Lexar Play Pro 1TB MicroSD Express For Switch 2 Gets Black Friday Discount

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https://www.gamespot.com/articles/upgrade-nintendo-switch-2-storage-with-steeply-discounted-samsung-512gb-microsd-express/1100-6530578/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f

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Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).

Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.

If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190).

Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday Deals

Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express Cards

microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

Best microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Below, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.

Best microSD Express Cards at Walmart

Walmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fast

The Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).

You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.

Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.

The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.

microSD Express: What is it?

The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.

You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.

Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:

content_html

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).

Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.

If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190).

Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday Deals

Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express Cards

microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

Best microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Below, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.

Best microSD Express Cards at Walmart

Walmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fast

The Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).

You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.

Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.

The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.

microSD Express: What is it?

The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.

You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.

Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:

content_text

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190). Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday DealsSamsung P9 512GB microSD Express -- $75 ($100)Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($55)Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express -- $186 ($220)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $100 ($120)NEXT 1TB microSD Express Card -- $170 ($190)NEXT 512GB microSD Express Card -- $90 ($100)Addlink 512GB microSD Express -- $96.44 ($110)TeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($60)Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express CardsmicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2Best microSD Express Cards at AmazonBelow, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.Samsung Switch 2 256GB microSD Express -- $59Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express -- $75 ($100)Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($55)Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express -- $186 ($220)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)Adata 256GB Premier Extreme microSD Express -- $60 ($70)Adata 512GB Premier Extreme microSD Express -- $100 ($130)Addlink 256GB microSD Express -- $59.44Addlink 512GB microSD Express -- $96.44 ($110)PNY 128GB microSD Express -- $46PNY 256GB microSD Express -- $53 ($60)PNY 512GB microSD Express -- $120SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $100 ($120)SanDisk 256GB microSD Express -- $60 ($70)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express -- $60TeamGroup Apex 128GB microSD Express -- $39 | Sold outTeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($60)TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express -- $97 ($120)TeamGroup Apex 1TB microSD Express -- $199.49 ($212)Silicon Power 1TB microSD Express -- $250Best microSD Express Cards at WalmartWalmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.Samsung Switch 2 256GB microSD Express -- $59Onn 256GB microSD Express -- $46.77Onn 512GB microSD Express -- $84.77 SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express -- $98TeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $50 ($60)TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express -- $97 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $120SanDisk 256GB microSD Express -- $60 ($70)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express -- $60PNY 128GB microSD Express -- $46PNY 256GB microSD Express -- $53 ($60)PNY 512GB microSD Express -- $120Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fastThe Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.microSD Express: What is it?The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:

pub_date

27 November 2025, 6:20 am

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1100-6530578

creator

Steven Petite

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id: 87404
uid: IFUgx
insdate: 2025-11-27 07:20:02
title: Lexar Play Pro 1TB MicroSD Express For Switch 2 Gets Black Friday Discount
additional:
category: Game Spot
md5: 1ecbc76ac3eec5564061d9f1379a5695
link: https://www.gamespot.com/articles/upgrade-nintendo-switch-2-storage-with-steeply-discounted-samsung-512gb-microsd-express/1100-6530578/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f
image: https://www.gamespot.com/a/uploads/screen_medium/1595/15950357/4612845-microsdexpressthumbnail2.png
image_imgur:
description:

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).

Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.

If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190).

Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday Deals

Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express Cards

microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

Best microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Below, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.

Best microSD Express Cards at Walmart

Walmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fast

The Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).

You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.

Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.

The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.

microSD Express: What is it?

The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.

You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.

Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:


content_html:

Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).

Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.

If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190).

Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday Deals

Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express Cards

microSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2

Best microSD Express Cards at Amazon

Below, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.

Best microSD Express Cards at Walmart

Walmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.

Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fast

The Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).

You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.

Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.

The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.

microSD Express: What is it?

The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.

You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.

Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:


content_text: Nintendo Switch 2 owners can still secure the best 512GB storage upgrade deal we've seen on Amazon during the retailer's Black Friday Week sale. The Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express Card is discounted to only $75 (was $100). This deal is sold out on the Samsung Store, so it could be close to selling out at Amazon, too. The 256GB model is on sale for $47.49 (was $55).Samsung launched the 256/512GB P9 microSD Express Cards earlier this month, so the substantial discount surprised us when Amazon's Black Friday sale started November 20. What's even more surprising is that Amazon still has any cards left as of November 27. Amazon's store page now says it has sold over 10,000 of the 512GB edition in the past month. That figure was in the hundreds last week.If you'd prefer a 1TB card, you now have two Black Friday deals to pick from that weren't available last week. The Lexar Play Pro 1TB Express is on sale for $186 (was $220). The Play Pro is the most popular 1TB microSD Express. The 256GB and 512GB editions were in the promotion from the start, but Amazon just added the 1TB edition on November 26. Alternatively, you can get the Best Buy-exclusive NEXT 1TB microSD Express for $170 (was $190). Quick look: microSD Express Black Friday DealsSamsung P9 512GB microSD Express -- $75 ($100)Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($55)Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express -- $186 ($220)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $100 ($120)NEXT 1TB microSD Express Card -- $170 ($190)NEXT 512GB microSD Express Card -- $90 ($100)Addlink 512GB microSD Express -- $96.44 ($110)TeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($60)Expand Nintendo Switch 2 Storage with microSD Express CardsmicroSD Express Cards for Nintendo Switch 2Best microSD Express Cards at AmazonBelow, we've listed every microSD Express Card from a reputable brand we could find on Amazon--though we excluded cards with prices that are substantially higher than average. The Switch 2 is the first major consumer device to use the ultra-fast storage format, so the market is understandably limited. That said, the number of options has doubled multiple times over since Nintendo announced the Switch 2 requires microSD Express to expand storage.Samsung Switch 2 256GB microSD Express -- $59Samsung P9 512GB microSD Express -- $75 ($100)Samsung P9 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($55)Lexar Play Pro 1TB microSD Express -- $186 ($220)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)Adata 256GB Premier Extreme microSD Express -- $60 ($70)Adata 512GB Premier Extreme microSD Express -- $100 ($130)Addlink 256GB microSD Express -- $59.44Addlink 512GB microSD Express -- $96.44 ($110)PNY 128GB microSD Express -- $46PNY 256GB microSD Express -- $53 ($60)PNY 512GB microSD Express -- $120SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $100 ($120)SanDisk 256GB microSD Express -- $60 ($70)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express -- $60TeamGroup Apex 128GB microSD Express -- $39 | Sold outTeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $47.49 ($60)TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express -- $97 ($120)TeamGroup Apex 1TB microSD Express -- $199.49 ($212)Silicon Power 1TB microSD Express -- $250Best microSD Express Cards at WalmartWalmart has a smaller selection, but it has three exclusive microSD Express Cards that you should know about, too. The retailer's in-house tech brand usually has the most affordable 256GB and 512GB cards. The Onn 512GB microSD Express is currently going for $84.77, while the 256GB model is only $46.77. With the Samsung P9 512GB deal running at Amazon, Onn has been dethroned for the first time. Walmart recently restocked its exclusive SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express for $98.Samsung Switch 2 256GB microSD Express -- $59Onn 256GB microSD Express -- $46.77Onn 512GB microSD Express -- $84.77 SanDisk GamePlay 512GB microSD Express -- $98TeamGroup Apex 256GB microSD Express -- $50 ($60)TeamGroup Apex 512GB microSD Express -- $97 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 512GB microSD Express -- $99.49 ($120)Lexar Play Pro 256GB microSD Express -- $49.49 ($60)SanDisk 512GB microSD Express -- $120SanDisk 256GB microSD Express -- $60 ($70)SanDisk 128GB microSD Express -- $60PNY 128GB microSD Express -- $46PNY 256GB microSD Express -- $53 ($60)PNY 512GB microSD Express -- $120Nintendo Switch 2 storage space can disappear fastThe Nintendo Switch 2 has 256GB of onboard storage. On the surface, this is a big leap forward, since it's four times larger than the Switch OLED (64GB) and eight times larger than the original Switch and Switch Lite (32GB). But the Switch 2's ability to run more graphically intensive games also means larger file sizes. For context, here are file sizes for some current and upcoming Switch 2 games published by Nintendo: Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment (43.4GB), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (31.6GB), Kirby Air Riders (21.7GB), Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (20GB), Mario Kart World (21.9GB), Pokemon Legends: Z-A (10GB), Donkey Kong Bananza (8.9GB).You can save your storage space for those first-party games by grabbing physical editions, because all of the titles listed above have the full data file on the card. That's been the case for every Nintendo-published game on Switch 2 so far, but Pokemon Pokopia will be a Game-Key Card. We'll just have to wait and see if that's an anomaly. For third-party titles, outside of rare exceptions like Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition and Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, physical games for Switch 2 are using Game-Key Cards. These are low-capacity cards that essentially serve as unlock keys to download the game from the eShop. So if you buy the physical edition of Madden NFL 26, you'll still need to download the the game's 57.1GB file from the eShop. Other sports games are even larger: NBA 2K26 is 69.7GB and EA Sports FC 26 is 71.6GB. Outside of sports: Persona 3 Reload is 21.7GB, and Star Wars Outlaws is 19.4GB.Looking ahead to next year: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is currently expected to have an 87.9GB download on Switch 2, so that game alone will consume an enormous chunk of storage space. Meanwhile, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Resident Evil Requiem are both estimated at just under 30GB.The prevalence of Game-Key Cards and larger file sizes for AAA games in general will likely cause many Switch 2 owners to run out of storage space even faster than they did on the original Switch.microSD Express: What is it?The Express format is a recent advancement in the semiconductor industry that hasn't been widely adopted by manufacturers just yet. If you're wondering why Express cards seem so expensive compared to the UHS-I cards you used on the original Switch console and most devices, it all comes down to speeds. For example, the SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSD Card has up to 150MB/s read speed, and the SanDisk 512GB Express Card can hit 880MB/s--it's nearly six times faster. Express cards are markedly faster than SATA SSDs; the prices make more sense with this context.You can take a closer look at many of the microSD Express Cards from the lists in the gallery below.Sign up for GameSpot's Weekly Deals Newsletter:
pub_date: 27 November 2025, 6:20 am
guid: 1100-6530578
creator: Steven Petite
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