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

Taiwanese memory manufacturer Macronix is phasing out its read-only memory chip production, according to statements by Chief Executive Officer Miin Wu reported by Engadget, Ars Technica, and Tom's Hardware. Macronix is Nintendo's main supplier for physical Nintendo Switch game cartridges. The company confirmed the strategic shift despite posting a record net profit of 337 million dollars for the third quarter of 2026. [1][2][3]

The exit from the ROM market stems from a surge in demand for NOR flash memory chips used in artificial intelligence data centers, Engadget and Tom's Hardware report. Ars Technica reports that Nintendo will now have to rely on alternative suppliers such as Rohm and Lapis Semiconductor for its remaining ROM chip orders. Tom's Hardware and PC Guide note that the supply shift could increase manufacturing costs for high-capacity game cards and trigger potential cartridge shortages. [1][2][3][6]

Nintendo is a Japanese video game publisher headquartered in Kyoto, according to Wikipedia. Ars Technica reports that Nintendo stated last month it has no plans to abandon physical game cartridges in the near future. However, Nintendo began charging more for select physical games compared to digital downloads earlier this year, and independent publishers have faced hurdles committing to physical cart media. [1][7]

The transition could impact retail pricing structures and margin distributions for physical media releases. Ars Technica and Tom's Hardware report that higher chip production expenses are expected to create a knock-on effect, potentially forcing software publishers to increase retail prices for physical Nintendo Switch cartridges. [1][3]