Lexar microSD Express Cards for Switch 2 Restocked, Now at Lowest Price on Amazon %v

If you're gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply seeking a fast, 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 now available on Amazon for $89.92, a significant drop from its usual price of $99.99.

This card stands out as one of the few MicroSD Express options available in larger capacities, and it's officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial because 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

The shift to MicroSD Express cards is driven by speed. These cards utilize the same PCIe interface found in high-speed NVMe SSDs used in modern gaming PCs. The Lexar Play PRO can achieve read speeds of up to 985MB/s, which is nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch. This enhanced speed leads to faster load times and ensures that the performance of larger, more demanding games won't be hindered by slow storage.

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, the console's internal 256GB storage won't last long. While a 1TB Express card can cost nearly $200, this 512GB option represents the current sweet spot, especially if you can find it in stock. There's also a 256GB option available for $47.67 on Amazon.

Stock availability for MicroSD Express cards has been inconsistent, with many selling out quickly 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 unavailable again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and this Lexar deal is currently 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 compact. The Japanese My Nintendo Store has listed several Switch 2 games alongside their file sizes. These sizes suggest that the 256GB of internal storage might be more substantial than initially thought.

The largest file size listed is for Mario Kart World, at 23.4 GB, which occupies about 10% of the Switch 2's total internal storage. This is relatively small compared to Cyberpunk 2077, which requires 64 GB and takes up 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

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.