Macronix, one of Nintendo’s major memory chip suppliers for Switch and Switch 2 game cartridges, is exiting the ROM business. The Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturer has decided against developing new ROM products as it redirects resources towards other memory technologies.
According to information shared by industry analyst David Gibson, Macronix will no longer develop new ROM products. The third quarter of 2026 will also be its final reporting period for ROM sales as a separate category.
The company’s financial figures highlight this changing strategy. ROM products accounted for just 5% of Macronix’s sales, compared to 26% during the same period last year. Its chairman reportedly cited limited manufacturing capacity and the need to prioritise NOR and eMMC memory production.
The development raises questions about the future of physical Nintendo Switch 2 games. However, Gibson noted that Macronix isn’t Nintendo’s only cartridge memory supplier, meaning physical releases can continue through alternative manufacturers.
Meanwhile, Nintendo’s financial results show digital purchases accounted for 61.5% of software sales between April and June 2026, up from 59.3% a year earlier. This growing preference could gradually influence Nintendo’s physical game distribution strategy.
