Macronix exits ROM chip business to focus on data center flash memory

Macronix, a primary supplier of read only memory chips for Nintendo, is shutting down its ROM business, according to reports from Ars Technica AI, Tom's Hardware, Nacionale, PC Guide, and Engadget. Tom's Hardware reported that the manufacturer is reallocating its production capacity toward NOR and NAND flash memory chips to meet demand from the artificial intelligence data center sector. [1][2][4][5][6]

The exit of the supplier could impact the manufacturing costs of physical game cartridges for the Switch console. Ars Technica AI reported that Nintendo may be forced to rely on alternative suppliers, such as Rohm and Lapis Semiconductor, to secure its remaining read only memory chip supply. [1]

The change in supply chains comes as Nintendo maintains its commitment to physical media. Ars Technica AI reported that the company stated in October 2026 that it had no plans to abandon game cartridges in the near future, despite charging higher prices for some physical titles compared to digital downloads earlier in the year. [1]

Nintendo Co., Ltd. is a Japanese multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto that develops, publishes, and manufactures video games and video game consoles. [7]