How to Copy Switch SD Card to Another with/without Computer: 3 Ways

On this page, 3 methods on how to copy Switch SD card to another without or with computer are offered. Choose the one that suits you for Switch data transfer now.

By @Jonna Last Updated April 2, 2024

Can You Transfer Data from One SD Card to Another for Switch?

 

I have a fully functioning 64GB Sandisk SD card in my Switch but it is more or less full. I am looking at using a larger one. How to copy Switch SD card to another? Do I need to copy my old SD card onto my PC and paste the data to the new card? Does this work? Any suggestions, please?

Are you looking to transfer data from one SD card to another for your Nintendo Switch? Whether you want to upgrade to a larger capacity card or simply need to replace a faulty one, you should know the answer is yes! In this guide, we'll explore 3 different methods to achieve this, catering to users with or without a computer.

Why Replace Switch SD Card?

SD card in Nintendo Switch is mainly used for extra storage, storing games, apps, and data beyond the console's internal memory. There are several reasons why you might consider copying Switch games from one SD card to another:

♦ Storage capacity: Upgrading to larger SD card allows you to store more games, downloadable content, and updates, enhancing your gaming library. ♦ Data preservation: Transferring Switch data from one SD card to another ensures that you retain your game progress, save files, and settings without starting from scratch. ♦ Reliability: Replacing a faulty or damaged SD card with a new one ensures the reliability and longevity of your Nintendo Switch storage solution. ♦ Performance enhancement: Upgrading to a faster SD card can improve loading times and overall system performance, enhancing your gaming experience.

How to Copy Switch SD Card to Another in 3 Ways

Now, let's explore three different methods to copy your Switch SD card to another.

🌟Remember:

It is important to format SD card that you are copying to before moving the contents to the new SD card, so to avoid errors like "this microSD card is being used with another Nintendo Switch." And you should not delete, format, or change the contents of the original SD card until you are sure the new SD card is working correctly.

πŸ‘‰ Method 1. Use Copy-and-Paste Play - Manual & on Computer πŸ‘‰ Method 2. By Cloning Switch SD Card to Another - Auto & on Computer πŸ‘‰ Method 3. Rely on Switch Internal Memory - Manual & no Computer

Method 1. Use Copy-and-Paste Play - Manual & on Computer

The most traditional and commonly used way to migrate data from one Switch SD card to Another would be - copying everything from the old card to your PC and then paste to the new card. Here is how to copy Nintendo Switch SD card to another SD card:

Step 1. Take off your old SD card from Nintendo Switch, and insert it into your computer's SD card reader.

Step 2. Open File Explorer on computer to access the card, select all files and folders, then copy and paste or drag and drop them to a folder on PC.

Step 3. Then, eject the source SD card, insert the new SD card, and move the copied files and folders onto the destination SD card.

Method 2. By Cloning Switch SD Card to Another - Auto & on Computer

If there is insufficient storage space on your computer, or you need an easier data transfer method for Switch SD card, try the free disk cloning software - AOMEI Backupper Standard. This tool can help you transfer all data from one SD card to another with one click.

  • It provides Disk Clone to copy entire disk and Partition Clone to copy a specific partition to another SD card.
  • You can use it to copy to smaller disk by copying only the used space, with Intelligent Clone; or copy every sector of the disk with Sector by Sector Clone.
  • Except for copying SD card to SD card, it also supports cloning hard drive to SSD, HDD, USB, etc.

Make sure your two SD cards are connected to your computer correctly, and download and run AOMEI Backupper on your computer. Then, follow the steps below to figure out how to copy Switch SD card to another:

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Step 1. Select Clone > Disk Clone on the main page of AOMEI Backupper.

Note: The Disk Clone feature on the free Standard version only supports to clone data disk. To copy a system disk, please upgrade to AOMEI Backupper Professional or higher editions.

Step 2. Select the original SD Card as the source disk and click Next.

Step 3. Select another SD card you have connected to the computer and click Next.

Step 4. Check Sector by Sector Clone to make an exact copy of the original SD card, and click Start Clone to copy Switch SD card to another with ease.

If there is only one SD card reader on your computer, you can also rely on the Disk Backup feature of AOMEI Backupper Standard to create an image of your old Switch SD card, and then restore it to the new card for free.

Method 3. Rely on Switch Internal Memory - Manual & no Computer

Can you transfer Switch data from one SD card to another without computer? Of course, you can rely on the internal storage of your Switch to get this. One thing should be noted Switch usually has either 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage; you should ensure that your SD card data is less than your internal storage for successful transfer.

Here are guides on how to upgrade Switch SD card without computer:

Step 1. Head to Settings on your Switch console, and then go to Data Management > Move Data Between Console/microSD card and choose Move to System Memory to transfer data from the microSD card to the system memory.

Step 2. When you're done, turn your Switch off again, eject the source card, and connect the new SD card.

Step 3. Navigate to head to Settings > Data Management > Move Data Between Console/microSD card > Move to microSD card to transfer data from the system memory to the microSD card.

Conclusion

On this page, we have listed 3 methods on how to copy Switch SD card to another. Whether you prefer manual methods or automated solutions, with or without computer, there's an option to suit your needs. To migrate your whole SD card quickly and easily, the Disk Clone feature of AOMEI Backupper can do you a favor. Also, you can help you do more things, like backing up your SD card, transferring files from PC to SD card, and so on.