Nintendo’s next-generation console, the Switch 2, is scheduled for a global release on June 5. The supply chain for this upcoming device has reportedly attracted significant attention, with several Taiwanese tech companies noted as being involved in providing components. According to reports from Commercial Times, these Taiwanese firms are poised to gain from their participation in the manufacturing and assembly of the new console.
Sales Expectations and Tariff Impact
As noted by CNBC, Nintendo reportedly expects to sell a substantial number of units of its upcoming Switch 2 console. The company’s sales expectation for the device is 15 million units during the fiscal year ending March 2026. This large sales target suggests a significant production volume, benefiting suppliers. CNBC also mentions that Nintendo reportedly postponed U.S. pre-orders for the Switch 2 in April. This decision followed the announcement of broad tariffs introduced by the Trump administration. The report adds that the Switch 2 console is produced in Vietnam, which will reportedly face a 46% duty once the tariff pause is lifted, potentially impacting the console’s price in the U.S. market.
Key Taiwanese Motherboard Suppliers
According to details noted by Commercial Times, several Taiwanese companies are identified as key suppliers for the Nintendo Switch 2 motherboard. MediaTek is reportedly providing the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth chip for the console. Realtek is reportedly supplying the audio component. Unimicron is noted as reportedly manufacturing the PCB (printed circuit board), a fundamental component of the motherboard. Additionally, PixArt is reportedly providing the sensor chips intended for the controllers that accompany the Switch 2. The involvement of these specialized Taiwanese firms underscores their role in the console’s core hardware.
NVIDIA SoC and Manufacturing Shift
As highlighted by Commercial Times, the Switch 2 will reportedly feature NVIDIA’s T239 system-on-chip (SoC). The manufacturing of this key processor is reportedly being handled using Samsung’s 8nm process. The source states that this represents a shift in manufacturing partners compared to the previous generation’s Tegra X1 chip, which reportedly used TSMC’s process. This change in the fabrication of the main processor is reportedly due to cost considerations, suggesting Samsung’s 8nm process offered a more economically favorable option for Nintendo and NVIDIA for this generation of the console.
South Korean Memory Supplier
Notably, Commercial Times also highlights a key supplier from South Korea for the upcoming Switch 2: memory giant SK hynix. SK hynix is reportedly providing both LPDDR5 memory and NAND flash storage for the console. While the source notes that the exact configuration of the memory remains unconfirmed, reports from sources cited by TechSpot reveal that the console is rumored to feature 12GB of LPDDR5 RAM supplied by SK hynix. This memory is expected to operate in dual-channel mode with a 128-bit memory interface, contributing to the console’s performance capabilities.
Global Supply Chain Dynamics
The details emerging about the Nintendo Switch 2 supply chain, involving companies from Taiwan, NVIDIA, Samsung, and SK hynix from South Korea, highlight the global nature of modern consumer electronics manufacturing. The selection of specific suppliers from different regions reflects strategic decisions based on factors such as technological capabilities, manufacturing capacity, and cost considerations. The reported involvement of several Taiwanese tech firms in providing key components for the motherboard underscores Taiwan’s continued importance in the global semiconductor and electronics supply chain.
Their participation in the production of a major new gaming console like the Switch 2 positions them to benefit significantly from its anticipated global sales and production volume. The reported postponement of U.S. pre-orders due to tariffs also illustrates how broader trade policies can impact even the supply chain and market rollout of global consumer products, adding a layer of complexity to international manufacturing and distribution strategies.
