Nintendo and Western Digital (WD) have announced a partnership that includes licensed Nintendo memory cards to be used with Switch. The announcement also includes that some future titles on the console will require microSD memory cards in order for players to experience the full content of those specific games.

In the announcement, Nintendo stated:

Ever since Nintendo Switch launched in March, the system has become home to a continually growing library of diverse downloadable games and content. Additional storage enables players to download more digital games and content, and take it all on the go. Also, 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.”

One such game that will require an additional microSD card will be the upcoming NBA 2K18. The company is staying on top of informing consumers which games will need the extra Nintendo memory cards by including the requirements on the box art. Both the front and back box art will alert players that the microSD is needed to enjoy the full content. An example of NBA 2K18’s box art can be seen below:

Those who do not have extra memory for their consoles will still be able to play portions of those games, but will not have access to all features. A statement from a Nintendo representative reads:

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).

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.”

The partnership with Western Digital will include SanDisk microSDXC memory cards with 64 GB and 128 GB storage capacity sizes. They will be Nintendo themed and are expected to be available in select retail stores by October 2017.

What are your thoughts on the partnership with Western Digital? What about the possibility of required Nintendo memory cards for the Switch? Do you think that Nintendo will address this by either including memory cards in a bundle or by increasing the on-board memory in future versions of the console? Let us know in the comments section below. Be sure to follow DFTG on Twitter to stay up to date on the hottest news in gaming and entertainment via our 24/7 live news feed.