Lexar has released new microSD Express cards just in time for theNintendo Switch 2 launch on June 5. During its April 2 Direct presentation, Nintendo confirmed that theSwitch 2 will only work with microSD Express cards, not the regular UHS-I and UHS-II cards you may have used with the original Switch.
The newLexar PLAY PRO microSDXC Express Cardfully supports Switch 2 game installs as well as screenshots and game captures, and isavailable now on Amazon. Currently, it’s one of only two Switch 2-compatible microSD cards available right now, alongside theSanDisk microSD Express Card. The Lexar card offers better value at $50 for 256GB (compared to SanDisk’s $60) and comes in a larger 1TB capacity option.
These Lexar cards are selling fast. Some storage capacities may be temporarily out of stock due to high demand.
Upgrade Your Switch 2 Storage With the Lexar PLAY PRO
The new Switch 2 comes with a much more robust 256GB of built-in storage, a big jump from the 32GB in the old Switch. Butfiles for the new Switch 2 games are huge.Cyberpunk 2077alone is expected to take up amassive 64GB, so if you’re a heavy gamer, you’re going to need additional storage sooner or later. Good thing the Lexar microSD card goes up to 1TB, which should be enough even for the biggest game collections.
In terms of pricing, the Lexar PLAY PRO microSDXC Express Card has an MSRP of $50 for a 256GB capacity, $100 for 512GB, and $200 for 1TB. Right now, Amazon has the 256GB model markeddown to $47, while the 512GB is discounted to $90, netting you $10 in savings. The 1TB model is currently out of stock (likely due to high demand), but we expect Amazon to restock soon.
Buy it on Amazon
Lexar PLAY PRO microSDXC Express Card Features
The PLAY PRO launches as afantastic microSD for handheld gaming devices. The speed is the biggest draw here, offering four times the performance of the UHS-I microSD cards used in the original Switch. This is the main reason the Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards, as the performance boost helps it handle much more complex and demanding games likeCyberpunk 2077andBorderlands 4.
In addition to the Switch 2, the PLAY PRO is compatible with any device featuring a microSD slot, including UHS-I and UHS-II devices. you may even use it with the original Switch, though it will perform at UHS-I speeds. While Lexar is already a reliable storage brand like SanDisk and Samsung, this microSD card still comes with a limited lifetime warranty along with a data recovery tool for added peace of mind.
How to Identify a microSD Express Card
Physically, there is not much difference between microSD and microSD Express cards. In fact, you’re able to insert a microSD Express card into a standard microSD slot. However, allmicroSD Express cards have an ‘EX’ symbollike the one highlighted in the image above. If this symbol is missing, it’s likely not a microSD Express card and won’t be compatible with your Switch 2.
If you have a standard microSD card that you used with your old Switch, don’t throw it away yet. You can still use it in your new Switch 2 to access your saved screenshots and recorded videos. The only downside is that you won’t be able to save data or open games.
