What Is the Best Nintendo Switch SD Card Format & How to Format [2022 Best Ways]  

Nintendo Switch SD Card Format: How to Format SD Card for Nintendo Switch


Before using your SD card on Nintendo Switch, you should consider formatting it first. What are the different ways to format SD card for Nintendo Switch? Which is the best file system format for your Nintendo Switch SD card?

This article will start by outlining the most recommended file format for your SD card. Next, it will discuss the different methods to format an SD card, including using Qiling Partition Master.

What Is the Best Nintendo Switch SD Card Format?

Although it's not compulsory to format an SD card before using it on Nintendo, you should consider doing it. Formatting the SD card ensures it runs on a file system supported by Nintendo Switch. Another reason for formatting is that it helps clear any corrupted files on your SD card that may impact its functionality on Nintendo.

The most recommended Nintendo Switch SD card format is either FAT32 or exFAT. However, to use the exFAT file system, you must upgrade your Switch and download the related drivers. Because this could take much time and effort, the best file system you should use is FAT32.

This file system is compatible with most switches and won't require additional drivers before use. Therefore, to avoid running into many complications, select FAT32 as the default file format for your Nintendo Switch.

How to Format SD Card for Nintendo Switch on PC

The first way to format an SD card for Switch is by using your Windows PC. The primary ways to do this entail using the following:

1. Qiling Partition Master

2. File Explorer

Check out the methods below to learn how to apply the two techniques.

Method 1. Format Nintendo Switch SD Card via Qiling Partition Master

The most recommended option to format your SD card is using Qiling Partition Master Free. Apart from serving as a disk manager, this tool allows you to wipe out existing partitions and data on your SD card in just one click! Below are steps to use Qiling Partition Master once you've downloaded it.

Step 1. Find your SD card and right-click the partition you want to format and choose "Format".

Format External Hard Drive/USB/SD Card - 1

Step 2. Set a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "Proceed".

Format External Hard Drive/USB/SD Card - 2

Step 3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to continue to start formatting your SD card.

What Else Can Qiling Partition Master Do?

Qiling Partition Master is a powerful software. Other features of this software include to:

Method 2. Format Nintendo Switch SD Card via Explorer

One of the most convenient ways to format a Nintendo SD card is using a Windows built-in tool called File Explorer. This tool allows you to easily change the file system for your SD card through the following steps:

Step 1. Connect the SD card to your computer.

Step 2. Go to File Explorer, then "This PC."

open this pc

Step 3. Navigate to your SD card and right-click on it. Next, select "Format" in the context menu.

Step 4. Once a new window launches, pick the file format for your SD card (i.e., FAT32) and click on the Start button to start formatting your SD card using File Explorer.

format via file explorer

Apart from the methods mentioned in this section, other ways to format your SD card on Windows exist. Please click on the link below to learn other ways to do it, including Disk Management and Diskpart.

related articles

How to Format SD Card on Windows 11? Here Are 4 Ways for You in 2022

You can utilize the SD card in devices that requires specific formats. This article explains the various methods you can use in formatting SD cards in Windows 11 operating system successfully.

format via disk management

How to Format SD Card for Nintendo Switch on Mac

It's also possible to format Nintendo Switch SD card on Mac. You can achieve this via a built-in Mac tool called Disk Utility. This tool is quite reliable when you want to perform different operations on connected disks (including the SD card.) Below are steps to format your SD card on Mac via Disk Utility.

Step 1. Launch Disk Utility.

open disk utility

Step 2. Select your SD card from the list of connected external drives.

Step 3. Next, click on the Erase button at the top-right of your panel.

disk utility erase

Step 4. Pick a new name for your SD card.

Step 5. Select your preferred file system and partitioning scheme.

Step 6. Click on the Erase button and confirm your selection to start formatting your SD card.

confirm to format in disk utility

How to Format SD Card for Nintendo Switch on Switch

Is it possible to format an SD card directly on Nintendo Switch? Yes! Though not as direct as the other steps mentioned above, you can also format your SD card on Nintendo. You can achieve this via the following steps:

Step 1. Carefully connect the SD card to your Nintendo Switch.

Step 2. Once connected, go to "System Settings" on the home screen.

Step 3. On the next screen, scroll down the left panel and select "System."

select system

Step 4. Switch to the left, scroll down and select "Formatting options."

Step 5. Once the next screen opens, scroll down and select "Format microSD Card."

forma microsd card.

Step 6. Next, select "Continue" and then "Format." Nintendo Switch will start formatting the SD card and automatically select the best file system for your SD card. Once everything finishes, you're free to start using your SD card on Switch.

Conclusion

The best file format for your Nintendo SD card is FAT32. This file system is compatible and won't require upgrading your Switch or downloading new drivers. It's important to format your SD card before using it on Nintendo Switch. You can use Qiling Partition Master, File Explorer, Disk Utility, or Nintendo Switch to format the SD card.

The best way to format your SD card for Nintendo is via Qiling Partition Master. This software lets you delete all disk partitions or seamlessly wipe disk partition data. Did you enjoy reading this article? Feel free to engage us through the comments and share the article with others!

FAQ of Nintendo Switch SD Card Format

Do you have more queries concerning the Nintendo Switch SD card format? Read through the questions below to check if you can find your answers.

1. What format do SD cards need to be for the switch?

Nintendo supports SD cards in FAT32 or exFAT file formats. Therefore, it would help if you considered converting your SD card to either of these formats to use it on Nintendo Switch conveniently. It's also important to know the SD card type and size supported on the Switch. For clarification, Nintendo Switch only supports microSD cards of at most 256GB.

2. Should I use exFAT or FAT32 for switch?

It would be best to consider using FAT32 because it's compatible and less strenuous. This is unlike the exFAT file system, which demands that you first upgrade your Switch and download supported drivers before using it. This could consume much time and effort and isn't a sure bet option. However, if you believe that exFAT is best for you and are willing to spend time upgrading your Nintendo Switch and the required drivers, you can consider going for it.

3. Why won't Nintendo Switch read my SD card?

The possible causes for this problem include the following:

Related Articles


Is this information helpful?     

What can we do to improve this information? (Optional)
Refresh Please enter the verification code!