If you’re gearing up for the Nintendo Switch 2 or simply in need of a fast, future-proof memory card, this deal is worth your attention. The Lexar 512GB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card is back in stock and currently available on Amazon for $89.92, a significant reduction from its usual price of $99.99.

This card is one of the few MicroSD Express options available in larger capacities and is officially compatible with the upcoming Switch 2. This compatibility is crucial because Nintendo has confirmed that their next-generation console will exclusively support MicroSD Express for expandable storage. This means your older cards from the original Switch won't work, regardless of their remaining capacity.

Lexar 512GB Play PRO microSDXC Express Card

$99.99 save 10%
$89.92 at Amazon

Why the switch to MicroSD Express? It's all about speed. These 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 of up to 985MB/s, nearly ten times faster than the UHS-I cards used in the current Switch model. This translates to quicker load times and ensures that your storage won't bottleneck the performance of larger, more demanding games.

With a capacity of 512GB, the Lexar card strikes an excellent balance between storage and price. Considering that some confirmed Switch 2 games exceed 20GB, the internal 256GB storage won't last long. While a 1TB Express card costs nearly $200, this 512GB option represents the current sweet spot, especially if you can secure it in stock. There's also a 256GB version available for $47.67 on Amazon.

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 time to grab one of these cards before they're gone again. Speed is non-negotiable for the next generation of portable consoles, and currently, this Lexar deal offers 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 small. The Japanese My Nintendo Store lists several Switch 2 games along with their file sizes, providing insight into the storage needs for the new console.

The largest file size listed is Mario Kart World at 23.4 GB, which only occupies about 10% of the Switch 2's total internal storage. In comparison, Cyberpunk 2077 on the Switch 2 requires 64 GB, taking up a substantial 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 we'll post links the moment they become available. Stay informed about Nintendo Switch 2 console, game, or accessory preorder listings by following IGN Deals on Twitter/X or Bluesky.