Go to System Settings from the home menu.
  3. Scroll down to Data Management.
  4. Select Move Data Between System / microSD Card.
  5. Choose whether you want to move data from the system to the microSD card or vice versa.
  6. Select the game you want to move and confirm your choice.

Keep in mind that game save data is always stored on the system's internal memory and cannot be transferred to the microSD card. This is to prevent cheating and ensure the integrity of your save files. However, game updates and downloadable content (DLC) can be stored on the microSD card.

Tips for Maximizing Your Nintendo Switch Storage

Okay, gamers, let's get down to brass tacks. Here are some ninja-level tips to help you maximize your Nintendo Switch storage and keep your digital library organized:

  • Prioritize Physical Copies: If you're a collector or prefer owning physical media, consider buying physical copies of larger games. This will save a significant amount of space on your internal storage or microSD card.
  • Regularly Review Your Game Library: Take some time to go through your installed games and delete any that you no longer play. Be honest with yourself – are you really going to replay that game you haven't touched in months?
  • Archive Games Instead of Deleting: If you're not quite ready to part with a game but need to free up space, you can archive it. Archiving removes the game data from your system but keeps the game icon on your home menu. When you want to play it again, simply re-download it.
  • Manage Downloadable Content (DLC): DLC can take up a surprising amount of space. If you're not actively using DLC for a particular game, consider deleting it to free up space. You can always re-download it later if you need it.
  • Use Cloud Saves: Nintendo Switch Online members can back up their save data to the cloud. This is a great way to protect your progress in case something happens to your system or microSD card. Plus, it allows you to easily transfer your save data to a new Switch if you ever upgrade.

The Future of Nintendo Switch Storage

As game sizes continue to grow, the need for more storage on the Nintendo Switch will only become more pressing. While the current 2TB limit for microSD cards is quite generous, it's possible that Nintendo could increase this limit in future hardware revisions. We might even see a Nintendo Switch model with significantly more internal storage.

In the meantime, microSD cards remain the best way to expand your Nintendo Switch storage. With a little planning and management, you can create a vast digital library that you can take with you wherever you go. So go forth, download those games, and enjoy the wonderful world of Nintendo Switch gaming!

Conclusion

So, how many games can you have on a Nintendo Switch? The answer, as you now know, is "it depends!" It depends on the size of the games, whether you're using physical or digital copies, and whether you've invested in a microSD card. With a bit of smart storage management, you can ensure that you always have room for your favorite games and new adventures. Happy gaming, everyone!