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Nintendo ROM supplier Macronix exits Switch business to focus on data centers

Macronix, the primary manufacturer of flash memory chips for Nintendo Switch game cartridges, is quitting the business to pivot toward surging demand for data center and AI memory chips.

A Nintendo Switch console being placed into its dock next to a pair of Joy-Con controllers in a grip.
Image: @Polygon

Macronix, the primary supplier of ROM and flash memory chips for Nintendo Switch game cartridges, is leaving the business according to reports from gaming and tech outlets. The chipmaker is refocusing its manufacturing capacity toward meeting booming demand for data center memory chips, including chips tailored for AI data centers.[1][2][3][4][5]

The departure marks a major shift for Nintendo's physical cartridge supply chain. Kotaku characterized Macronix's pivot as another blow for physical media, while Gizmodo framed the exit as dire for the game card situation surrounding the upcoming Switch 2.[3][4]

The supply crunch may also affect game packaging formats. Tom's Hardware noted that reports indicate game-key cards could become more prevalent as storage chips for larger games grow increasingly expensive.[2]

Key facts

  • Macronix, the main flash memory and ROM supplier for Nintendo Switch game cards, is exiting the business.
  • The chipmaker is shifting its focus to chips for data centers and AI data centers amid booming demand.
  • Gizmodo described the departure as making Nintendo's Switch 2 game card situation dire.
  • Kotaku framed the manufacturer's pivot away from Switch cartridges as a blow to physical media.
  • Tom's Hardware noted reports that game-key cards may increase as larger game storage chips become more expensive.

Sources · 5 sources

  1. TV

    The Verge@vergePost on X ·

    Nintendo ROM supplier Macronix is leaving the business as demand for its data center memory booms. https://t.co/Kz2qvktwmS

    Open source
  2. TH

    Tom's Hardware@tomshardwarePost on X ·

    Nintendo ROM chip supplier Macronix quits to focus on chips for AI data centers, reports indicate — Game-Key cards may increase as large game storage chips become more expensive https://t.co/maRkuCLKQl

    Open source
  3. KO

    Kotaku@KotakuPost on X ·

    Another blow for physical media as Nintendo's Switch cartridge chip manufacturer focuses on data centers https://t.co/QlOFPsvm6E

    Open source
  4. GI

    Gizmodo@GizmodoPost on X ·

    Nintendo's Switch 2 Game Card Situation Just Became Dire: The main manufacturer of the flash memory inside Switch game cards, Macronix, is "quitting the Switch business." https://t.co/QbeNEk0zRy

    Open source
  5. PO

    Polygon@PolygonPost on X ·

    Nintendo's Biggest Chip Manufacturer Officially Exits Business https://t.co/GZYCaBouZl https://t.co/0E6Mx1YiNm

    Open source