Some Nintendo Switch Games Will Require Memory Cards

Portions of games will still be available without a microSD card.

By Jonathon Dornbush

While revealing a new partnership with SD card maker SanDisk, Nintendo has also revealed that, moving forward, some Nintendo Switch games will require a MicroSD card in order to experience the full content of certain upcoming games.

In an announcement, Nintendo noted that "a microSD card will be needed for certain Nintendo Switch games that contain an especially large amount of content and require additional storage for players to enjoy the full experience." At least one upcoming release, NBA 2K18, will be such a game requiring a MicroSD card in the system, as evidenced by the game's updated box art.

NBA 2K18 box art with memory card requirement

Nintendo is making sure not to blindside players who purchase games that need extra storage, though. A representative for Nintendo of America confirmed that box art, like that for NBA above, will have notices of this memory card requirement on the front and back of packaging. And for those downloading on the eShop, there will be the standard information noting how large the game is is.

Nintendo also clarified that games requiring the additional space of a memory card will still allow those without a microSD card to play portions of those games.

"If you purchase a physical version of a game that requires an additional microSD memory card, you will be able to play a portion of the game right out of the box (for example, specific levels or modes)," a representative for Nintendo of America told IGN.

"To enjoy the full game, downloading additional data is required. Depending on the storage requirements for each game, it may be necessary to purchase a microSD card to expand storage space. When purchasing a digital version of the game, it may also be necessary to purchase a microSD card depending on the game’s storage requirements and the storage available on the consumer’s Nintendo Switch console."

Nintendo's partnership with SanDisk means the introduction of branded microSDXC in 64 GB and 128 GB sizes, with packaging featuring Nintendo characters and a Switch logo branding on the card itself. The Switch supports MicroSDXC cards up to 2 TB.

"Some Nintendo Switch games will require consumers to purchase an additional microSD memory card to play them. Our expanded storage solution offers flexibility for those who need it to play these games. People can choose exactly how much additional storage space they want to buy, depending on the number and type of games they play, and the amount of content they plan to download," Nintendo said about the process.

As discovered around launch, Nintendo Switch systems will not let users use MicroSD cards connected to one console on another system.

In anticipation of the fall season, Nintendo has offered a peek at the indie games coming to the Switch in the coming months. 17 games were highlighted during the latest Nindies Showcase, while a new No More Heroes was announced, the final Shovel Knight campaign was revealed, and Nintendo confirmed the entirety of Kentucky Route Zero would be coming to Switch.

For more Nintendo coverage, stay tuned to IGN's PAX West 2017 hub for every preview from the convention.

Jonathon Dornbush is an Associate Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

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