Attention all Nintendo Switch 2 enthusiasts and tech aficionados looking to future-proof their gaming setup: The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is back in stock and available at a discounted price of $89.92 on Amazon, down from its regular price of $99.99. This deal is a must-notice for those gearing up for the upcoming Switch 2, as it's one of the few larger-capacity MicroSD Express cards on the market and is officially compatible with Nintendo's next-generation console.
Nintendo has made it clear that the Switch 2 will only support MicroSD Express for expandable storage, rendering older cards from the original Switch obsolete, no matter their remaining capacity. The shift to MicroSD Express is driven by speed. These cards leverage the PCIe interface, similar to the high-speed NVMe SSDs in modern gaming PCs, enabling the Lexar Play PRO to achieve read speeds up to 985MB/s. This is nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch model, promising significantly reduced load times and ensuring your gaming experience isn't hampered by slower storage when running larger, more demanding games.
The 512GB capacity of this Lexar card strikes an excellent balance between storage and price, especially considering some confirmed Switch 2 games are over 20GB in size. While the console comes with 256GB of internal storage, it may not be sufficient for long-term use. A 1TB Express card would cost nearly $200, making this 512GB option a more affordable and practical choice. There's also a 256GB version available at a reduced price of $47.67 on Amazon.
Stock availability for MicroSD Express cards has been unpredictable following the Switch 2 announcement, with many selling out quickly. If you're planning to purchase the new console at launch, securing one of these cards now is advisable before they become scarce again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable gaming, and this Lexar deal offers the fastest and most cost-effective way to prepare.
Nintendo has shared some insights into the storage requirements for Switch 2 games, revealing surprisingly compact file sizes. According to the Japanese My Nintendo Store, the largest game size listed is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which is just 10% of the Switch 2's internal storage. In contrast, Cyberpunk 2077 takes up a hefty 64 GB, representing 25% of the console's storage. Other game sizes include Donkey Kong Bananza at 10 GB, the Nintendo Classics: GameCube app at 3.5 GB, Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV at 7.7 GB, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World at 5.7 GB.
Stay ahead of the game by bookmarking IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide. We'll provide instant links as soon as preorders go live. Follow IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky to get notified the moment a Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorder becomes available.
Switch 2 Compatible### Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
4$99.99 save 10%$89.92 at Amazon
