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 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 is officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial because Nintendo has confirmed that the next-gen console will only support MicroSD Express for expandable storage, rendering all older cards from the original Switch obsolete, regardless of their remaining space.
Switch 2 Compatible### Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
4$99.99 save 10%$89.92 at AmazonThe shift to MicroSD Express is driven by speed. These cards leverage the same PCIe interface as the ultra-fast NVMe SSDs found in modern gaming PCs, enabling the Lexar Play PRO to achieve read speeds up to 985MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch. This enhanced speed translates to faster load times and prevents performance bottlenecks when loading larger, more demanding games from the expansion card.
With a capacity of 512GB, the Lexar card offers an excellent balance between storage and cost. Given that some confirmed Switch 2 games are over 20GB, the internal 256GB storage won't suffice for long. While a 1TB Express card costs nearly $200, this 512GB option represents the current sweet spot, especially considering its availability. Additionally, the 256GB version is also on sale for $47.67 at Amazon.
Availability has been inconsistent, with many MicroSD Express cards quickly selling out after the Switch 2 announcement. If you plan to purchase the new console at launch, now is the time to secure one of these cards before they become scarce again. Speed is essential for the next generation of portable consoles, and this Lexar deal offers the fastest and most cost-effective way to prepare.
Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes: ----------------------------Nintendo has disclosed some file sizes for Switch 2 games, and some are surprisingly small. The Japanese My Nintendo Store lists several Switch 2 games with their respective file sizes. Based on these, the 256GB of internal storage appears to be a more significant upgrade than initially thought.
The largest file size is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which occupies about 10% of the Switch 2's total internal storage. Comparatively, Mario Kart World is smaller than Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB on the Nintendo Switch 2, taking up a substantial 25% of the console's 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
Be sure to bookmark IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide. We'll provide links as soon as they go live. Stay updated on Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorders by following IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
