Nintendo Switch Upgrade Guide: RAM, Storage and CPU Options

Updated Oct. 9, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers what you can and can't upgrade on the Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite. The short answer: the only upgrade is a bigger microSD card. RAM and internal storage are soldered in place, and there is no processor upgrade.

At a glance

  • RAM is fixed at 4 GB on the original, Lite and OLED, and there is no memory slot.
  • Internal storage is soldered eMMC: 32 GB on the original and Lite, 64 GB on the OLED.
  • The one expansion option is the microSD slot, which Nintendo lists at up to 2 TB.
  • microSDXC cards need a system update first, which requires an internet connection.
  • Counterfeit large-capacity microSD cards are common, so buy from a reputable seller.
microSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS)) · up to 2 TB
microSD slotFlash card microSD (SD (UHS)) · up to 2 TB
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

20212022202320242025202620272028Today11 · Release · Oct. 8, 202122 · End of sale · February 2027
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDate
Release
First available to buy.		 Oct. 8, 2021 Official Nintendo Switch OLED Model release, per Nintendo Support
Source ↗
End of sale
No longer sold new by the manufacturer (Dell calls this 'End of Life', Lenovo 'Withdrawn').		 February 2027 Official Europe only: from mid-February 2027 Nintendo will no longer sell Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED to retailers (Nintendo announcement as quoted); no end-of-sale date announced for the rest of world
Source ↗

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Storage: add a microSD card

The Switch has a single microSD slot, and it is the only supported way to add storage. It accepts microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards, and Nintendo lists a maximum of 2 TB. The OLED manual summary agrees at 2000 GB.

The built-in storage can't be changed. It is soldered eMMC: 32 GB on the original Switch and Switch Lite, and 64 GB on the Switch OLED. Part of that is reserved for the system. Nintendo UK says about 6.2 GB on the original. Reaching the chip means soldering or special connectors, which is repair work and not an upgrade.

The game card slot only reads Switch game cards and can't be used for storage. USB-C is not a storage port either. On the Switch Lite it is for charging only, and on the original and OLED it is for charging and the dock.

Buying tips

  • Choose a card from a reputable brand and a trusted seller, because counterfeit large-capacity cards are common.
  • If you buy a microSDXC card, plan to connect the console to the internet for a system update before first use.
  • Don't pay extra for the fastest card on the shelf. The slot is generally understood to run at UHS-I speeds, though Nintendo's pages don't confirm this.
  • The 32 GB on the original and Lite fills quickly, and even the OLED's 64 GB is small, so budget for a card.
  • Don't buy anything larger than 2 TB, which is Nintendo's stated maximum.

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How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Check which model you have: original Switch, Switch Lite or Switch OLED. All three use the same microSD approach.
  • Back up your save data before changing anything.
  • Keep your console's owner's manual handy for the exact location of the card slot on your model.
  • Have an internet connection ready if you're buying a microSDXC card, since it requires a system update.
  • Be wary of cards that advertise a huge capacity at a suspiciously low cost.

Steps

  1. Back up your data
    Make sure your saves are backed up before you change any storage.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the console down fully, and disconnect the charger or dock.
  3. Ground yourself
    Touch an unpainted metal object to discharge static before handling the card.
  4. Open the card slot
    Open the microSD slot cover as shown in your owner's manual. No tools or case disassembly are needed for a card, and you shouldn't try to open the console to look for other upgrades.
  5. Insert the card
    Slide the microSD card into the slot with the label side oriented as your manual shows, until it seats.
  6. Close up and power on
    Close the cover and turn the console on. If you installed a microSDXC card, connect to the internet and run the system update when prompted.
  7. Check the console sees the card
    Open the system settings and look at the storage or data management screen to confirm the card and its capacity are recognised.

Good to know

  • Nintendo's spec pages don't list RAM. The 4 GB figure comes from the community teardown wiki Switchbrew, not from Nintendo.
  • The RAM type (LPDDR4 or LPDDR4X) and the memory vendor vary by hardware revision, but the capacity is 4 GB on all models.
  • Nintendo's US spec page mixes models. Its first table describes the OLED (7.0 inch OLED, 64 GB), even though the heading is generic.
  • We couldn't confirm card speed requirements from Nintendo. The idea that the slot is limited to UHS-I speeds is a general understanding, not an official figure.
  • Whether the Switch can use external USB drives isn't covered by Nintendo's pages. Verify that independently.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the Nintendo Switch take?

None can be added. The Switch has 4 GB of RAM soldered to the board on the original, Lite and OLED, and there is no memory slot.

Can I upgrade the internal storage of a Switch?

No. The internal eMMC is soldered (32 GB on the original and Lite, 64 GB on the OLED) and can't be replaced. Add a microSD card instead.

What is the largest microSD card the Switch supports?

Nintendo lists 2 TB as the maximum. The slot accepts microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards.

Does the Switch support microSDXC cards?

Yes, but Nintendo says inserting a microSDXC card requires a system update, which needs an internet connection.

Can I use a USB drive or SSD for games?

Nintendo's pages don't mention USB storage. Our understanding is that the Switch can't use external USB drives for games or saves, but check that independently. USB-C is for charging, and for the dock on the original and OLED.

Can I upgrade the CPU in a Switch?

No. There is no processor upgrade for the Switch, and its memory and internal storage are fixed too.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.