Choosing the right storage can improve a gaming setup by reducing loading times, expanding available space, and making it easier to manage a growing game library. Lexar offers several storage solutions designed for different platforms, including desktop PCs, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and portable gaming devices.
The best Lexar product for gaming depends on the hardware being used and the type of storage required. The NM790 M.2 NVMe SSD targets PC and PS5 users, while the Lexar Play 2230 is designed for compact handheld devices. Meanwhile, the PLAY PRO microSD Express Card supports Nintendo Switch 2 storage expansion, and the Professional GOLD microSD caters to compatible UHS-II devices.
For players who need additional external storage, the SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD provides another option, combining USB connectivity with RGB lighting.
1. Lexar NM790 M.2 NVMe SSD: Best for PC and PS5
The Lexar NM790 M.2 NVMe SSD is designed for gamers who need fast internal storage for a desktop gaming PC or a compatible PlayStation 5 setup. Using a PCIe Gen4 interface, the SSD offers high sequential read and write speeds, making it suitable for game libraries that include large modern releases.
Its combination of performance and value makes it an option for players looking to expand their storage without moving to a more expensive PCIe Gen5 drive. The NM790 is also designed to maintain consistent performance during sustained workloads, which can be useful when installing large games, transferring files, or managing multiple applications.
For PC users, the drive can serve as primary storage or as an additional location for games and applications. PS5 owners can also use a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD to increase the console's available storage space.
However, PS5 installation requires an SSD that meets Sony's compatibility and performance requirements, including the recommended heatsink provisions. Buyers should check the specific NM790 capacity and configuration before purchasing.
2. Lexar Play 2230: Best for Gaming Handhelds
The Lexar Play 2230 is a compact M.2 SSD aimed at handheld gaming devices that use the smaller M.2 2230 form factor. Its reduced physical dimensions make it suitable for systems where a standard-length M.2 drive will not fit.
Devices such as the Steam Deck can benefit from this type of storage upgrade, allowing players to increase internal capacity for installed games without relying entirely on removable memory cards or external drives.
Internal SSD upgrades can be particularly useful for handheld gaming PCs, where modern games may occupy substantial amounts of storage. A larger drive can accommodate more titles and reduce the need to uninstall games when switching between different releases.
Before buying, users should verify the exact handheld model, its SSD interface requirements, and the drive's capacity compatibility. Not every handheld uses the same storage configuration, so the 2230 form factor alone does not guarantee compatibility.
3. Lexar PLAY PRO microSD Express Card: Best for Nintendo Switch 2
The Lexar PLAY PRO microSD Express Card is designed for next-generation handheld gaming storage, including expansion for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Unlike traditional microSD cards, microSD Express uses PCIe and NVMe technology to support substantially higher transfer speeds. Lexar lists read speeds of up to 900 MB/s and write speeds of up to 600 MB/s for the PLAY PRO, making it a high-speed option for compatible devices.
For Nintendo Switch 2 owners, additional storage can help accommodate a growing collection of digitally downloaded games. Faster transfer speeds can also improve file-transfer performance, although actual results depend on the device, workload, and card capacity.
Compatibility is particularly important with Nintendo's latest handheld. The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for game storage expansion, meaning older standard microSD cards are not a direct substitute for installing and running games on the console.
Players considering the PLAY PRO should check the required card capacity and current pricing before purchasing, particularly if they plan to store several large games at once.
4. Lexar Professional GOLD microSD: Best for Compatible UHS-II Handhelds
The Lexar Professional GOLD microSD is designed for users who need fast removable storage in devices that support the UHS-II interface. With advertised read speeds of up to 280 MB/s, the card can support faster file transfers than many conventional microSD options when paired with compatible hardware.
For gaming handhelds such as the ASUS ROG Ally, the card may be useful for transferring files or storing supported media and other data. However, compatibility and performance depend on the device's card slot and the specific model being used.
The distinction between UHS-II and microSD Express is important. The Professional GOLD is not a replacement for a microSD Express card in a Nintendo Switch 2, which requires the newer format for expandable game storage.
Players should also check the capabilities of their handheld's card reader before paying extra for higher transfer speeds. A device that does not support UHS-II may not take full advantage of the card's advertised performance.
5. Lexar SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD: Best for External Gaming Storage
The Lexar SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSDprovides an external storage option for gamers who want a portable drive for compatible PCs and other supported devices.
Using USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 connectivity, the drive is designed to deliver high transfer speeds for moving large files and managing game libraries. Its RGB lighting also gives it a gaming-focused design that may appeal to players who want their external storage to match the rest of their setup.
External SSDs can be useful for keeping game installations, media files, and other data separate from a computer's internal drive. The SL660 Blaze has also demonstrated strong performance in game-loading and application benchmarks, although real-world results depend on the host device, connection, and software.
Its USB interface is a key consideration before purchase. Not every computer or console supports USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 at its full speed, so the drive may perform differently across systems.
Players should also distinguish between storing games and running them. External storage can serve different purposes depending on the platform, and console-specific restrictions may affect which games can be launched directly from an external drive.
Which Lexar Storage Product Should Gamers Choose?
Lexar's gaming storage lineup covers several use cases, from internal SSD upgrades to removable memory and portable external storage. The right choice depends on the platform and whether the priority is capacity, transfer speed, portability, or compatibility.
- PC and PS5: The NM790 M.2 NVMe SSD is suited to compatible internal storage upgrades.
- Steam Deck and other compatible handhelds: The Play 2230 targets devices that use the M.2 2230 form factor.
- Nintendo Switch 2: The PLAY PRO microSD Express Card provides compatible expandable game storage.
- ROG Ally and other UHS-II devices: The Professional GOLD microSD offers fast removable storage for compatible card readers.
- Portable external storage: The SL660 Blaze Game Portable SSD provides a USB-connected option for supported gaming systems.
Ultimately, storage compatibility should be the first consideration when choosing a Lexar product. Interface support, physical dimensions, available capacity, and the intended use can make a greater difference than advertised peak speeds alone. By matching the drive or memory card to the target device, gamers can expand their libraries and manage their installations without paying for features their hardware cannot use.
