What To Know
- It was designed to be a more modern and efficient file system than FAT32, and it offers a number of advantages over its predecessor.
- This is because exFAT is a more modern file system, and it is supported by a wider range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
- FAT32 is a simple and robust file system, and it is compatible with a wide range of devices.
When it comes to expanding the storage capacity of your Nintendo Switch, you have two options: exFAT and FAT32. Both file systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a decision. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast exFAT and FAT32, and help you decide which file system is right for you.
What is exFAT?
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) is a file system that was developed by Microsoft in 2006. It was designed to be a more modern and efficient file system than FAT32, and it offers a number of advantages over its predecessor.
Advantages of exFAT
- Larger file size limit: exFAT supports files up to 16 exabytes in size, while FAT32 only supports files up to 4 gigabytes in size. This makes exFAT a better choice for storing large files, such as games, videos, and music.
- Faster transfer speeds: exFAT is generally faster than FAT32, especially when transferring large files. This is because exFAT uses a more efficient allocation algorithm that reduces the number of disk seeks required to read or write data.
- Better compatibility: exFAT is more compatible with other devices than FAT32. This is because exFAT is a more modern file system, and it is supported by a wider range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
Disadvantages of exFAT
- Not as widely supported as FAT32: FAT32 is a more widely supported file system than exFAT. This means that you may have trouble using an exFAT-formatted drive with some older devices, such as some game consoles and car stereos.
- Can be more expensive: exFAT-formatted drives are often more expensive than FAT32-formatted drives. This is because exFAT is a more complex file system, and it requires more sophisticated hardware to support it.
What is FAT32?
FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) is a file system that was developed by Microsoft in 1996. It is a relatively old file system, but it is still widely used today. FAT32 is a simple and robust file system, and it is compatible with a wide range of devices.
Advantages of FAT32
- Widely supported: FAT32 is a widely supported file system. This means that you can use a FAT32-formatted drive with almost any device, including Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as game consoles and car stereos.
- Less expensive: FAT32-formatted drives are often less expensive than exFAT-formatted drives. This is because FAT32 is a simpler file system, and it requires less sophisticated hardware to support it.
- More compatible with older devices: FAT32 is more compatible with older devices than exFAT. This is because FAT32 is a more widely supported file system, and it has been around for longer.
Disadvantages of FAT32
- Smaller file size limit: FAT32 only supports files up to 4 gigabytes in size. This can be a problem if you want to store large files, such as games, videos, and music.
- Slower transfer speeds: FAT32 is generally slower than exFAT, especially when transferring large files. This is because FAT32 uses a less efficient allocation algorithm that requires more disk seeks to read or write data.
Which File System Should You Use?
The best file system for you depends on your specific needs. If you need to store large files, such as games, videos, and music, then exFAT is a better choice. If you need a file system that is widely supported and compatible with older devices, then FAT32 is a better choice.
Formatting Your Nintendo Switch
To format your Nintendo Switch, you will need to use a computer. You can use a Windows PC or a Mac.
Formatting Your Nintendo Switch on a Windows PC
1. Connect your Nintendo Switch to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open the File Explorer window.
3. Right-click on your Nintendo Switch drive and select “Format.”
4. Select “exFAT” or “FAT32” from the “File system” drop-down menu.
5. Click on the “Start” button.
Formatting Your Nintendo Switch on a Mac
1. Connect your Nintendo Switch to your computer using a USB cable.
2. Open the Disk Utility application.
3. Select your Nintendo Switch drive in the sidebar.
4. Click on the “Erase” button.
5. Select “exFAT” or “FAT32” from the “Format” drop-down menu.
6. Click on the “Erase” button.
In a nutshell: Nintendo Switch exFAT vs FAT32
Ultimately, the best file system for your Nintendo Switch depends on your specific needs. If you need to store large files, such as games, videos, and music, then exFAT is a better choice. If you need a file system that is widely supported and compatible with older devices, then FAT32 is a better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the maximum file size that I can store on my Nintendo Switch?
The maximum file size that you can store on your Nintendo Switch depends on the file system that you are using. If you are using exFAT, you can store files up to 16 exabytes in size. If you are using FAT32, you can store files up to 4 gigabytes in size.
2. Which file system is faster, exFAT or FAT32?
exFAT is generally faster than FAT32, especially when transferring large files. This is because exFAT uses a more efficient allocation algorithm that reduces the number of disk seeks required to read or write data.
3. Which file system is more widely supported, exFAT or FAT32?
FAT32 is more widely supported than exFAT. This means that you may have trouble using an exFAT-formatted drive with some older devices, such as some game consoles and car stereos.
