Macronix’s New Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridges Could Bring Bigger Storage and Lower Costs

11 August 2025
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
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Macronix’s New Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridges Could Bring Bigger Storage and Lower Costs

Summary:

Macronix, a trusted partner in Nintendo’s hardware supply chain, has revealed exciting details about the future of Nintendo Switch 2 game cards. Known for producing the ROM chips inside both current and next-generation Nintendo cartridges, the Taiwanese company now plans to incorporate a mix of their own MLC NAND technology with outsourced 3D NAND for future releases. This combination could lead to a wider range of cartridge sizes, addressing the current limitations of the Switch 2’s single high-cost format. Presently, the steep price of these cartridges has driven some developers toward cheaper Game-Key Cards, a move that can limit storage space and potentially impact game performance. By offering different sizes and potentially lowering manufacturing costs, Macronix’s strategy could make it easier for developers to create large-scale titles without breaking budgets, while giving players more value for their money. This move could reshape the Switch 2’s gaming landscape, encouraging more third-party support and improving accessibility for gamers worldwide.

Macronix’s long partnership with Nintendo

Macronix has been a crucial player in Nintendo’s supply chain for years, manufacturing the ROM chips that power game cartridges for the Nintendo Switch. Their expertise in memory solutions has ensured that Nintendo’s titles run smoothly and reliably, making them a trusted partner for the Japanese gaming giant. This partnership has continued into the era of the Nintendo Switch 2, where Macronix once again plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-quality game storage technology. The relationship between the two companies isn’t just about hardware; it’s about shared innovation, with Macronix often pushing the boundaries of what game card technology can deliver to meet Nintendo’s evolving needs.

The role of Macronix in Switch game cards

When players insert a Nintendo game card into their console, they rarely think about the technology inside. Macronix has been behind this for years, producing robust ROM chips designed to handle constant read operations without degrading performance. These chips store all the game data securely, ensuring that load times are fast and gameplay is seamless. With the Switch 2, Macronix continues to deliver this reliability but with an eye on improving flexibility and affordability for developers, something that could significantly impact the console’s third-party support.

Switch 2 and Macronix’s continued involvement

The Switch 2’s reliance on Macronix technology is a testament to the trust Nintendo places in the company’s manufacturing capabilities. The decision to stick with Macronix for the next generation ensures continuity in quality and performance. However, the exciting change lies in Macronix’s plan to diversify the storage technology used in these game cards, combining their own MLC NAND with outsourced 3D NAND. This move could signal the start of a new era in how Nintendo delivers its physical games to players.

The technology behind Switch 2 cartridges

Switch 2 cartridges, like their predecessors, rely on specialized memory chips that store vast amounts of game data. Macronix has revealed that future cartridges may use a mix of MLC NAND and 3D NAND technology. This hybrid approach aims to offer more capacity options while maintaining the durability and speed Nintendo games require. The manufacturing process for these chips ensures low latency and high read speeds, two critical factors for seamless gaming experiences on the Switch 2.

What is MLC NAND and why it matters

MLC NAND, or Multi-Level Cell NAND, is a type of flash memory that can store more than one bit of data per cell, increasing storage capacity without significantly increasing the chip’s physical size. For game cartridges, this means developers can fit larger games into smaller, more affordable formats. Macronix’s use of MLC NAND could help address the growing demand for larger games while keeping production costs under control, an important factor in ensuring a diverse library of Switch 2 titles.

3D NAND: expanding storage possibilities

3D NAND takes flash memory a step further by stacking memory cells vertically, dramatically increasing storage capacity. This design not only allows for bigger games but also improves efficiency in reading and writing data. By incorporating outsourced 3D NAND, Macronix can provide Nintendo with cartridges that handle massive game files without compromising performance. This could be particularly beneficial for developers working on ambitious open-world games that require substantial storage space.

The cost problem with current Switch 2 cartridges

At present, Switch 2 game cards come in a single, high-cost size. This limitation has proven problematic for developers, especially smaller studios working with tighter budgets. The expense of using these large-capacity cards can eat into profit margins or force compromises on game content. By offering multiple cartridge sizes, Macronix could help developers tailor their storage needs more precisely, reducing costs and encouraging a wider variety of titles for the console.

Why developers are choosing Game-Key Cards

Some developers have already opted for Game-Key Cards, a cheaper alternative to standard Switch 2 cartridges. While these cards lower production costs, they often come with storage limitations that can affect game quality or require additional downloads. This shift away from traditional cartridges shows the pressure developers face under current pricing structures and highlights why Macronix’s plans for multiple cartridge options could be a game-changer.

Potential for multiple cartridge sizes

Macronix’s announcement hints at the possibility of Switch 2 cartridges coming in a range of sizes to better suit different games. Smaller indie titles could use lower-capacity, more affordable cards, while big-budget blockbusters could take advantage of high-capacity options. This flexibility would allow developers to optimize both production costs and game performance, benefiting players through lower retail prices and better game availability.

How more options could benefit players and developers

For developers, more cartridge options mean greater control over budgets and creative freedom. For players, it could translate into a wider selection of games at varied price points, making the Switch 2 more appealing. Affordable cartridges might also help increase the number of physical releases, a boon for collectors and gamers who prefer owning physical copies over digital downloads. In the long run, this could strengthen the Switch 2’s position in the gaming market.

Industry reactions to Macronix’s announcement

Industry insiders have welcomed Macronix’s plans, noting that flexibility in storage solutions has been a long-requested feature. Publishers see it as an opportunity to diversify their offerings, while hardware analysts point to the potential cost savings as a major advantage. If implemented well, this strategy could inspire other console makers to reconsider their approach to physical media.

What this could mean for future Nintendo games

With larger and more affordable cartridges, Nintendo could see an influx of more ambitious titles from both first- and third-party developers. Games that were previously constrained by storage limitations could finally reach their full potential, offering richer worlds and more content without compromises. This shift could also encourage more studios to bring their projects to the Switch 2, broadening its library and appealing to a wider audience.

Conclusion

Macronix’s forward-thinking approach to Switch 2 cartridges could redefine the console’s physical media landscape. By blending MLC NAND and 3D NAND technologies, they offer a path to larger storage capacities and lower costs, addressing both developer needs and player expectations. If these changes materialize, the Switch 2 could enjoy a longer lifecycle with a richer and more diverse library of games.

FAQs
  • Will Switch 2 cartridges be cheaper in the future?
    • Yes, if Macronix’s plans are implemented, varied cartridge sizes could reduce manufacturing costs and lower prices.
  • What is the benefit of MLC NAND in game cards?
    • MLC NAND increases storage capacity without significantly increasing costs, making larger games more feasible.
  • Why do some developers avoid current Switch 2 cartridges?
    • The single available size is costly, prompting some to use cheaper Game-Key Cards instead.
  • Could larger cartridges improve game quality?
    • Yes, more storage allows for higher-quality assets and larger worlds without forcing content cuts.
  • When will these new cartridges be available?
    • Macronix has not announced a release date, but the technology is in development.
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