If you’re gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply in need of a fast, future-proof memory card, don't miss out on this deal. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is now back in stock on Amazon, priced at a reduced $89.92, down from its usual $99.99.
This card is one of the few larger-capacity MicroSD Express options available, and it's officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2. This is crucial because Nintendo has confirmed that its next-generation console will only support MicroSD Express for expandable storage. This means that your existing cards from the original Switch won't work, regardless of their remaining capacity.
Switch 2 Compatible### Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
4$99.99 save 10%$89.92 at AmazonThe reason for this shift is speed. MicroSD Express cards utilize the same PCIe interface as the ultra-fast NVMe SSDs found in modern gaming PCs. The Lexar Play PRO can achieve read speeds up to 985MB/s, which is nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch. This increase in speed translates to quicker load times and ensures that your storage won't bottleneck the performance when loading larger, more demanding games.
With a capacity of 512GB, this Lexar card offers a perfect balance between storage and price. Given that some confirmed Switch 2 games are over 20GB in size, the internal 256GB storage won't suffice for long. While a 1TB Express card costs nearly $200, this 512GB option is currently the most cost-effective choice, if you can find it in stock. Additionally, the 256GB version is available at a discounted price of $47.67 on 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 secure one of these cards before they become unavailable again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and this Lexar deal offers the fastest and most affordable way to prepare.
Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes: ----------------------------Nintendo has disclosed some file sizes for Switch 2 games, and some are surprisingly compact. The Japanese My Nintendo Store lists several Switch 2 games along with their file sizes. These sizes suggest that the 256GB of internal storage is a more substantial upgrade than initially thought.
The largest file size listed is for Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which occupies only about 10% of the Switch 2's internal storage. In comparison, Mario Kart World is quite modest next to Cyberpunk 2077, which takes up 64 GB, or 25% of the Switch 2's internal storage.
Mario Kart World: 23.4 GBDonkey Kong Bananza: 10 GBNintendo Classics: GameCube app: 3.5 GBSuper Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Jamboree TV: 7.7 GBKirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ＋ Star Crossed World: 5.7 GBBe sure to bookmark IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide. We'll update it with links as soon as they're available. Stay informed about Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, and accessory preorders by following IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
