Macronix reportedly exits Nintendo ROM-chip business for AI memory
Macronix is reportedly phasing out its ROM-chip business, will develop no new ROM products, and plans to direct its NT$37.8 billion capital expenditure toward NOR and NAND flash memory for data-center customers. ROM accounted for 5% of revenue in the latest quarter, down from 26% a year earlier, while ROHM Semiconductor and LAPIS Semiconductor remain alternative suppliers for Nintendo cartridges.
The reported production shift links AI data-center memory demand to Nintendo’s physical-game supply chain, although its impact on cartridge costs and Switch 2 remains uncertain.
The death of physical games could be getting closer as Macronix, one of Nintendo’s key ROM chip suppliers for Switch and Switch 2 game cartridges, is reportedly shutting down its ROM business to focus on manufacturing NOR and NAND flash chips to supply data centers, multiple reports claim. Storage is already becoming expensive, and Macronix’s move may force Nintendo to increase cartridge prices, produce more Game-Key cards, or lean more towards digital purchases.
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