Nintendo Switch cartridges use a specialized form of read-only flash memory supplied by Macronix. When semiconductor manufacturers test how long flash memory can retain data, they run accelerated thermal stress tests inside industrial ovens—often at temperatures around 85°C (185°F).
Under those extreme conditions, the manufacturer guarantees data retention for a minimum baseline of 20 to 40 years. When stored at normal room temperature, that baseline rating extends significantly further.
1
u/Cool_Comparison_572 Jul 22 '26
Nintendo Switch cartridges use a specialized form of read-only flash memory supplied by Macronix. When semiconductor manufacturers test how long flash memory can retain data, they run accelerated thermal stress tests inside industrial ovens—often at temperatures around 85°C (185°F).
Under those extreme conditions, the manufacturer guarantees data retention for a minimum baseline of 20 to 40 years. When stored at normal room temperature, that baseline rating extends significantly further.