Lexar or Gamestop For mSD Express?

[Skeet1983]

Hi guys. I have a pre-order for Switch 2, and am planning to get an 1TB mSD Express card for the System. I pre-ordered an mSD from Gamestop, but might not get it till June 5th, or a little bit after as it releases same day as the Switch 2. Thing is, the mSD is Gamestop brand, and I have no idea how reliable/durable it will be. The only other brand I can think of for 1TB is Lexar, but they are currently sold out on Amazon's site. Should I cancel my pre-order for the Gamestop brand mSD Express card and wait till Lexar brand is available on Amazon, or should I just stick with the Gamestop brand? Thoughts appreciated

 

[ChronosNotashi]

I think the better question is: why do you need a 1TB mSD Express card right now? Unless you're buying the obviously-bloated third-party titles (or attempting to import hundreds of Switch titles, even if you're not likely to play them), the Switch 2's internal storage and/or a 256GB mSD Express should hold you over until mSD Express prices in general decrease once supply and demand pick up and more hardware utilize them.

But to answer your question, it'd probably be better to wait for Lexar's cards to restock. If GameStop's mSD Express cards are like any of their other products, it's just a third-party rebrand that may or may not be as reliable as a brand-name product. I'd honestly suggest the same if it was GameStop MicroSD Express 1TB vs. Sandisk MicroSD Express 1TB (the latter of which isn't in production yet).

 

[Skeet1983]

I think the better question is: why do you need a 1TB mSD Express card right now? Unless you're buying the obviously-bloated third-party titles (or attempting to import hundreds of Switch titles, even if you're not likely to play them), the Switch 2's internal storage and/or a 256GB mSD Express should hold you over until mSD Express prices in general decrease once supply and demand pick up and more hardware utilize them.

But to answer your question, it'd probably be better to wait for Lexar's cards to restock. If GameStop's mSD Express cards are like any of their other products, it's just a third-party rebrand that may or may not be as reliable as a brand-name product. I'd honestly suggest the same if it was GameStop MicroSD Express 1TB vs. Sandisk MicroSD Express 1TB (the latter of which isn't in production yet).

Thanks for your answer and thoughts. Besides Amazon, is there any other site I could order Lexar mSD Express cards? I am located in the US.

 

[subcon959]

The GameStop card could just be rebranded Lexar as I'm not aware of any other 1TB card right now.

 

[wurstpistole]

Who cares, just order at the shop you like more. Or the one that's cheaper.

 

[BigOnYa]

I wouldn't trust or buy either one of them, I'd wait for Samsung or SanDisk to come out with a 1tb, if you must have a 1tb (They do have 256gb cards available now). In the past 5 years or so, I've had 2 different Lexar SD cards crap out on me, so I would definitely not spend $200 on one of their cards.
https://www.bing.com/aclk?ld=e8LIQl...MDk5NDk&rlid=3bbbde64308d1772a9fab67447e09949
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128G...3a5d2c4b43ef8b9bd4&qid=1745909750&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Jayro]

I wouldn't trust or buy either one of them, I'd wait for Samsung or SanDisk to come out with a 1tb, if you must have a 1tb (They do have 256gb cards available now). In the past 5 years or so, I've had 2 different Lexar SD cards crap out on me, so I would definitely not spend $200 on one of their cards.
-snip-

That's because Lexar media has pretty high manufacturing yields. ONN-branded SD cards from Walmart uses Lexar media, rebranded. It's cheap garbage. Pretty sure PNY is in the same boat.

 

[subcon959]

That's because Lexar media has pretty high manufacturing yields. ONN-branded SD cards from Walmart uses Lexar media, rebranded. It's cheap garbage. Pretty sure PNY is in the same boat.

PNY is budget, but Lexar is one of the best. Their professional products are very highly regarded in the photography industry.

 

[tech3475]

That's because Lexar media has pretty high manufacturing yields. ONN-branded SD cards from Walmart uses Lexar media, rebranded. It's cheap garbage. Pretty sure PNY is in the same boat.

It may be that Walmart is getting rejected batches.

IIRC Bunnie (of OG Xbox hacking fame) did a presentation where they reverse engineered SD cards and they said that lower sized cards may in fact be higher sized cards with defective silicon e.g. the 64GB SD card could have a 128GB flash chip but with most of it disabled.

 

[DinohScene]

Just run h2testw over it, ignore what everyone else says.

 

[tech3475]

Just run h2testw over it, ignore what everyone else says.

From my understanding, you won't be able to fully test it because of the new format unless you buy an SD Express card reader.

H2testw should still be able to detect fake capacities/faults but without a suitable reader it will fall back onto slower speeds.

There's also the question of longer term reliability, which is where the brand comes into question, although of course this isn't a universal indicator.

 

[Skeet1983]

I wouldn't trust or buy either one of them, I'd wait for Samsung or SanDisk to come out with a 1tb, if you must have a 1tb (They do have 256gb cards available now). In the past 5 years or so, I've had 2 different Lexar SD cards crap out on me, so I would definitely not spend $200 on one of their cards.
https://www.bing.com/aclk?ld=e8LIQl...MDk5NDk&rlid=3bbbde64308d1772a9fab67447e09949
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-microSD-Express-SDSQXFN-128G-GN4NN/dp/B0DFQKQ9CB/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=1331510283143681&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VofVMvaX4mz822_IBOcZUcm76dTlrfBt5l8Uf9VEkGupZ37xrtlPFvQ23N4MQRH0bvoRCowUV7yEI6DLR3DrMiM8BuD5EzITmKqQn1OZxWrQlK8hMg6TEmQZMxvqBBqmFlCUc62rbihH4eZNuurtZz_yASQy1cmaO5W0izSd_ycrTK85x6Qjh0wzW1Y2CDLIwLLGbOziU-eNdtXVm32nxqBi1UsCO5RIyiEyngzOLGc.p-IlOZGRaEtgb_0Tk4Z6nZfWBF3bM8ZFjqzdXQa9btQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83219671856475&hvbmt=be&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=94983&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83220433443347:loc-190&hydadcr=947_1014950869&keywords=micro+sd+express+card&mcid=1d221214a15038689fb2df8650c748ef&msclkid=f100235398e61b3a5d2c4b43ef8b9bd4&qid=1745909750&sr=8-3&th=1

Thanks for the links! I purchased an SanDisk 256GB mSD Express card from Walmart. They only had 9 left in stock at time of purchase.

 

[hippy dave]

Who cares, just order at the shop you like more. Or the one that's cheaper.

Memory card quality, speed and compatibility with different devices has always varied wildly between brands (and sometimes within the same brand).

 

[Jayro]

Even after I eventually get a Switch 2, I won't be getting a mSD Express card right away. (Won't need it)

I'll give the card makers some breathing room to get their yields in order so I can avoid some of the shittier brands that pop up.

 

[Skv0ra]

Hi guys. I have a pre-order for Switch 2, and am planning to get an 1TB mSD Express card for the System. I pre-ordered an mSD from Gamestop, but might not get it till June 5th, or a little bit after as it releases same day as the Switch 2. Thing is, the mSD is Gamestop brand, and I have no idea how reliable/durable it will be. The only other brand I can think of for 1TB is Lexar, but they are currently sold out on Amazon's site. Should I cancel my pre-order for the Gamestop brand mSD Express card and wait till Lexar brand is available on Amazon, or should I just stick with the Gamestop brand? Thoughts appreciated

Brorontosaurus, guy, homie - absolutely buy NOTHING from a dumpster fire failing company when it comes to key components like memory or batteries. FFS!

Post automatically merged: Apr 30, 2025

I wouldn't trust or buy either one of them, I'd wait for Samsung or SanDisk to come out with a 1tb, if you must have a 1tb (They do have 256gb cards available now). In the past 5 years or so, I've had 2 different Lexar SD cards crap out on me, so I would definitely not spend $200 on one of their cards.
https://www.bing.com/aclk?ld=e8LIQl...MDk5NDk&rlid=3bbbde64308d1772a9fab67447e09949
https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-128GB-microSD-Express-SDSQXFN-128G-GN4NN/dp/B0DFQKQ9CB/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=1331510283143681&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VofVMvaX4mz822_IBOcZUcm76dTlrfBt5l8Uf9VEkGupZ37xrtlPFvQ23N4MQRH0bvoRCowUV7yEI6DLR3DrMiM8BuD5EzITmKqQn1OZxWrQlK8hMg6TEmQZMxvqBBqmFlCUc62rbihH4eZNuurtZz_yASQy1cmaO5W0izSd_ycrTK85x6Qjh0wzW1Y2CDLIwLLGbOziU-eNdtXVm32nxqBi1UsCO5RIyiEyngzOLGc.p-IlOZGRaEtgb_0Tk4Z6nZfWBF3bM8ZFjqzdXQa9btQ&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83219671856475&hvbmt=be&hvdev=t&hvlocphy=94983&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83220433443347:loc-190&hydadcr=947_1014950869&keywords=micro+sd+express+card&mcid=1d221214a15038689fb2df8650c748ef&msclkid=f100235398e61b3a5d2c4b43ef8b9bd4&qid=1745909750&sr=8-3&th=1

When has Lexar falled into the dumper?

 

[XFoxPrower]

I just got a 256MB card for my 3Ds. Went with a Sandisk ImageMate over the official Nintendo Switch Sandisk. Saved $8. Wasn't just a matter of royalty costs, but the Nintendo product's specs & price were locked in place as the tech got faster, cheaper, and probably more reliable than the branded option.

 

[Skeet1983]

Hi again guys. I purchased an 256GB mSD Express card (SanDisk) from Walmart online site, but still have my pre-order for a 1TB card from Gamestop. On Amazon's site, both the 512GB and 1TB Lexar cards are unavailable. It says they don't know when, or even if they will get any more in stock. I am a little concerned about getting the Gamestop card, but it looks like there are no other options for now... Thoughts appreciated

 

[Skeet1983]

Hi again guys. I have the 1TB Gamestop mSD Express card on pre-order, and on the GS website, they are currently out of stock. Anyway, I used Paypal as payment method, but have not been charged yet. I have reached out to Gamestop about when they will process and charge my order, and the rep said that they would do it 1 week before release of mSD card, which is the same day as the Switch 2 comes out. I am confused though, as they also said that I would be charged when item ships out, probably day of release. Thing is, I don't get paid again from work until the Friday before Switch 2 and mSD Express card release date. I am afraid I will run into payment issue and on the Gamestop site, it says that if there is an issue with payment, I would have 24 hours to fix it, or they will cancel order.

Earlier in this thread, I have read that the GameStop cards might be crap. Should I cancel my pre-order? Both Gamestop and Amazon are out of stock on 1TB mSD Express cards. Thoughts and help GREATLY appreciated

 

[subcon959]

Unless you have any special reason for needing an sd card day one, the only smart thing to do is wait as long as possible. You are most likely going to save a lot of money once all the brands jump on board and supply is abundant.

 

[Skeet1983]

Unless you have any special reason for needing an sd card day one, the only smart thing to do is wait as long as possible. You are most likely going to save a lot of money once all the brands jump on board and supply is abundant.

The only reason I can think of is that on my OLED Switch, most of my games are digital, about 80-90% of my game library. I did purchase an 256GB mSD Express card that is ready for my Switch 2 pre-order, but with my game library being mostly digital, I thought I should go with a larger mSD express card...