Smaller Game Cartridges for Nintendo Switch 2? Why It Could Be a Big Deal for Gamers and Developers

The rumor mill is churning regarding Nintendo's next console, the Switch 2, and a recent, albeit quickly retracted, social media post has added fuel to the fire. Publisher ININ Games briefly claimed Nintendo would offer smaller, cheaper game cartridges for the new system. While Nintendo remains tight-lipped, the implications of such a move could be significant for both game developers and consumers.

Currently, Nintendo Switch game cartridges range up to 32GB. This capacity is necessary for massive open-world games like *The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom*. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. many indie games, retro compilations, and smaller titles require far less storage. The cost of these cartridges, which utilize a type of flash memory called NAND, is a known pain point for smaller studios. Industry analysts have noted that DRAM and NAND prices have been volatile due to increased demand from AI server manufacturing, impacting the cost of all storage mediums, including game cartridges.

According to estimates, lower-capacity cards could be $5-$10 cheaper per unit than their higher-capacity counterparts. This may seem insignificant, but for a smaller studio printing 50,000 physical copies, that difference translates to $350,000. This extra capital could then be used for game localization, additional quality assurance testing, or even the development of downloadable content (DLC).

The alternative to using expensive, high-capacity cards is the 'Game-Key' approach. This involves including a physical game box with a smaller cartridge inside, which only contains part of the game data. The rest of the game must be downloaded. While this reduces costs for publishers, it places the burden on consumers, requiring them to have sufficient storage space on their consoles and reliable internet access. Smaller cartridge sizes could allow developers to ship complete games on physical media, avoiding large day-one downloads and freeing up valuable console storage.

Nintendo has historically sourced its game card technology from companies like Macronix. The overall cost of a cartridge also includes packaging, controller chips, and testing. Introducing smaller capacity tiers could balance costs for publishers; those producing small games could take advantage of cheaper cards, while flagship titles would still use the more expensive high-capacity options. A phased rollout of various capacity options for the Switch 2 could also help Nintendo manage supply constraints during the initial launch period.

Why does this matter? Physical game releases still hold value. They provide visibility for games, appeal to collectors, and serve as popular gifts. Lower unit costs could encourage more indie developers to release physical versions of their games, which is a plus for collectors and for preserving games. It allows for more flexibility with price points, which can encourage more sales. A healthier physical game pipeline also benefits retailers, ensuring shelf space and encouraging consumer engagement.

Ultimately, the availability of smaller, cheaper game cartridges for the Nintendo Switch 2 remains unconfirmed. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the confluence of industry rumors, a slip-up from a game publisher, and the economic realities of flash memory pricing paints a compelling picture. If these smaller cartridges do materialize, it could lead to more affordable games, fewer download-dependent physical releases, and a more diverse selection of physical games on store shelves.