Macronix Shifts Focus from Nintendo Switch ROMs to NOR Flash Memory for Data Centers

Macronix Redirects Production Toward NOR Flash Memory

According to НВ — Техно: Macronix, known for manufacturing ROM chips used in physical copies of Nintendo Switch games, is gradually phasing out this segment to concentrate on producing NOR flash memory tailored for data center applications. This strategic pivot was revealed during the company’s Q3 2026 financial results conference. The rising demand for NOR memory has driven Macronix to realign its business priorities.

In the third quarter of 2026, Macronix experienced a 39% year-over-year decline in revenue from ROM sales. Conversely, revenue from NOR memory surged by 158%, while NAND memory income skyrocketed by 768%. The company anticipates continued price increases for memory chips, signaling a favorable outlook for its flash memory production.

Market Shifts and Industry Implications

This move by Macronix comes nearly a year after Micron exited the ROM market, discontinuing its Crucial brand to focus on AI-driven data center demands. Despite these industry shifts, Nintendo maintains physical game versions, which still represent 38.5% of its total sales. Meanwhile, Sony has announced it will stop producing physical game discs starting January 2028.

"Demand for NOR memory used in data centers is extremely high," said Min Wu.

Macronix’s transition reflects broader trends as traditional hardware products give way to advanced technologies designed for modern data processing needs. The increasing preference for digital data storage raises questions about the future viability of physical game copies, signaling potential transformations in the gaming console and physical media markets. These developments highlight how evolving consumer habits and technological demands are reshaping the industry landscape.

As Macronix shifts its focus, it's essential to understand the broader implications of current market trends. The ongoing memory shortages and rising prices are significantly impacting the industry landscape, especially as demand for advanced technologies continues to grow. This transition not only affects manufacturers but also reshapes consumer habits in the gaming and data storage sectors.