Upgrading Your Nintendo Switch Storage: A Repair Perspective
The process of upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch is a popular topic among gamers. Many users find that the standard 32GB storage capacity is not enough to hold all of their games and apps. Fortunately, there are ways to expand the storage on your Nintendo Switch to accommodate a larger game library. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your Nintendo Switch storage, including detailed instructions and recommendations for compatible storage options.
To begin with, let’s explore why upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch is necessary. The Nintendo Switch comes with a standard 32GB storage capacity, which may seem sufficient at first. However, as you start downloading more games and apps, you will quickly realize that the storage space can fill up fast. This is especially true for gamers who prefer digital downloads over physical copies of games. Upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch will allow you to expand your game library without worrying about running out of space.
Next, let’s discuss how to prepare for the storage upgrade. Before you can upgrade the storage on your Nintendo Switch, it is important to make a backup of your current EMMC. This will ensure that you don’t lose any of your saved data or game progress during the upgrade process. To make a backup, you will need to boot into Hekate and use the tools available to backup boot0/1 and raw nand onto your micro SD card. It is also recommended to have a micro SD card with at least 64GB of storage space to ensure that you have enough space for the backup file. Additionally, it is important to have a basic understanding of switch CFW setup guides and basic Linux knowledge, as these will be helpful during the storage upgrade process.
Now that you are prepared, it’s time to move on to the actual hardware and software upgrade. This involves opening the Nintendo Switch, removing the old EMMC board, and replacing it with a new one. It is important to follow the proper steps and guidelines to ensure a successful upgrade. After the hardware upgrade, you will need to boot into a custom version of hakate and check if the EMMC is detected. Once confirmed, you can remove your SD card, copy the backup files to your PC, and then format the partition inside the encryption to expand the partition and format it to FAT32. This will allow your switch to recognize the new extended size of the storage.
With the hardware and software upgrade complete, it’s time to transfer your game files to the new storage. Whether you have changed the SD card or used the cloning method, you will need to transfer your game files to ensure that you have all your games and saves intact. If you have changed the SD card, you can simply copy the game files from the old card to the new card using your computer. If you have used the cloning method, you can use professional cloning software like AOMEI Backupper Standard to transfer all your data from the original SD card to the target card.
Finally, let’s discuss the compatible storage options for your Nintendo Switch. When upgrading the storage, it is important to choose a compatible option. The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC memory cards. Some popular options for compatible microSD cards are Samsung EVO+ 256GB and SanDisk Ultra 400GB. These cards provide ample storage capacity and are known for their compatibility with the Nintendo Switch. It is important to check the specifications and compatibility of the microSD card before making a purchase to ensure that it will work seamlessly with your Nintendo Switch.
In conclusion, upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch is a practical and efficient solution to expand your game library and accommodate more games and apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily upgrade the storage on your Nintendo Switch and ensure that you have enough space to store all your favorite games. Upgrade your Nintendo Switch storage today and expand your game library with ease.
Understanding the Need for a Nintendo Switch Storage Upgrade
The Nintendo Switch comes with a standard 32GB storage capacity, which may seem sufficient at first. However, as you start downloading more games and apps, you will quickly realize that the storage space can fill up fast. This is especially true for gamers who prefer digital downloads over physical copies of games.
Upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch will allow you to expand your game library without worrying about running out of space. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily upgrade your Nintendo Switch storage to accommodate more games and apps.
“The Nintendo Switch storage capacity may appear adequate initially, but it becomes evident that it can fill up quickly, especially for gamers who favor digital downloads. Upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch in order to expand your game library is a prudent move, ensuring you never have to be concerned about running out of space.”
Benefits of Upgrading Nintendo Switch Storage | How to Expand Storage |
---|---|
1. Accommodate a larger game library | 1. Backup current EMMC |
2. Store more digital games and apps | 2. Replace EMMC board |
3. Avoid frequent deletion of games | 3. Use Ubuntu Live USB |
4. Enjoy seamless gaming experience | 4. Format partition |
By upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch, you can enhance your gaming experience and avoid the inconvenience of constantly deleting games to make space for new ones.
Preparing for the Storage Upgrade
Before you can upgrade the storage on your Nintendo Switch, it is important to make a backup of your current EMMC. This ensures that you don’t lose any saved data or game progress during the upgrade process. To back up your EMMC, follow these steps:
- Boot into Hekate, the custom firmware (CFW) bootloader for the Nintendo Switch.
- Use the available tools in Hekate to create a backup of boot0/1 and raw nand onto your micro SD card. This creates a copy of your existing data.
- Ensure that your micro SD card has at least 64GB of storage space to accommodate the backup file. This helps guarantee enough space for the backup.
Having a basic understanding of switch CFW setup guides and basic Linux knowledge is also beneficial during the storage upgrade process. These skills can be helpful in troubleshooting any potential issues that may arise during the upgrade.
By taking these precautions and making a backup, you can proceed with confidence knowing that your data is protected. In the event of any unforeseen errors or problems, you can always revert to your backup and restore your saved data.
Refer to the following quote for a brief summary:
“Before upgrading your Nintendo Switch storage, it is essential to back up your current EMMC to protect your saved data. Boot into Hekate and use the available tools to create a backup on your micro SD card. Additionally, having basic switch CFW setup guides and Linux knowledge can be beneficial during the upgrade process.”
Recommended Backup Tools and Requirements
Backup tool | Requirements |
---|---|
Hekate | – Boot into Hekate custom firmware bootloader – Micro SD card (64GB+ storage capacity) for backup file |
Having completed the backup process and familiarizing yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge, you are now ready to proceed with upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch. Section 4 provides detailed instructions on how to upgrade both the hardware and software components of your Nintendo Switch.
Upgrading the Hardware and Software
Once you have made a backup of your current EMMC, you can proceed with upgrading the hardware and software on your Nintendo Switch. This involves opening the Nintendo Switch, removing the old EMMC board, and replacing it with a new one. It is important to follow the proper steps and guidelines to ensure a successful upgrade.
After the hardware upgrade, you will need to boot into a custom version of hakate and check if the EMMC is detected. Once confirmed, you can remove your SD card, copy the backup files to your PC, and then format the partition inside the encryption to expand the partition and format it to FAT32. This will allow your switch to recognize the new extended size of the storage.
Note: By following these steps, you are taking on the responsibility of opening your Nintendo Switch and replacing its internal components. This may void your warranty, and there is always a risk of damaging your console if not done correctly. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with this process, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or consult official repair guides.
Transferring Game Files to the New Storage
Once you have upgraded the storage on your Nintendo Switch, whether it’s by changing the SD card or cloning the data, you will need to transfer your game files to the new storage.
If you have changed the SD card, you can simply copy the game files from the old card to the new card using your computer. This process allows for a quick and straightforward transfer of your game data.
Copying game files:
- Insert the old SD card into your computer’s SD card reader.
- Open the SD card folder and locate the game files you want to transfer.
- Create a new folder on the new SD card, giving it a recognizable name for easy identification.
- Copy the selected game files from the old SD card folder and paste them into the new SD card folder.
- Eject the old SD card from your computer.
- Insert the new SD card into your Nintendo Switch.
- Power on your Nintendo Switch to enjoy your games on the new storage.
If you have used the cloning method to upgrade your storage, you can utilize professional cloning software like AOMEI Backupper Standard to transfer all your data from the original SD card to the target card. This process ensures that you have all your games and saves intact on the new storage.
Upgrading SD card via clone:
- Connect the original SD card and the target SD card to your computer.
- Open AOMEI Backupper Standard and select “Clone” from the main interface.
- Choose the original SD card as the source disk and the target SD card as the destination.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the cloning process.
- Wait for the cloning process to complete.
- Disconnect the original SD card and insert the newly cloned SD card into your Nintendo Switch.
- Power on your Nintendo Switch to access your games from the upgraded storage.
Whether you choose to copy the game files manually or use the cloning method, ensure that the transfer is successful before removing or formatting the old storage. It is always a good practice to double-check the files on the new storage to avoid any data loss during the upgrade process.
Method | Steps |
---|---|
Copy Game Files |
|
Upgrade Switch SD card via Clone |
|
Compatible Storage Options for Nintendo Switch
When upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch, it is important to choose a compatible storage option. The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC memory cards. Some popular options for compatible microSD cards are Samsung EVO+ 256GB and SanDisk Ultra 400GB. These cards provide ample storage capacity and are known for their compatibility with the Nintendo Switch. It is important to check the specifications and compatibility of the microSD card before making a purchase to ensure that it will work seamlessly with your Nintendo Switch.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some key features of the Samsung EVO+ 256GB and SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD cards:
MicroSD Card | Storage Capacity | Read Speed | Write Speed |
---|---|---|---|
Samsung EVO+ 256GB | 256GB | Up to 100MB/s | Up to 90MB/s |
SanDisk Ultra 400GB | 400GB | Up to 100MB/s | Up to 90MB/s |
Both the Samsung EVO+ 256GB and SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD cards offer significant storage capacity, allowing you to store a large number of games, apps, and downloadable content on your Nintendo Switch. With fast read and write speeds, these cards ensure smooth gameplay and quick loading times.
Before purchasing a microSD card, it is important to consider your storage needs and budget. If you are a heavy gamer or frequently download large games, the SanDisk Ultra 400GB microSD card may be a better option due to its higher storage capacity. However, if you prefer a reliable and widely recommended brand, the Samsung EVO+ 256GB microSD card is a solid choice.
Conclusion
Upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch is a practical and efficient solution to expand your game library and accommodate more games and apps. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily upgrade the storage on your Nintendo Switch and ensure that you have enough space to store all your favorite games. Whether you choose to change the SD card or use the cloning method, it is important to select a compatible microSD card and follow the proper procedures to ensure a successful upgrade.
With a larger storage capacity, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience without worrying about running out of space. Upgrade your Nintendo Switch storage today and expand your game library with ease. Don’t let limited storage hold you back from playing all the games you love. With an efficient storage solution, you can have all your favorite titles at your fingertips, ready to be played whenever you want.
So why wait? Follow this Nintendo Switch storage upgrade guide and unlock the full potential of your gaming experience. Expand your game library and never miss out on the latest releases. Upgrade your storage today and take your gaming adventures to the next level!
FAQ
Why should I upgrade the storage on my Nintendo Switch?
Upgrading the storage on your Nintendo Switch allows you to expand your game library and accommodate more games and apps without running out of space.
How do I make a backup of my current EMMC before upgrading the storage?
To make a backup, you need to boot into Hekate and use the available tools to backup boot0/1 and raw nand onto your micro SD card. It is recommended to have a micro SD card with at least 64GB of storage space for the backup file.
What should I consider before upgrading the storage on my Nintendo Switch?
It is important to have a basic understanding of switch CFW setup guides and basic Linux knowledge, as these will be helpful during the storage upgrade process.
How do I upgrade the hardware and software on my Nintendo Switch for a storage upgrade?
You need to open the Nintendo Switch, remove the old EMMC board, and replace it with a new one. After the hardware upgrade, you will need to boot into a custom version of hakate to check if the EMMC is detected. Then, you can remove your SD card, copy the backup files to your PC, and format the partition inside the encryption to expand and format it to FAT32.
How do I transfer game files to the new storage after upgrading?
If you have changed the SD card, you can simply copy the game files from the old card to the new card using your computer. If you have used the cloning method, you can use professional cloning software like AOMEI Backupper Standard to transfer all your data from the original SD card to the target card.
What are the compatible storage options for the Nintendo Switch?
The Nintendo Switch is compatible with microSD, microSDHC, or microSDXC memory cards. Popular options include Samsung EVO+ 256GB and SanDisk Ultra 400GB.