If you're gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply seeking a high-speed, future-proof memory card, you'll want to take note of this deal. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is now back in stock and available on Amazon for $89.92, a reduction from its regular price of $99.99.
This card stands out as one of the few larger-capacity MicroSD Express cards on the market and is officially compatible with the forthcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial, as Nintendo has announced that its next-generation console will exclusively support MicroSD Express for expandable storage. This means your older cards from the original Switch won't be usable, regardless of their remaining capacity.
Switch 2 Compatible### Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
4$99.99 save 10%$89.92 at AmazonThe shift to MicroSD Express is all about speed. These cards leverage the PCIe interface, similar to the high-speed NVMe SSDs in modern gaming PCs. The Lexar Play PRO boasts read speeds of up to 985MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards in the current Switch. This speed translates to quicker load times and ensures that performance isn't hindered when running larger, more demanding games from the expansion card.
At 512GB, the Lexar card offers an excellent balance of storage and price. With some confirmed Switch 2 games exceeding 20GB, the internal 256GB storage won't suffice for long. While a 1TB Express card might cost nearly $200, this 512GB option seems to be the ideal choice—if you can find it in stock. There's also a 256GB option available at Amazon for $47.67.
Stock availability for MicroSD Express cards has been inconsistent, especially following the Switch 2 announcement. If you plan to purchase the new console at launch, it's wise to secure one of these cards before they sell out again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and this Lexar deal represents 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. According to the Japanese My Nintendo Store, these games have varying storage requirements. However, the 256GB internal storage seems more substantial than initially thought, given these sizes.
The largest game listed is Mario Kart World, at 23.4 GB, which occupies about 10% of the Switch 2’s internal storage. In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077 demands 64 GB, taking up a significant 25% of the console's 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
Stay updated with IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide, and we'll provide links as soon as they're available. Follow IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky to get notifications when a Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorder listing becomes active.
