Yes, 512GB is enough storage for the Nintendo Switch
As an avid Switch gamer and content creator who has tested countless SD cards, I can definitively say 512GB is ample storage for most players. Unless you‘re an extreme outlier planning to download a 200+ game library, 512GB has you covered.
Average Game File Sizes
According to 2023 data from IGN, average game file sizes on Switch are:
- First-party titles: 10-15GB
- Third-party titles: 8-30GB
- Indie titles: 1-3GB
So 512GB gives you room for 30-50 first-party games or 100+ indie games based on these averages.
| SD Card Size | Potential First-Party Games | Potential Indie Games |
|---|---|---|
| 64GB | 4-6 games | 20-64 games |
| 128GB | 8-12 games | 40-128 games |
| 256GB | 16-25 games | 80-256 games |
| 512GB | 30-50 games | 100-512 games |
| 1TB | 60-100 games | 200-1,024 games |
Game Save Data and Media Storage Needs
Game save data usually takes up a negligible amount of space even after hundreds of hours of play. And most casual gamers won‘t build up a massive trove of captured videos and screenshots.
But for prolific content creators, expect about 1GB/hour of captured 1080p video according to Nintendo Life. So 512GB gives you over 500 hours worth of captures – likely more than enough even for YouTubers and streamers.
SD Card Recommendations by User Type
Based on these storage needs analyses, here are my Switch microSD suggestions:
- Light gamers: 64-128GB – Opt for smaller cards still faster than internal storage
- Moderate gamers: 256-512GB – Download 10-30 meaty titles with room to spare
- Heavy gamers: 512GB-1TB – All digital libraries with 100+ games downloaded
So there you have it friends – while 1TB cards offer nice future-proofing for hardcore collectors, 512GB remains the storage sweet spot for most gamers. You‘ll be set for years without micro-managing downloads. Snap up one of the latest UHS-I U3 512GB Switch cards and enjoy your gaming!
