Your physical Switch games could be damaged if you don't do this in time.

At first glance, physical Nintendo Switch games seem eternal. Small, sturdy cards with no moving parts and the promise of lasting for decades. But preservation specialists have issued a warning that has shaken the collecting world: your physical games could be damaged if you don't use them over the years.

The Does it play? account, recognized for its work in preserving the physical format, recently shared a post that has resonated with gamers and collectors. The message is clear: even Switch cartridges have write cycles and require minimal maintenance to ensure their future functionality.

Unlike optical discs, the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, 3DS, and PS Vita cards use MLC NAND flash memory. This type of memory performs a basic rewrite process every time it's inserted into the console. The system updates some internal game parameters to ensure it runs smoothly. This process, known as XtraROM , is essential for the cartridge's longevity.

If it's not run for many years, this rewriting doesn't occur, which could result in read errors or failures when trying to load the game . In other words: leaving your games behind, even if they're in their original packaging, could be detrimental.

Do you have a collection of Switch, 3DS, or PS Vita games that you treasure as heirlooms? Experts recommend inserting and briefly launching them at least once every five to 10 years . You don't need to play them for hours. Just loading them for a few minutes is enough to kickstart that internal writing process.

This simple action could mean the difference between a functional game in 2035 or a useless card with no chance of recovery.

This is where the debate gets interesting. Many collectors buy games to keep them sealed, either for sentimental value or as an investment. But this new information raises a dilemma: Is it worth keeping them sealed if it compromises their functionality?

The premise is straightforward: video games are meant to be played. While collecting has value, the possibility of a never-used game being damaged undermines the point of preserving unopened products.

For those who value use, this warning represents an opportunity to prevent future disappointments. For collectors, it is a call to rethink conservation strategies.

Today, your games work perfectly. But what will happen when, on a nostalgic night, you decide to replay Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 2040? If the cartridge hasn't been inserted since 2025, you could be in for a rude awakening. Preserving your physical games involves more than just putting them in a display case. It requires activating them every few years to keep them "alive." A simple action like briefly launching them can ensure that special title will stay with you for a lifetime.