If you're gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply in need of a high-speed, future-proof memory card, you'll want to check out this deal. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is back in stock on Amazon, now priced at $89.92, down from its regular $99.99.
This card stands out as one of the few larger-capacity MicroSD Express options available, and it's officially compatible with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Why is this important? Nintendo has confirmed that its next-generation console will only support MicroSD Express cards 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 leverage the same PCIe interface as the ultra-fast NVMe SSDs found in modern gaming PCs. The Lexar Play PRO boasts read speeds up to 985MB/s—nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch. This means faster load times and ensures you won't bottleneck performance when running larger, more demanding games from your expansion card.
With a capacity of 512GB, this Lexar card offers an excellent balance between storage and price. Given that some confirmed Switch 2 games are over 20GB, the internal 256GB won't last long. While a 1TB Express card costs nearly $200, this 512GB option is currently the sweet spot—if you can find it in stock. There's also a 256GB version available for $47.67 at Amazon.
Availability has been inconsistent, with many MicroSD Express cards selling out quickly after the Switch 2 announcement. If you plan to get the new console at launch, now's the time to secure one of these cards before they disappear again. Speed is non-negotiable 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 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 sizes. Given these, the internal 256GB storage seems more substantial than initially thought.
The largest file size is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which occupies about 10% of the Switch 2's internal storage. In comparison, Cyberpunk 2077 is significantly larger at 64 GB, taking up 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 when anything goes live, we'll post links the moment they become available. Get notified when a Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorder listing goes live by following IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.
