Lexar’s latest storage offering, the Play X SSD, aims to solve a common dilemma for PC builders and handheld gamers alike: choosing between the compact M.2 2230 form factor and the standard 2280 size. Instead of forcing a choice, the Play X bundles a 2230 drive with a 2280 adapter, letting users decide at installation time. According to a review from GamesRadar, the drive delivers strong performance close to its advertised specs, but its availability remains limited to markets outside the US for now.
The Play X is a PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD available in 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB capacities. Lexar advertises sequential read and write speeds of 7,400 MB/s and 6,500 MB/s respectively, a significant jump over the company’s older Play 2230 drive, which topped out at 5,500 MB/s reads and 4,700 MB/s writes. In real-world testing, the drive nearly matched those figures, averaging 7,074.43 MB/s reads and 6,551.29 MB/s writes in CrystalDiskMark—actually exceeding the write spec slightly.
However, the review notes that the Play X is not yet released in the US, which immediately limits its appeal for many potential buyers. The 1 TB model reviewed is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, a premium that puts it in direct competition with cheaper alternatives like the Samsung 990 Pro.
Performance and Thermal Behavior
GamesRadar’s testing involved both synthetic benchmarks and real game loading scenarios. In CrystalDiskMark, the drive consistently delivered read speeds around 7,060–7,087 MB/s across four runs, with write speeds ranging from 6,533 to 6,583 MB/s. The average results—7,074.43 MB/s read and 6,551.29 MB/s write—show the drive performing close to its rated speeds, with the write speed actually coming in slightly above the advertised 6,500 MB/s.
In game loading tests, the Play X was compared against the on-board storage of the test rig, a PNY CS1030 drive. The Play X loaded Marvel Rivals in 41.18 seconds versus 39.5 seconds for the built-in drive, Counter-Strike 2 in 25.61 seconds versus 22.99 seconds, and Dispatch in 16.40 seconds versus 15.21 seconds. While the Play X was consistently slower, the differences were modest—1.68 seconds for Marvel Rivals, 2.62 seconds for Counter-Strike 2, and 1.19 seconds for Dispatch—suggesting the drive’s real-world impact is minimal for most gaming scenarios.
Thermals were also a positive point. The review notes that the drive maintained a temperature around 40% (presumably of its thermal limit) for the majority of testing, only peaking at 48% during extended Marvel Rivals sessions. This suggests the drive runs cool even under load, which is a plus for compact builds where airflow is limited.
Design and Included Accessories
The Play X’s key differentiator is its hybrid form factor. Lexar packages a 2230 drive alongside a 2280 bracket, allowing users to install it in either slot type. This flexibility is particularly useful for those who might upgrade from a handheld PC (which typically uses 2230) to a desktop or laptop (which often supports 2280). The review praises this approach, noting it gives buyers the best of both worlds.
Beyond the adapter, the drive comes with a set of two stickers with a slight holographic sheen. While a minor addition, the review notes it’s a nice touch for labeling or personalization, even if the stickers are unlikely to be seen once the drive is installed.
The drive also carries a 5-year warranty, backed by an endurance rating of 1,200 TBW for the 2 TB model. This suggests long-term reliability, though the review notes that the warranty may be unnecessary given the high endurance rating.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 1 TB Play X is priced at £241.99 on Amazon UK, which the review points out is significantly higher than many competing 1 TB drives. For context, the Samsung 990 Pro 1 TB reached as high as £229.99 on Amazon in May earlier this year, and can drop below £200 without a heatsink. This price gap makes the Play X a harder sell for budget-conscious buyers.
However, the review suggests that the Play X’s hybrid form factor and performance could justify the premium for those who specifically need a 2230/2280 combo drive. The review ultimately recommends the Play X as a valid option for those wanting a hybrid drive with fast speeds, but steers budget-focused buyers toward the Samsung 990 Pro instead.
The lack of US availability is a significant caveat. As the review states, “The Lexar Play X has yet to be released in the US, so the question of whether any of you across the pond should buy it can be answered pretty quickly.” This means US gamers will need to wait for a potential release or consider importing, which would add to the cost.
What It Means for Gamers
The Play X represents a niche but practical solution for gamers who want flexibility in their storage setup. The performance is solid, with near-advertised speeds and cool operation, and the hybrid form factor is a thoughtful design choice. However, the premium pricing and lack of US availability limit its immediate appeal.
For those in the UK or other markets where the drive is available, the Play X is worth considering if the hybrid form factor is a priority. But for most buyers, the Samsung 990 Pro remains the more sensible choice, offering comparable performance at a lower price. As the review concludes, the Play X is a good option for a specific need, but not a universal recommendation.
