Memory crunch deepens as suppliers shift capacity to AI data centers

· Tech · Taiwan · Japan

Team Group CEO Chen Ching-wen warned during the company's earnings call that the memory crisis could reach a point where "even money can't buy goods," with prices showing "no downward trend whatsoever" and conditions worsening next year. Micron separately detailed an ambitious DRAM and NAND roadmap covering 3D NAND, High-NA EUV and new materials, with custom memory types expected to become mainstream as AI developers hit the limits of current solutions. Macronix, one of Nintendo's ROM chip suppliers, is reported to be exiting that business to reallocate manufacturing to NOR and NAND flash chips demanded by the AI industry — a move that could affect the cost of physical Switch games.

Why it matters：Memory supply is being pulled toward AI data centers, tightening availability and lifting prices for every other buyer — a squeeze that now reaches consumer hardware like game consoles.

Key points

  • Team Group's CEO said prices have no downward trend and conditions will worsen next year.
  • Micron detailed 3D NAND, High-NA EUV and custom memory plans aimed at AI.
  • Macronix is reportedly exiting Nintendo ROM chips to focus on AI data center flash.

Sources (original reporting)

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