This is not a Game-Key Card apologist thread, but only an explainer on the precarious status of Game Card:
1. Although never disclosed, there are evidences suggesting that the GC “ROM” is actually pre-programmed NAND. Due to the AI boom, NAND price is now in a “super cycle” (image below).
- SanDisk, Samsung, and SK Hynix all reported that the demand for NAND is exceeding supply, even after production expansion
- Samsung and SanDisk are recently rumored to raise NAND prices by 10%-50%
(Sources: ADATA, BusinessKorea, and DigiTimes Asia)
2. AFAIK, there are three GC suppliers for NS1 (Macronix/MegaChips, Rohm, and an unidentified company), but for NS2 GC there are only two (Rohm and the unidentified company) due to Macronix’s technical difficulties. The reduced production capacity may affect the GC2 supply.
3. Final assembly of GC retail packages occurs in Japan, making them subject to a 15% tariff when imported into the US. Although GKC is also subject to the same tax, its lower unit cost offers a cushion for publishers to absorb the tariff.
[Originally posted on 2025-11-12 Pacific Time]
