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How to fix Nintendo Switch OLED microSD card recognition issues

You can add extra storage to your Nintendo Switch OLED via the microSD card slot. If your system can’t recognize your card, then you can check out this troubleshooting guide at Seeking Tech to find some potential solutions.

1. The first step we recommend taking is to make sure your microSD card is compatible with the Switch OLED system.

For the uninformed, game console supports microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC. The Nintendo Switch OLED should also be compatible with both the UHS-I and UHS-II Ultra High Speed formats. Finally, the card needs to have a minimum read or transfer speed of 60 MB per second.

2. If you are sure that your microSD card is compatible, then we recommend re-inserting the card once again.

In order to do so, you can take the following steps:

Turn off your Nintendo Switch OLED by pressing and holding the power button for at least 3 seconds.

Next, select Power Options and then Turn Off.

With your system powered down, lay it down so that the back of the console is facing upwards.

Open the adjustable stand to access the microSD slot.

Press down on the microSD card to loosen it and then slide it out of the slot.

Look at the connectors on the cards as well as the microSD card slot to see if there are any potential damages. If you see damage on the connectors on your card, then you will need to send it in for repair if possible. If you see that the microSD card slot on your system has been damaged, then you need to send in your Switch OLED for repair.

If both the connectors and slot look normal, then you can re-insert the microSD card back into the microSD slot.

Afterwards, turn on your Nintendo Switch OLED again and then test to see if your system can recognize the card.

3. If your microSD still can’t be recognized, then you and try reformatting it. Keep in mind that this procedure will erase everything stored on the memory card. So, if possible, you may want to move any important files you have on the card before continuing.

To reformat, you need to do the following:

With the microSD card inserted into the microSD slot of your Switch OLED, turn on the system.

In the Home menu, select System Settings from the bottom.

On the left side of the next screen, scroll down to select System.

On the right side of the same screen, select Formatting Options.

You may be asked to enter the Parental Controls PIN, if you previously set one up, to continue.

Afterwards, select Format microSD Card.

You can then select Continue.

Finally, select Format.

Your Nintendo Switch OLED system will automatically reset once the formatting has completed.

4. If your console still can’t detect the reformatted microSD card, then you can try to use another microSD card.

If the new microSD card works, then the recognition issues may be related to the older microSD card.

If the new microSD card still can’t be recognized, then the issues may be related to the Nintendo Switch OLED. If that is the case, then you should consider contacting Nintendo about possibly sending your console in for repair.