How Much Storage Do You Really Need for Switch 2?

Switch 2 packs 256GB storage—but is that really enough for today’s AAA titles? Here is what you need to know regarding game sizes and more.

How Much Storage Do You Really Need for Switch 2?
An image showing a few micro SD Express cards, a superfast storage option for the Switch 2 (Image via Lexar, B&H)

The Nintendo Switch 2 is looking to be an incredible gaming console so far. Unfortunately, it has attracted considerable criticism due to its limited availability, overpriced games, and closed ecosystem. The hardware experiences a significant improvement, but it is still significantly less competitive in terms of pricing compared to equally priced hardware, such as the ROG Ally and others. That said, if you already have one or plan to buy one, the real question is whether it will be enough for modern AAA titles. How much storage do you need? Let’s find out. 

Storage Reality Check: 256GB Goes Further Than You Think

An image showing SanDisk 256GB microSD Express storage option for the Switch 2 (Image via B&H)
An image showing SanDisk 256GB microSD Express storage option for the Switch 2 (Image via B&H)

If you plan to buy the Switch solely to play first-party Nintendo titles, then you don’t need to invest further in storage options, as these titles are well-optimized and compact. Mario Kart World clocks in at just 23.4 GB. Donkey Kong Bananza requires only 10 GB of storage space. There are also smaller titles, such as Kirby the Forgotten Land, which is 5.7 GB in size. This means you can easily fit 8-10 major Nintendo exclusives on the internal storage alone. You actually can easily fit more than 20 games from the original Switch library and still have plenty of room to spare. 256GB is quite a lot if first-party titles emerge to be your main playing option.

Third-Party Games Require More Storage

So you plan to play both third-party and first-party games. Then this entire situation changes. Games such as Split Fiction demand 71GB, and Street Fighter 6 requires around 50 GB. Then there’s Cyberpunk, Witcher —you know the drill. Essentially, you need additional storage for this. 

MicroSD Express: The Expensive Reality

An image showing SanDisk 128GB microSD Express storage option for the Switch 2 (Image via B&H)
An image showing SanDisk 128GB microSD Express storage option for the Switch 2 (Image via B&H)

Unfortunately, the Switch 2 only accepts MicroSD Express cards, rendering your existing cards obsolete. SD Express cards are generally more expensive, as they are significantly faster than standard SD cards. For starters, they typically retail for around $45-$54 for the 128GB model and $56-$72 for the 256GB model. 1TB cards are limited, and they cost more than $200. The pricing is quite high and increases the total platform cost, considering you own third-party titles, and the 256GB is insufficient. 

Smart Storage Strategies

It’s best to start with internal storage; the 256GB will accommodate your favorite titles, one at a time. If those titles call for extra storage, start small. Buy the 128GB and manage efficiently.  If you are a physical collector, this strategy should work fine for you. However, digital buyers require at least 256 GB of internal storage, expandable to 512 GB, for the first year. As of today, before purchasing the 1TB SD card, consider waiting it out and letting the prices settle; then consider higher storage options.

The Bottom Line

Honestly, most new players don’t even need such high storage options. Say you’ve just gotten into the Switch 2, the device. Its efficiency, performance, and potential intrigued you into trying one. You will probably play the bundled game at first, enjoy it to the point of getting bored, and then consider other titles, such as The Legend of Zelda. So, unless you have a library of games, whether first-party or third-party, storage and the future shouldn’t be a concern.


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