A:Answer Yes and no. If you are using only cartridge games and not downloads, you might be able to go without a memory card for most cases. If you plan on downloading digital copies of games, especially games like Zelda or Pokemon Sword/Shield, you will need a memory card as the onboard memory will get filled with just one of these games. MicroSD cards have gotten relatively cheap now, and for most children a 64GB card will do.