If you're gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply in need of a fast, future-proof memory card, the Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is a deal worth considering. Currently back in stock on Amazon, it's now available at a reduced price of $89.92, down from its regular $99.99.
This card is one of the few larger-capacity MicroSD Express options on the market and is officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial, as Nintendo has confirmed that the next-generation console will exclusively support MicroSD Express for expandable storage. This means that older cards from the original Switch won't be compatible, 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 all about speed. These cards utilize the same PCIe interface as the high-speed NVMe SSDs in modern gaming PCs, allowing 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 increased speed translates to faster load times and prevents performance bottlenecks when running larger, more demanding games from the expansion card.
With a capacity of 512GB, the Lexar card offers a perfect balance of storage and price. Given that some confirmed Switch 2 games exceed 20GB, the internal 256GB storage may fill up quickly. While a 1TB Express card can cost nearly $200, this 512GB option represents the current sweet spot, especially considering stock availability. Additionally, the 256GB version is also available at a discounted price of $47.67 on Amazon.
Availability has been inconsistent, with many MicroSD Express cards selling out rapidly following the Switch 2 announcement. If you're planning to purchase the new console at launch, securing one of these cards now is advisable before they disappear from stock again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and the Lexar deal provides the fastest and most cost-effective solution to prepare.
Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes: ----------------------------Nintendo has disclosed the file sizes for some Switch 2 games, revealing some surprisingly compact sizes. According to the Japanese My Nintendo Store, these sizes indicate that the 256GB of internal storage might be more substantial than initially thought.
The largest file size listed is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which occupies roughly 10% of the Switch 2’s internal storage. In comparison, Cyberpunk 2077 takes up 64 GB, representing a significant 25% of the console's storage capacity.
- 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 receive notifications when a Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorder listing goes live.
