If you’re preparing for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 or simply searching for a reliable and high-speed memory card, this deal deserves your attention. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is back in stock and available for $89.92 on Amazon, marking a savings of $10 from its regular price of $99.99.
This card stands out as one of the few MicroSD Express options in larger capacities, and it’s officially certified to work with the upcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial since Nintendo confirmed that the next-generation console will exclusively support MicroSD Express for expandable storage. That means older cards from the original Switch, regardless of how much space they still have, won’t be compatible.
Switch 2 Compatible### Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card
4$99.99 save 10%$89.92 at AmazonThe transition to MicroSD Express is driven by speed. Unlike traditional UHS-I cards, MicroSD Express cards utilize the same PCIe interface as high-performance NVMe SSDs found in modern gaming PCs. This enables the Lexar Play PRO to achieve read speeds of up to 985MB/s—almost ten times faster than UHS-I cards. Faster storage translates to quicker load times, ensuring you won’t experience bottlenecks when launching large, demanding games from your expansion card.
With 512GB of storage, this Lexar card offers an excellent balance between capacity and cost. Confirmed games for the Switch 2 can exceed 20GB, so the built-in 256GB of storage won’t last long. While a 1TB MicroSD Express card costs nearly $200, the 512GB option seems like the perfect middle ground—provided you can secure one before it sells out. For those on a tighter budget, the 256GB variant is also available at Amazon for $47.67.
Stock availability has been inconsistent, with many MicroSD Express cards quickly selling out following the Switch 2 announcement. If you plan to purchase the new console at launch, now is the ideal time to snag one of these cards before supplies dwindle again. On the next generation of portable consoles, speed is non-negotiable, and for now, this Lexar deal represents the fastest and most cost-effective way to prepare.
Switch 2 Game Storage Sizes: ----------------------------Nintendo has disclosed the file sizes for several Switch 2 games, revealing some surprisingly compact titles. According to listings on the Japanese My Nintendo Store, certain games weigh in at significantly lower file sizes than expected. However, based on the revealed sizes, the 256GB of internal storage in the Switch 2 does appear to be a substantial upgrade compared to previous models.
Mario Kart World leads the pack with a file size of 23.4GB, representing approximately 10% of the console’s total internal storage. In contrast, Donkey Kong Bananza comes in at 10GB, while the Nintendo Classics: GameCube app requires 3.5GB. Super Mario Party Jamboree – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Jamboree TV clocks in at 7.7GB, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Star Crossed World totals 5.7GB.
Bookmark IGN's Switch 2 preorder guide today, and stay updated as launch details become available. Follow IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky to receive notifications when preorder listings go live for the Nintendo Switch 2 console, games, or accessories.
