If you're gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply seeking a fast, future-proof memory card, you'll want to take note of this deal. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is back in stock and available on Amazon for $89.92, down from its regular price of $99.99. This card is one of the few MicroSD Express options available in larger capacities, and it's officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2.
Nintendo has confirmed that the next-generation console will exclusively support MicroSD Express for expandable storage, rendering all older cards from the original Switch incompatible, regardless of their remaining space.
Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
$99.99 save 10%
$89.92 at Amazon
The shift to MicroSD Express is all about speed. These cards utilize the same PCIe interface as the high-speed NVMe SSDs found in modern gaming PCs, enabling the Lexar Play PRO to reach read speeds of up to 985MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch. This speed translates to quicker load times and ensures that larger, more demanding games won't bottleneck the console's performance when loaded from the expansion card.
With a capacity of 512GB, the Lexar card offers an excellent balance between storage and cost. Considering that some confirmed Switch 2 games are over 20GB, the internal 256GB won't last long. While a 1TB Express card can cost nearly $200, the 512GB option seems to be the current sweet spot, especially if you can secure one in stock. There's also a 256GB option available for $47.67 at Amazon.
Availability has been inconsistent, with many MicroSD Express cards selling out quickly following the Switch 2 announcement. If you plan to purchase the new console at launch, now is the time to grab one of these cards before they're gone again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and this Lexar deal currently offers the fastest and most cost-effective way to prepare.
Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes:
Nintendo has revealed some file sizes for Switch 2 games, and some are surprisingly compact. The Japanese My Nintendo Store lists several Switch 2 games alongside their file sizes. The 256GB of internal storage now appears to be a more significant upgrade than initially thought.
The largest file size is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which takes up around 10% of the Switch 2’s total internal storage. In comparison, Cyberpunk 2077 weighs in at 64 GB, consuming a substantial 25% of the internal storage.
- Mario Kart World: 23.4 GB
- Donkey Kong Bananza: 10 GB
- Nintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GB
- Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GB
- Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GB
**Bookmark IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide today, and we'll provide links as soon as they become available. Stay informed about Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorders by following IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.**
