When choosing an SD card for the Nintendo Switch 2, the quickest way is to first confirm the “Supported Standards (whether it can be plugged in and used).” Nintendo’s guidance explicitly states that SD cards usable with the Switch 2 are microSD Express cards only, and conditions such as a supported capacity of “2TB or less” are also indicated. On the other hand, SD card labeling includes a mix of “Maximum Speed (Peak)” and “Minimum Guarantee (Class).” This article aims to help you reach a state where you can choose for yourself by understanding the hierarchy of standards (Size → Capacity Classification → Bus → Class) and the branches suited to your intended use.
An SD card is a removable memory card used to store and read data by inserting it into compatible devices. Even if they look similar, if the size or standard does not match, issues like “cannot insert / not recognized / performance not achieved” will occur.
Ms.ガジェット
Is it bad to buy based on capacity alone?
Mr.ガジェット
You cannot use it if the size or standard is not correct.
Here we will quickly cover “essential terms for narrowing down candidates.” SD card standards have a hierarchical structure where capacity classification, bus standards, and speed classes coexist as separate entities. Since labeling mixes “maximum values” and “minimum guarantees,” organizing which number means what will lead to more stable decisions.
What is Form Factor: (SD/miniSD/microSD/)
An easily overlooked aspect is “physical size,” which determines whether it can be inserted before performance is even considered. Even with the same capacity classification or speed class, different sizes are treated as different categories. It is worth confirming the slot shape (SD series or microSD series) first.
Select a card to view dimensions and specification details
——
Explanation: —
(function() {
var sizeData = {
full: {
name: “Standard SD Card”,
size: “32 x 24 x 2.1mm”,
note: “The most widely used full-size standard. Used directly in digital SLRs, camcorders, and laptop SD slots. It features a write-protection switch (physical lever).”
},
mini: {
name: “miniSD Card”,
size: “21.5 x 20 x 1.4mm”,
note: “A standard that was mainstream in mobile phones in the mid-2000s. Due to the complete transition to microSD, it is almost never seen in current products. It remains a historical milestone standard.”
},
micro: {
name: “microSD Card”,
size: “15 x 11 x 1.0mm”,
note: “The current standard for mobile devices. Essential for devices requiring miniaturization, such as smartphones, Nintendo Switch, GoPro, and drones. Can also be used as a standard SD card via an adapter.”
}
};
window.sdSizeAction = function(typeId) {
var data = sizeData[typeId];
if (!data) return;
var types = [‘full’, ‘mini’, ‘micro’];
for (var i = 0; i < types.length; i++) {
var btn = document.getElementById('sd-btn-' + types[i]);
if (btn) {
if (types[i] === typeId) btn.classList.add('is-active');
else btn.classList.remove('is-active');
}
}
document.getElementById('sd-js-name-badge').textContent = data.name;
document.getElementById('sd-js-size-badge').textContent = 'Dimensions: ' + data.size;
document.getElementById('sd-js-note-text').textContent = data.note;
var placeholder = document.getElementById('sd-js-placeholder');
var content = document.getElementById('sd-js-content');
placeholder.style.display = 'none';
content.style.display = 'block';
content.classList.remove('sd-animate');
void content.offsetWidth;
content.classList.add('sd-animate');
};
setTimeout(function() {
// Initialization if needed
}, 150);
})();
Mr.ガジェット
Small game consoles like the Switch and smartphones basically use microSD cards!
What is Capacity Classification: (SDSC/SDHC/SDXC/SDUC)
While “larger is better” often applies to capacity, compatibility and standard file systems change depending on the classification. Particularly with older or specific devices, the card will not be recognized if the classification does not match. It is safer to check the classification (SDSC/SDHC/SDXC/SDUC) before choosing based on capacity numbers alone.
Mr.ガジェット
Please pay close attention here as this is a common mistake!
Classification (Logo)
Capacity Range (Standard Guideline)
Standard File System
Compatibility Points
SDSC (SD)
2GB or less
FAT12/16
Easy to use with older devices, but capacity is small
SDHC
Over 2GB to 32GB
FAT32
Confirmation required as SD-compatible devices are not always SDHC-compatible
SDXC
Over 32GB to 2TB
exFAT
Confirmation required if the device assumes SDXC/exFAT
SDUC
Over 2TB to 128TB
exFAT
Compatible devices tend to be limited; confirmation via specifications is required
SD cards have “backward compatibility.”
Newer devices can use older standard cards.
However, older devices cannot read or write cards of newer standards.
SD~ 2GB
SDHC~ 32GB
SDXC~ 2TB
SDUC~ 128TB
Select a standard to check detailed specifications
——
Capacity—
File System—
Main Compatibility—
Points to Know
(function() {
var specData = {
sdsc: {
title: “SD (SDSC)”,
range: “Up to 2GB”,
fs: “FAT12 / 16”,
comp: “Works on all SD devices”,
summary: “The most basic historical standard”,
details: [
“Used in early digital cameras and old electronic musical instruments.”,
“Capacity is extremely small, making it unsuitable for modern video recording.”,
“Usually refers to this standard when written simply as ‘SD card’.”
]
},
sdhc: {
title: “SDHC”,
range: “Over 2GB to 32GB”,
fs: “FAT32”,
comp: “Works on SDHC and later devices”,
summary: “An affordable and easy volume zone”,
details: [
“Suitable for storing Full HD video and thousands of photos.”,
“Many inexpensive dash cams support this.”,
“Note that it won’t be recognized by ‘SD only’ devices from before 2008.”
]
},
sdxc: {
title: “SDXC”,
range: “Over 32GB to 2TB”,
fs: “exFAT”,
comp: “Works on SDXC and later devices”,
summary: “The current mainstream standard”,
details: [
“Essential for 4K video and high-resolution mirrorless cameras.”,
“Standardly adopts the ‘exFAT’ format for handling large capacities.”,
“Most widely used currently in smartphones, PCs, and consoles (Switch).”
]
},
sduc: {
title: “SDUC”,
range: “Over 2TB to 128TB”,
fs: “exFAT”,
comp: “SDUC dedicated devices only”,
summary: “Next-generation ultra-large capacity standard for pros”,
details: [
“Designed for long-duration 8K video recording and data center use.”,
“Physical shape is the same, but won’t work in conventional SDXC devices.”,
“Announced in 2018, compatible devices are still limited.”
]
}
};
window.sdSpecAction = function(id) {
var data = specData[id];
if (!data) return;
var ids = [‘sdsc’, ‘sdhc’, ‘sdxc’, ‘sduc’];
for (var i = 0; i < ids.length; i++) {
var btn = document.getElementById('sd-spec-btn-' + ids[i]);
if (btn) {
if (ids[i] === id) btn.classList.add('is-active');
else btn.classList.remove('is-active');
}
}
document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-title').textContent = data.title;
document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-summary').textContent = data.summary;
document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-range').textContent = data.range;
document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-fs').textContent = data.fs;
document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-comp').textContent = data.comp;
var listEl = document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-list');
listEl.textContent = '';
for (var j = 0; j < data.details.length; j++) {
var li = document.createElement('li');
li.className = 'sd-spec-li';
var dot = document.createElement('span');
dot.className = 'sd-spec-dot';
dot.textContent = '●';
var txt = document.createElement('span');
txt.textContent = data.details[j];
li.appendChild(dot);
li.appendChild(txt);
listEl.appendChild(li);
}
var placeholder = document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-placeholder');
var content = document.getElementById('sd-spec-js-content');
placeholder.style.display = 'none';
content.style.display = 'block';
content.classList.remove('sd-spec-animate');
void content.offsetWidth;
content.classList.add('sd-spec-animate');
};
setTimeout(function() {
sdSpecAction('sdxc');
}, 150);
})();
What is Bus Standard: Theoretical Upper Limits and Backward Compatibility
The “maximum transfer speed” is determined by the combination of “card + device (host) + reader,” not by the card alone. Bus standards are the main factor that changes the speed limit depending on where the card is inserted, even for the same card. Understanding this will help reduce both over-spec and under-spec purchases.
Check here
Labeling: Support for UHS-I/II/III, SD Express, etc.
Unit: MB/s (Theoretical maximum for the bus; actual speed varies by conditions)
Conditions: Does the host side support the relevant bus? (Speed won’t increase with the card alone)
Bus Interface GuideSD Card Bus Standards & Speed Comparison
Theoretical Limit for Transfer SpeedSelect a Class
01000MB/s2000MB/s3000MB/s4000MB/s
Legacy / UHS Series
Default Speed12.5 MB/s
UHS-I (SDR104)104 MB/s
UHS-II / III~ 624 MB/s
SD Express (NVMe)
Express Gen3x1985 MB/s
Express Gen4x11970 MB/s
Express Gen4x23940 MB/s
Select a standard to check performance
INTERFACE CLASS—
—
—
✔—
(function() {
var busData = {
ds: { name: “Default Speed”, speed: “12.5 MB/s”, bar: 0.3, note: “Early SD standard. Standard speed during the popularization of digital cameras. High-pixel cameras nowadays take time to transfer.”, use: “Full HD stills, small data volumes” },
uhsi: { name: “UHS-I (SDR104)”, speed: “104 MB/s”, bar: 2.6, note: “Currently the most widespread high-speed standard. Standardly usable in smartphones, Switch, and many mirrorless cameras.”, use: “4K video, game loading, continuous shooting” },
uhsii: { name: “UHS-II / UHS-III”, speed: “624 MB/s”, bar: 15.6, note: “Bandwidth increases dramatically with two rows of terminals. Suitable for RAW continuous shooting in high-end cameras or ultra-fast transfer to PC.”, use: “8K video, RAW continuous shooting, pro photography” },
ex1: { name: “Express Gen3x1”, speed: “985 MB/s”, bar: 25, note: “Adopts PCIe Gen3. Enters the same technical sphere as SSDs. A next-gen standard that greatly breaks through conventional SD barriers.”, use: “RAW video, SSD alternative storage” },
ex2: { name: “Express Gen4x1”, speed: “1970 MB/s”, bar: 50, note: “Bandwidth doubles further. Can transfer about 2GB per second, dramatically streamlining video production workflows.”, use: “8K uncompressed video, high-speed editing” },
ex3: { name: “Express Gen4x2”, speed: “3940 MB/s”, bar: 100, note: “The pinnacle of SD standards. Speed near 4GB/s rivals internal storage of high-performance PCs (NVMe SSD).”, use: “Next-gen broadcasting, ultra-massive backup” }
};
window.sdBusAction = function(id) {
var data = busData[id];
var isEx = id.indexOf(‘ex’) === 0;
var btns = document.querySelectorAll(‘.sd-bus-btn’);
for (var i = 0; i < btns.length; i++) {
btns[i].classList.remove('is-active', 'is-active-ex');
}
var currentBtn = document.getElementById('sd-btn-' + id);
if (currentBtn) {
currentBtn.classList.add(isEx ? 'is-active-ex' : 'is-active');
}
var bar = document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-bar');
var speedLabel = document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-speed-text');
bar.style.width = data.bar + '%';
speedLabel.textContent = data.speed;
speedLabel.style.color = isEx ? '#22d3ee' : '#60a5fa';
var display = document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-display');
var placeholder = document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-placeholder');
document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-title').textContent = data.name;
document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-badge-val').textContent = data.speed;
document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-note').textContent = data.note;
document.getElementById('sd-bus-js-use').textContent = 'Recommended: ' + data.use;
placeholder.style.display = 'none';
display.style.display = 'block';
display.classList.remove('sd-bus-animate');
void display.offsetWidth;
display.classList.add('sd-bus-animate');
};
setTimeout(function() {
sdBusAction('uhsi');
}, 150);
})();
What is Speed Class: How to Read Minimum Guarantees (Sequential Write)
Speed Class is a “guaranteed value” stating that “at minimum, it meets this sequential write speed.” Peak speed and random performance are governed by different standards. On the other hand, even with the same number, conditions may differ among different standards (Speed Class/UHS Speed Class/Video Speed Class/SD Express Speed Class). It is important not to confuse them just by looking at the numbers.
Mr.ガジェット
This is a very important standard, especially for video recording and continuous recording.
(function() {
var specData = {
video: [
{ id: “v10”, label: “V10”, speed: 10, desc: “Standard for Full HD video. A criteria many standard SD cards meet.” },
{ id: “v30”, label: “V30”, speed: 30, desc: “The minimum line for 4K video recording. Standard for drones and mirrorless cameras.” },
{ id: “v60”, label: “V60”, speed: 60, desc: “High bitrate 4K. Suitable for slow-motion recording and stable capture.” },
{ id: “v90”, label: “V90”, speed: 90, desc: “Essential for 8K and RAW video. The pinnacle of current UHS-II cards.” }
],
speed: [
{ id: “c4”, label: “C4”, speed: 4, desc: “For HD quality. Used in older devices or low-resolution recording.” },
{ id: “c10”, label: “C10”, speed: 10, desc: “Old standard for Full HD. Currently often labeled alongside Video Class 10.” }
],
uhs: [
{ id: “u1”, label: “U1”, speed: 10, desc: “UHS-I compatible. Supports real-time recording of Full HD video.” },
{ id: “u3”, label: “U3”, speed: 30, desc: “4K support on UHS-I/II. High-speed write criteria for UHS interfaces.” }
],
express: [
{ id: “e150”, label: “E150”, speed: 150, desc: “Initial SD Express standard. Provides a different level of speed via PCIe/NVMe.” },
{ id: “e600”, label: “E600”, speed: 600, desc: “SD Express 7.0 and later. For professional video production and high-speed transfer.” }
]
};
window.sdProtocolAction = function(catKey) {
var tabKeys = [‘video’, ‘speed’, ‘uhs’, ‘express’];
for (var i = 0; i < tabKeys.length; i++) {
var t = document.getElementById('sd-tab-' + tabKeys[i]);
if (t) {
if (tabKeys[i] === catKey) t.classList.add('is-active');
else t.classList.remove('is-active');
}
}
var container = document.getElementById('sd-js-btn-container');
container.textContent = '';
var items = specData[catKey];
for (var j = 0; j < items.length; j++) {
(function(item) {
var btn = document.createElement('button');
btn.className = 'sd-rank-btn';
btn.textContent = item.label;
btn.onclick = function() { sdProtocolRenderDetail(item); };
container.appendChild(btn);
})(items[j]);
}
};
window.sdProtocolRenderDetail = function(item) {
var btns = document.querySelectorAll('.sd-rank-btn');
for (var i = 0; i < btns.length; i++) {
btns[i].classList.remove('is-active');
if (btns[i].textContent === item.label) btns[i].classList.add('is-active');
}
var bar = document.getElementById('sd-js-progress-bar');
var label = document.getElementById('sd-js-val-label');
var tag = document.getElementById('sd-js-status-tag');
var percent = (Math.log10(item.speed + 1) / Math.log10(601)) * 100;
bar.style.width = percent + '%';
label.textContent = item.speed + ' MB/s';
tag.style.display = 'block';
var panel = document.getElementById('sd-js-info-panel');
var placeholder = document.getElementById('sd-js-info-placeholder');
document.getElementById('sd-js-info-badge').textContent = item.label;
document.getElementById('sd-js-info-title').textContent = 'Minimum Guaranteed ' + item.speed + 'MB/sec';
document.getElementById('sd-js-info-desc').textContent = item.desc;
placeholder.style.display = 'none';
panel.style.display = 'block';
panel.classList.remove('sd-animate');
void panel.offsetWidth;
panel.classList.add('sd-animate');
};
setTimeout(function() {
sdProtocolAction('video');
}, 150);
})();
What is Application Performance Class: Guidelines for Random Performance (A1/A2)
For running apps or shuffling small files, random access is more important than sequential speed. A1/A2 are classes combining random performance (IOPS) and minimum sequential write.
Click the logos on the card to see explanations for current standards
——
(function() {
var specDetails = {
cap: {
title: ‘Capacity and Standard (SDXC / SDUC)’,
desc: ‘The maximum storage amount for data. SDXC (64GB to 2TB) is currently mainstream, but latest SDUC standards supporting up to 128TB are appearing. Always check your device specifications for maximum supported capacity.’
},
video: {
title: ‘Video Speed Class (V10 to V90)’,
desc: ‘The most important “minimum write speed” for video recording. V30 is standard for 4K, but最高 V90 (guaranteeing 90MB/s sequential write) is essential for latest 8K or pro RAW video.’
},
uhs: {
title: ‘UHS Speed Class (U1 / U3)’,
desc: ‘Minimum speed guarantee for UHS-compatible devices. U3 guarantees 30MB/s, practically indicating performance equal to V30. Many manufacturers recommend U3 or higher for 4K recording on mirrorless/SLR cameras.’
},
app: {
title: ‘Application Performance Class (A1 / A2)’,
desc: ‘An indicator for comfort when running apps directly from an SD card on smartphones or Nintendo Switch. The latest A2 has random read/write (IOPS) capabilities several times higher than A1, contributing to shorter load times.’
},
bus: {
title: ‘Bus Standard (UHS-II / SD Express)’,
desc: ‘The “width” of the physical transfer path. UHS-II has two rows of terminals on the back, enabling high-speed transfers up to 312MB/s. Latest SD Express reaches speeds near 4GB/s via SSD-like PCIe technology.’
}
};
window.sdDecoderProtocol = function(key) {
var root = document.getElementById(‘sd-js-panel-root’);
var placeholder = document.getElementById(‘sd-js-placeholder’);
var contentArea = document.getElementById(‘sd-js-actual-content’);
var titleEl = document.getElementById(‘sd-js-spec-title’);
var descEl = document.getElementById(‘sd-js-spec-desc’);
var data = specDetails[key];
if (!data || !root) return;
root.style.backgroundColor = ‘#f0f9ff’;
titleEl.textContent = data.title;
descEl.textContent = data.desc;
placeholder.style.display = ‘none’;
contentArea.style.display = ‘block’;
contentArea.classList.remove(‘sd-animate’);
void contentArea.offsetWidth;
contentArea.classList.add(‘sd-animate’);
};
})();
Check the manual or product specifications for “Supported Card Types, Maximum Capacity, and Supported Bus/Class.” The order is “Size → Classification → Bus → Class.”
Physical Size
The most common accident in choosing an SD card is being dazzled by high specs and buying a card that “cannot be used at all.” Narrow down in the following order:
Card Type (Priority) For the Nintendo Switch 2, in addition to the “microSD” size, support for the high-speed “microSD Express” standard is key. Prioritize choosing cards with this label for comfortable game storage and play.
Physical Size While “microSD” size can still be converted to SD card size via adapters, there is nothing you can do if you mistakenly buy a large SD card size.
Ms.ガジェット
“microSD” and “microSD Express” have similar names but are different inside. Always check the logo on the package before buying.
Standard Compatibility: Narrow down based on the “Device Side”
It’s not just “any large capacity will do.” It depends on what your device (host) supports.
Capacity Classification (SDHC/SDXC/SDUC) SDXC (up to 2TB) is currently mainstream, but the ultra-large SDUC standard (up to 128TB) will appear in the future. Unsupported classifications won’t even be recognized, so always check the “Maximum Supported Capacity” in the spec sheet.
Limits of Bus Standards Even if a card claims “Read 1000MB/s,” if the console only supports UHS-I (max 104MB/s), the speed will plateau at 104MB/s. Be aware that “over-spec is a waste.”
Capacity: Calculate from “Usage” (Game Size + Margin)
Choosing capacity follows “bigger is better,” but balancing it with cost is a struggle.
Tip for Calculation: Recent major titles can consume dozens of GBs for a single game. Furthermore, capacity grows with post-launch updates and DLC. Make “Sum of games you want now + approx. 20% margin” your minimum baseline.
Choose based on Usage Style:
Frequent digital buyers: Choose a large capacity of 512GB or more to reduce management hassle.
Players of a few selected titles: Keep it around 256GB and move data you no longer play to PC or cloud.
Mr.ガジェット
Since even a single game is becoming massive these days, it’s good to estimate quite a buffer… though it will be more expensive…
Minimum Guarantee: Decide based on the “Need for Sequential Write”
The “Maximum 〇〇MB/s” number written largely on packages is just an instantaneous peak value. What affects game stability is the Speed Class, the minimum guaranteed speed.
Symbols to Watch: Symbols like V30 (Video Speed Class) or U3 (UHS Speed Class) mean “at least 30MB/s write is guaranteed.”
Avoid Class Confusion: While both “V30” and “U3” guarantee 30MB/s, the standard definitions differ. Basically, choose one that matches the symbol specified by your device (e.g., if V30 is recommended, pick V30).
What is SD Express: Mechanism for Speed via PCIe/NVMe
SD Express is designed to be accessible via PCIe/NVMe in addition to the traditional SD interface. Hosts may use methods like initializing on the SD side before switching to PCIe, and behavior changes depending on the implementation.
In a nutshell: A method where access is possible via PCIe/NVMe in addition to the SD interface.
Impacts
Whether the high-speed side can be used (whether the host is PCIe/NVMe compatible)
Backward compatibility in SD mode (works even on SD-only hosts)
Interpretation of speed classes (E series) (assuming PCIe/NVMe access)
Check here
Labeling: SD Express / microSD Express, E150 to E600 Classes
Conditions: Whether the host assumes initialization methods like SD First
Usage: Heat and power management during high load (may affect sustained performance)
What is LVS: 1.8V Low Voltage Signaling and Compatibility Precautions
LVS is handled to identify whether the host device is designed to use low signal voltage. While cards remain backward compatible with traditional hosts, if a host is LVS-only, card choices may narrow. This is a common topic in mobile circles.
In a nutshell: An identifying element indicating support for low signal voltage (1.8V).
Impacts
Compatibility with certain hosts (Host may require LVS cards only)
Compatibility with power-saving designs
Check here
Labeling: Presence of LV symbol on host side, supported labeling on card side
Conditions: Warnings that an LVS host may not accept “non-LVS cards”
Usage: Isolation steps if issues occur with a combination (confirm reproducibility with another card)
Final Checklist Before Purchase (Optional)
If for Nintendo Switch 2 use, double-check that the card is microSD Express in both the spec sheet and labeling.
Card size (SD/microSD) matches the device slot shape.
Capacity classification (SDHC/SDXC/SDUC, etc.) matches the device’s supported range.
Bus standard (UHS/SD Express, etc.) is understood as requiring “both card and host support.”
Speed class is a “minimum guarantee,” so don’t confuse it with peak value numbers.
V/U/C/E conditions may differ even with the same number, so don’t compare them equally.
Prioritize actual performance comparisons where host/reader/test conditions are identical.
Confirm whether steps like console updates are required for first use.
Removal and backup procedures (recovery upon corruption) are decided beforehand.
Thank you for reading to the end!
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Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Thank you for your understanding.
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