Macronix Exits ROM Production, a Key Maker of Nintendo Switch Cartridge Chips
Macronix, one of Nintendo's key ROM suppliers for Switch and Switch 2 cartridges, is reportedly ending ROM production. Here is what that could mean for physical games.
What happened
Macronix, described by Nintendo Life as one of Nintendo's key ROM manufacturers for physical game cartridges, is stopping ROM production altogether. The news was relayed by analyst David Gibson, who drew it from the company's latest financial release.
According to that data, ROM products made up only 5% of Macronix's overall revenue for the third quarter of 2026. That figure was a sharp drop of 39% compared with a year earlier.
The company will now concentrate on NOR and eMMC memory chips. It also will no longer report ROM sales as a separate line in future financial releases.
What it means for Switch cartridges
The headline sounds alarming for anyone who collects physical Switch and Switch 2 games, but the source is careful on this point. Gibson stressed that Nintendo will have other partners it can use to produce cartridges, so the loss of one supplier does not by itself mean cartridges disappear.
Still, Nintendo Life reports that the move may accelerate the shift towards digital sales, alongside Game-Key Cards.
Digital is already a large share of Nintendo's business. Nintendo Life says digital sales made up more than 60% of the company's total sales during Q4 2026 and Q1 2027, though that share tends to move depending on which major games are released.
Nothing in the source says Nintendo has changed its plans for physical releases.
What Nintendo has said
So far, Nintendo has not commented in the material provided. Nintendo Life notes it will be interesting to see whether the company addresses the news in its financial release, which is due this week on 5 November.
Even if Nintendo says nothing in its prepared material, the outlet expects the question to come up in the company's usual Q&A session. For now, Nintendo Life says it is likely business as usual, and it will relay any response.
What it means for you
If you buy physical Switch or Switch 2 games, nothing changes today: the report points to other manufacturing partners being available. The thing to watch is Nintendo's 5 November earnings release and Q&A, where any comment on cartridge supply or its physical-versus-digital plans would first appear. More releases using Game-Key Cards are one outcome the outlet raises as possible.
Also read Witchbrook Will Let Switch 1 and Switch 2 Players Play Together at Launch
Quick answers
Which company is leaving the ROM business?
Macronix, which Nintendo Life calls one of Nintendo's key ROM manufacturers for game cartridges. It is moving its focus to NOR and eMMC memory chips.
Will Switch cartridges stop being made?
The source does not say that. Analyst David Gibson stresses Nintendo has other partners for cartridge production, though the change may speed up the move to digital.
When will Nintendo respond?
Nintendo's financial release is due on 5 November. Nintendo Life expects the topic could come up in the company's Q&A session even if the release does not mention it.
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