If you are using a memory card in the portable game console and you are running out of space, transfer the data on it to a higher capacity card.
Nintendo’s portable game console has internal memory, for saving games, for example, but also a microSD card reader. On the latter, you can store screenshots, but especially games that you have downloaded. But what to do when there is no more space on the microSD card?
Fortunately, it is possible to transfer the data from the card to a larger capacity model simply with your computer. The PC just needs to have a microSD card reader, either internal (SD slot with adapter) or external (USB reader). We did the test with a SanDisk Extreme 256 GB card. Here are the steps to follow:
1 – Check that the new card is compatible
You can use a card microSDHC (up to 32 GB) Where microSDXC (64 GB and above). Nintendo recommends taking a UHS-I (Ultra High Speed ​​Phase I) compatible card, with a transfer speed of at least 60MB / s for games to load quickly.
2 – Format the new card
To format the microSD card, download the formatting program provided by the SD Association. Install the program (available in Windows and macOS version) and launch it. Check that the unit in Select card corresponds to the microSD card and that Quick format is selected in Formatting options. Click the Format button.
3 – Transfer the data
Turn off the console completely and extract the microSD card. Then you just have to copy the DCIM and Nintendo folders from the memory card, either from card to card if you have two readers, or via the hard drive of the computer.
Finally insert the new card into the Switch console to test it and verify that everything is fine. For a microSDXC card, a message may appear to indicate that an update must be performed on the Switch. In this case, accept the proposed update and the card will be recognized.
In the screenshot below, using the SanDisk 256 GB card allows you to have 219 GB free, while keeping the games that have already been downloaded and stored.