The global shortage of NAND and DRAM memories, driven by demand from artificial intelligence data centers, increases the costs of producing cartridges for the Nintendo Switch 2. Publicadoras face difficulties in releasing complete physical editions, which increases the adoption of game-key cards or digital-only versions. Recentemente, new smaller cartridge sizes have been introduced, allowing for some physical editions, but prices remain high.
Switch 2 cartridges were initially limited to 64 GB, resulting in high costs for publishers. The introduction of smaller capacities, such as 16GB and 32GB, aims to reduce expenses, but comes amid significant increases in component prices.
New cartridge sizes announced
Nintendo confirmed the production of cartridges with reduced capacities for the Switch 2.
These new formats allow publishers to recalculate production costs.
An example is the game R-Type Dimensions III, by ININ Games, which would initially be released as a game-key card.
With the new cartridges, the company opted for a complete physical edition, although with an increase of around 10 euros in the final price.
Smaller cartridges may have lower read speeds compared to 64GB cartridges.
Impact of demand for AI on components
The prioritization of memory production for AI servers causes shortages in components for consumers.
NAND flash prices have risen by as much as 246% compared to early 2025, according to reports from manufacturers such as Kingston.
Analysts predict the crisis will extend until 2028, affecting consoles, PCs and storage accessories.
In Switch 2, this influences not only cartridges, but also Express microSD cards recommended for memory expansion.
- 41% increase in RAM modules used in the console.
- Increase of around 8% in NAND internal storage.
- Prices for Express microSD cards reach high prices at resellers.
Purchase options at Switch 2
Consumers have three main ways to purchase games.
The digital version is linked to the Nintendo account and does not require physical media.
Traditional cartridges store the entire game in ROM memory.
Game-key cards only contain a download code, requiring insertion of the cartridge to play after installation.
This last option reduces costs for publishers, especially with larger game sizes.
Challenges for independent publishers
Smaller developers face greater pressure from high costs.
Many opt for game-key cards to avoid increases in the final price for the consumer.
In the original Switch, about half of sales were physical.
In Switch 2, examples such as Cyberpunk 2077 show an initial preference for physical editions, but the trend may change.
Publishers like ININ Games adjust plans based on the availability of new cartridges.
Manufacturers involved in production
Companies such as Macronix and Rohm supply the chips for the Switch 2 cartridges.
Macronix plans to use varying NAND technologies to address different capabilities.
This may expand options in the future, but current shortages limit production.
Financial reports indicate a recovery in ROM sales for consoles from 2026 onwards.
Perspectives for the physical market
The combination of high costs and increasing game sizes reduces the viability of full cartridges.
Larger publishers, like Nintendo, absorb part of the costs on first-party titles.
For third parties, game-key cards or digital cards become more attractive alternatives.
The crisis affects the entire ecosystem, including expandable storage via microSD cards.