Will getting a larger SD card help my games run better on the Nintendo Switch?
Using a larger SD card for your Nintendo Switch primarily benefits storage capacity rather than performance. Here’s a breakdown of how SD cards impact game performance on the Switch:
Storage Capacity vs. Speed
The Nintendo Switch supports UHS-I microSD cards, which have a maximum theoretical read speed of 104MB/s. In practice, this means that while higher-capacity cards can store more games, they do not significantly improve loading times compared to smaller cards that meet the same speed specifications
Tests have shown that the internal storage of the Switch is the fastest option for loading games, followed by microSD cards, which are slightly faster than physical cartridges. However, the difference in load times between various microSD cards is minimal, often just fractions of a second
Choosing the Right SD Card
When selecting an SD card, focus on capacity rather than speed. Cards that meet the minimum read speed of 60 to 95MB/s specified by Nintendo will perform adequately Thus, investing in a high-speed card (like UHS-II or UHS-III) is unnecessary since these speeds exceed what the Switch can utilize.
For optimal performance, it’s recommended to install frequently played games on the Switch's internal memory if you want to minimize load times
Conclusion
In summary, while a larger SD card allows you to store more games and content on your Nintendo Switch, it will not inherently make games run better or load faster. For improved loading times, prioritize using the internal storage for your most-played titles and choose a microSD card that offers sufficient capacity without overspending on unnecessary speed features.