The Onn 512GB MicroSD Express Card: 5 Shocking Facts You Need To Know Before Buying For Your Switch 2

The Onn 512GB microSD Express Card has rapidly become one of the most talked-about storage solutions of late 2025, specifically due to its incredible price-to-performance ratio and perfect timing with the launch of new, high-demand gaming consoles. This card, an in-house brand from Walmart, is shaking up the memory card market by offering cutting-edge microSD Express technology at a fraction of the cost of its competitors, making high-speed storage accessible to a broader audience. As of December 2025, this 512GB storage powerhouse is no longer just an affordable alternative; it’s a legitimate contender, boasting specifications that leave older UHS-I and even UHS-II cards in the dust. Its primary appeal lies in its next-generation speed, which is crucial for maximizing performance on modern devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 and other high-bandwidth portable electronics.

Decoding the Onn 512GB Express Card: Specifications and Core Technology

The Onn 512GB microSD Express Card is a product of the latest advancements in flash memory, moving away from the slower, traditional SD protocols. It represents a significant leap forward in portable storage, delivering speeds previously reserved for internal Solid State Drives (SSDs).

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Capacity: 512 Gigabytes (GB)
• Max Read Speed: Up to 800 MB/s (Megabytes per second)
• Max Write Speed: Up to 600 MB/s (Megabytes per second) (Note: Some real-world tests suggest write speeds may be slightly lower, around 500-600 MB/s, but still exceptionally fast)
• Technology Standard: microSDXC Express (Utilizes the PCIe 3.0 interface and NVMe protocol)
• Brand: onn. (Walmart's in-house electronics brand)
• Manufacturer: Made by Longsys, the same company that produces Lexar cards, ensuring a foundation of quality components

The Express Card Advantage: PCIe and NVMe

The secret to the Onn card's performance is its adoption of the microSD Express standard. Unlike conventional microSD cards that rely on the older, slower UHS bus, microSD Express leverages the PCIe 3.0 interface and the NVMe protocol. This is the same technology used in high-performance M.2 SSDs found in gaming PCs and laptops. This shift allows the card to achieve theoretical speeds nearly 8 times faster than the fastest UHS-I cards, dramatically improving game load times, data transfer speeds, and the ability to record high-bitrate 4K video recording and even 8K content.

The Unbeatable Value Proposition: Price vs. Performance

The most compelling reason for the Onn 512GB Express Card's popularity is its aggressive pricing. In a market dominated by premium brands like Samsung and Lexar, the Onn card consistently undercuts the competition while offering comparable, if not identical, peak read speeds.

Why the Onn Card is the Budget Champion

While the list price can fluctuate, the Onn 512GB model is frequently available for under $85, and sometimes as low as $65.77, especially at Walmart retail locations. This makes it significantly more affordable than other 512GB microSD Express cards, which can easily cost $99 or more. The price difference is particularly noticeable when comparing it directly to the Lexar 512GB Express Card. Reviewers have noted that the Onn card offers "very comparable specs" to the Lexar model but at a "much better price". While some benchmarks show the Onn’s write speed is slightly slower (around 100 MB/s less than the top-tier cards), its crucial read speed—which dictates how fast games load and data is accessed—remains competitive at up to 800 MB/s. This trade-off in write speed for significant cost savings is a highly attractive proposition for budget-conscious consumers seeking maximum storage expansion and minimal compromises on performance.

The Essential Accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2

The buzz surrounding the Onn microSD Express Card is inextricably linked to the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. The new console is widely expected to utilize the microSD Express standard to handle its more demanding graphics and faster loading requirements.

Perfect Compatibility and Performance for Gaming

The Onn 512GB card is frequently listed as being explicitly compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2. This is a critical factor for gamers who need reliable, high-speed storage to prevent bottlenecks. A slower, traditional microSDXC card would likely result in frustratingly long game load times and potentially stuttering performance in data-intensive titles on the new console. By using the Onn Express Card, players can ensure that their console's internal storage performance is matched or even exceeded, allowing for seamless gameplay, rapid game installation, and quick transfers of large game files. The 512GB capacity provides ample space to triple the console's internal storage, accommodating dozens of modern AAA titles and extensive digital libraries.

Beyond the Switch 2: Multi-Device Versatility

While the Nintendo Switch 2 is the primary driver, the Onn Express Card is also a powerful storage solution for other compatible devices, leveraging its high performance for various professional and enthusiast needs:

• Gaming Handhelds: Ideal for other portable gaming PCs and handhelds like the Steam Deck (if they adopt the microSD Express slot), offering faster data access than standard cards.
• High-End Smartphones: Provides rapid storage for capturing and editing high-resolution media on compatible mobile devices.
• Professional Cameras: Excellent for photographers and videographers who require sustained, high-speed write performance for continuous burst shooting of high-resolution photos or recording cinema-quality video files.

In summary, the Onn 512GB microSD Express Card stands out in late 2025 as the definitive budget option for next-generation storage. It delivers near-top-tier performance through its advanced PCIe/NVMe architecture, making it the smart, affordable choice for expanding the storage of the Nintendo Switch 2 and other high-performance electronics. Its combination of generous 512GB capacity, blistering 800 MB/s read speed, and highly competitive price solidifies its status as a must-have accessory.

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