Lexar
Lexar 1TB Play Blue Micro SD Card (LMSPLBL001T-BNNNU)
Bottom line: The Lexar 1TB Play Blue Micro SD Card: 1TB holds a large Switch or Steam Deck library without constant uninstalls; main trade-off: not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, only the original Switch.
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ 1TB holds a large Switch or Steam Deck library without constant uninstalls
- ✓ Up to 160MB/s read exceeds the 104MB/s UHS-I baseline
- ✓ A2 rating targets random I/O, so games and apps launch faster
- ✓ V30 rating supports sustained 4K video capture
- ✓ Waterproofing, x-ray and temperature resistance for travel
Cons
- ✗ Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, only the original Switch
- ✗ Write speed is lower than the advertised 160MB/s read
- ✗ Full 160MB/s read needs a Lexar UHS-I reader, not any slot
- ✗ UHS-I ceiling means slower transfers than UHS-II cards
Manufacturer description
The Lexar Play Blue 1TB microSD card is built for handheld gaming storage, and it targets the Nintendo Switch (original model only, not Switch 2), Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Android phones and tablets. Lexar rates it at up to 160MB/s read, which is faster than the 104MB/s UHS-I baseline and cuts the wait between tapping a game and playing it. The A2 app-performance rating matters more than raw sequential speed for gaming: it governs random read and write, so installed titles and apps launch and stream assets without stuttering. At 1TB you can keep a large library resident instead of…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Lexar 1TB Play Blue Micro SD Card using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the handheld consoles category. Lexar's handheld consoles lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for handheld consoles of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this Lexar Play Blue card work with the Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Lexar specifies compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch, smartphones, and tablets, and explicitly notes it is not for Nintendo Switch 2.
How fast is the Lexar Play Blue 1TB microSD card?
Up to 160MB/s read, above the 104MB/s UHS-I specification. Write speeds are lower, and Lexar notes full read speed is reached with its Multi-Card 2-in-1 USB 3.1 reader.
What does the A2 rating mean for gaming?
A2 covers random read and write performance rather than large sequential transfers, which is what game and app launches depend on. It is the rating that keeps loading responsive on handhelds.
Will it work in a Steam Deck or ASUS ROG Ally?
Yes. Lexar lists Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and other gaming devices alongside Android phones and tablets as supported hardware for this card.
Is 1TB the largest size available?
No. The Play Blue microSDXC line scales up to 2TB, so you can step up if 1TB is not enough for your library.
Key Features
- Compatible with Nintendo-Switch 1 (NOT Nintendo-Switch 2), smartphones, and tablets
- Boost your gaming experience with up to 160MB/s read for fast load times
- A2-rated app performance lets you quickly access and enjoy games and apps without lag for an enhanced gaming experience and a competitive edge
- Store more of your favorite games and other content with capacities up to 2TB
- Built to endure with temperature resistance, waterproofing, x-ray protection, and more
Full Specifications
| Brand | Lexar |
|---|---|
| Color | Blue |
| Model Name | PLAY BLUE |
| Read Speed | 160 megabytes_per_second |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Media Speed | 160 MB/s |
| Model Number | LMSPLBL001T-BNNNU |
| Compatibility | Switch, Android |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Mfr Part Number | LMSPLBL001T-BNNNU |
| Flash Memory Type | Micro SDXC |
| Compatible Devices | Gaming Console, GoPro Hero12 Black, Nintendo Switch 1, Smartphone, Tablet |
| Additional Features | Magnetic Proof, Temperature Proof, Vibration Proof, Water Proof, X Ray Proof |
| Warranty Description | 5-year limited warranty |
| Hardware Connectivity | microSDXC |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 0.43"D x 0.59"W x 0.04"H |
| Flash Memory Video Speed Class | V30 |
| Secure Digital Association Speed Class | Class 10 |
| Full listing title | Lexar 1TB Play Blue Micro SD Card, 160MB/s Read, 4K, V30, UHS-I, A2 | Compatible w/ Nintendo-Switch 1, Gaming Devices, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Android Phones, Tablets, LMSPLBL001T-BNNNU |
Ready to buy?
Lexar 1TB Play Blue Micro SD Card, 160MB/s Read, 4K, V30, UHS-I, A2 | Compatible w/ Nintendo-Switch 1, Gaming Devices, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Android Phones, Tablets, LMSPLBL001T-BNNNU is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
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