Lexar’s PLAY PRO 1TB MicroSD Express card, one of the first high‑capacity cards built for the next generation of portable gaming, is now available in the UAE. Priced at AED 799 on Amazon.ae, it brings SSD‑level transfer rates to a microSD format, offering a significant performance boost for devices such as the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
The card uses the MicroSD Express standard, a step up from the widely used UHS‑I cards that typically reach around 100 MB/s. By incorporating PCIe Gen 3 and NVMe 1.3 protocols, the PLAY PRO delivers up to 950 MB/s read and 650 MB/s write speeds. This makes it far faster than traditional microSD storage, enabling reduced loading times, quicker game installs, and smoother gameplay—particularly on systems optimised for the format.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 is expected to feature a MicroSD Express‑ready slot, making this card a natural match for players looking to expand storage without compromising speed. Beyond faster load times, the higher write performance also supports rapid 4K video capture and large file transfers, keeping pace with increasingly demanding game assets.
While its compatibility with Switch 2 is a headline feature, the Lexar PLAY PRO also suits other portable gaming and computing devices such as the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally, as well as future smartphones that adopt the standard. With 1 TB of storage, it can hold an extensive library of games, media, and files in a pocket‑sized card.
The card ships locally and comes with Lexar’s 10‑year limited warranty, offering long‑term peace of mind for buyers. Its launch signals the beginning of wider adoption for MicroSD Express, with other major storage brands expected to follow. As more devices support the format, prices are likely to drop, and capacities beyond 1 TB could become mainstream in the near future.
For gamers in the UAE preparing for the Switch 2, the Lexar PLAY PRO offers a straightforward way to maximise storage and keep up with the performance demands of next‑generation portable hardware.
