Rumors about Nintendo’s next console have taken a fascinating turn, with industry insiders suggesting the Switch 2 could pivot toward more affordable physical game cartridges—potentially sidestepping the backlash against rumored "Game-Key Cards."
For months, reports hinted that Nintendo might adopt digital-only "Game-Key Cards" for its next system. These cards, similar to those used by PlayStation and Xbox, would contain license codes instead of physical games, requiring downloads and internet verification. Fans immediately criticized the idea, citing concerns about game preservation, resale value, and accessibility for players with limited internet.
But a new leak offers hope. According to hardware analyst Dave Regan (known online as @SMetaldave64), Nintendo engineers are exploring cost-reduced cartridges using advanced 3D NAND technology. In a recent tweet, Regan highlighted how newer memory designs could slash production costs by 30–40% compared to Switch 1 cartridges:
"Switch 2 cartridges don’t need to be expensive. 3D NAND tech has matured—MLC or TLC designs could make them almost as cheap as discs while keeping Nintendo’s ‘plug-and-play’ magic alive."
(Source: @SMetaldave64 on X)
Why Cheaper Cartridges Matter
Switch 1 cartridges were notoriously expensive to produce, costing publishers up to $20 per unit—far more than Blu-ray discs. This led to higher game prices, digital-only releases for smaller titles, and fewer physical discounts.
The rumored Switch 2 cartridges would leverage stacked "3D NAND" memory (where cells are layered vertically), dramatically increasing storage density. As this breakdown explains, newer TLC (Triple-Level Cell) and QLC (Quad-Level Cell) NAND can store more data per chip, reducing the number of components needed per cartridge.
The Tech Behind the Savings
Not all NAND is created equal, however. While cheaper TLC NAND offers greater density, it’s slower and less durable than premium SLC (Single-Level Cell) or MLC (Multi-Level Cell) variants used in the original Switch. Nintendo’s challenge is balancing cost and performance—a topic Kingston Technology explores in depth.
Industry experts suggest Nintendo could use a hybrid approach: TLC NAND for smaller indie games, while reserving faster MLC chips for AAA titles demanding quicker load times. Either way, savings would likely be passed to publishers, potentially avoiding the $70 game pricing that plagued other consoles.
The Bigger Picture
If accurate, this move would be a strategic win for Nintendo. Physical cartridges align with their family-friendly, accessibility-focused brand—no downloads required. It also appeases collectors and retailers reliant on game sales. Meanwhile, the rumored Game-Key Cards aren’t necessarily scrapped; they could exist as a lower-cost alternative for publishers who prefer digital.
As one developer anonymously noted: "Cartridges were the soul of Nintendo. This feels like them listening." With the Switch 2 expected in early 2025, all eyes are on whether Nintendo can make physical games affordable again.
The maker of Switch 2 Carts, Macronix, has reported in their quarterly earnings that they will start using MLC NAND and 3D NAND to meet "varying capacity" requirements.
— SuperMetalDave64 (@SMetaldave64) August 4, 2025
This update could hint that Switch 2 will get more cart storage sizes beyond the current 64GB in the future. pic.twitter.com/Kk8fQCSQSu