microSD Express Card is Not Recognized in Nintendo Switch 2

What to do

1. Power off the console.
   • How to power off a Nintendo Switch 2 console
     1. Press and hold the POWER Button for at least three seconds.
     2. Select Power Options.
     3. Select Power Off.
2. Remove the microSD Express card from the console.
   • How to remove a microSD card
     1. With the console powered off, locate the microSD card slot:
        • Nintendo Switch 2: Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot.
        • Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Gently swing the adjustable stand open to show the microSD card slot.
        • Nintendo Switch: Gently swing the stand open to show the microSD card slot.
        • Nintendo Switch Lite: Gently open the microSD card slot cover.
     2. Gently push down on the top of the microSD card until you hear a click, then slide it out of the microSD card slot.

     For more information, see How to Insert/Remove microSD Express Cards on Nintendo Switch 2 or How to Insert/Remove microSD Cards on Nintendo Switch.

3. Verify that the card is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
   • microSD Express cards compatible with Nintendo Switch 2

     Nintendo Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards.

     
   • Card is not compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2

     If the card is not compatible, replace it with a type of card supported on Nintendo Switch 2.

4. Check for any dirt or debris either in the card slot or on the microSD Express card connectors.
   • Dirt or debris is found in the card slot or on the microSD Express card connectors

     If there is visible contamination on either one, the microSD Express card may need to be replaced and the console will need to be sent in for service.

     For your convenience, Nintendo provides a quick and easy-to-use online service request process.

5. Format the microSD Express card.
   • How to format a microSD Express card

     Important

     • Once formatted, the information on the microSD Express card cannot be recovered. If screenshots or videos are stored on the microSD Express card, be sure to first back up the information on a computer.
     • If downloadable software was saved to the microSD Express card, it can be redownloaded using the same Nintendo Account it was purchased with.
     • Save data is stored on the console’s system memory, so it will not be lost in this process.

     1. From the HOME Menu, select System Settings.
     2. Scroll down the options on the left and select System.
     3. Scroll down the options on the right-hand side and select Formatting Options.
        • If prompted, enter your Parental Controls PIN.
     4. Select Format microSD Card, then Continue.
        • The following message will be displayed, “All data on the microSD card will be deleted. Data cannot be restored once it is deleted. Continue?”
     5. To continue, select Format. The console will then restart.

     For more information: How to Format a microSD and microSD Express Card on Console.

6. Replace the microSD Express card if it still cannot be detected.