Expanding the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch is a necessity for many gamers, and SanDisk’s officially licensed microSDXC card, model number SDSQXAO-512G-GN3ZN, promises a solution. This 512GB card boasts impressive read and write speeds, designed to minimize loading times and maximize playtime. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve put it through its paces to find out.

The SanDisk SDSQXAO-512G-GN3ZN comes in a sleek green case, a nice touch that differentiates it from other cards. Beyond aesthetics, the key feature is the advertised speed. SanDisk claims read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. This is significantly faster than the standard microSD cards, and is crucial for quickly loading large game files. Another noteworthy aspect is the lifetime limited warranty – providing peace of mind for a long-term investment.

I tested the card with various games, including large titles like _The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom_ and _Mario Kart 8 Deluxe_. Game loading times were noticeably faster compared to using the Switch’s internal storage, especially when loading larger worlds. I experienced no lag or interruptions during gameplay, even during intense moments. The write speeds were also impressive, with games installing relatively quickly. While the advertised speeds weren’t always consistently met in every test, the performance remained consistently excellent, significantly improving my gaming experience.

I also performed several file transfer tests, moving large video files and photos to and from the card. Again, the transfer speeds were generally very good, though occasional minor fluctuations occurred depending on the file type and size.

Pros:

• Fast read and write speeds
• Officially licensed for Nintendo Switch
• Large storage capacity (512GB)
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Reliable performance

Cons:

• Advertised speeds not always consistently achieved in testing.
• Price point may be higher than some competitor cards.

Overall, the SanDisk SDSQXAO-512G-GN3ZN 512GB microSDXC card provides a significant upgrade for Nintendo Switch users needing extra storage. The speed improvements are noticeable and greatly enhance the gaming experience. While the advertised speeds weren’t consistently reached in my testing, the performance still surpasses that of standard cards. The lifetime warranty adds an extra layer of confidence. If you’re looking to expand your Switch’s storage and value speed and reliability, I highly recommend this card. While it’s a more expensive option, the performance and warranty justify the cost.