Switch and Switch 2 cartridges at risk: key memory manufacturer halts operations

Macronix shuts down cartridge production

Macronix, one of the key suppliers of read-only memory (ROM) chips for Nintendo's physical cartridges, is completely halting the production of these products. This decision could significantly impact the release of physical game editions for the current Switch console and the new Switch 2.

Falling demand for physical media

The information was disclosed by financial analyst David Gibson, citing Macronix's latest financial report. According to the provided data:

• ROM chip sales in the third quarter of 2026 accounted for only 5% of the company's total revenue;
• Profit from this segment decreased by 39% year-on-year.

Due to low profitability, the manufacturer decided to completely exit this business. Such a move could further accelerate the gaming industry's and Nintendo platforms' shift toward digital content distribution.