The good news is that it’s possible to transfer your data without having to download everything again.
Buy a UHS-I memory card for your Switch, like theSanDisk 512GB Ultra MicroSDXC.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work as advertised.
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Nintendo’s instructions are deceptively simple, but Mac users in particular report countless issues.
Regardless of what we tried, we couldn’t get this method working so your mileage may vary.
Windows users may have better luck since Nintendo’s instructions specifically mention this platform.
With maximum read speeds of 100MB/sec, this SanDisk Ultra microSDXC memory card meets Nintendo’s specification for ideal Switch read speeds.
If you don’t have one, skip to method 2below.
The first thing you should do is download the official SD AssociationMemory Card Formatterfor Windows or macOS.
plant the app, then insert your new memory card.
Read all manner of SD and microSD cards (UHS-I only) with this handy card reader that fits into a standard USB-A slot.
Remove the SD card from your machine and put it aside.
Turn off your Switch console, then take out the old memory card and connect it to your PC.
Turn the console on and wait.
If everything goes to plan, you won’t see an error when you turn your console on.
Head to configs > Data Management to see whether your memory card is recognized.
One Reddit commenter made somedetailed suggestionsyou might want to try, but we had no success.
If you’re not having any joy, you might try the more long-winded but reliable second method below.
The first thing you should do is move everything off your Switch onto your new memory card.
Head to prefs > System > Formatting Options > Format microSD Card.
Before you proceed, confirm you have thenewmemory card in the console and format it.
Now turn your Switch off again, and swap back to your old memory card.
you’re free to also save some money andfill up on cheap Switch games too.
Related:How to Save Money on Nintendo Switch Games
