Game cartridges don't usually have any unusual qualities about them when popped from their game cases. This is not the case for Nintendo Switch cartridges, however. The thumb-sized physical copies of each game have a surprising secret that can only be detected if a player decides to pop one in their mouth. Switch cartridges all have a distinct, bitter flavor coating their surface, and it turns out the terrible taste was put there on purpose.
Nintendo Switch cartridges are small, despite their ability to hold large games. This is a distinct difference from older cartridges like those players would load into a Nintendo 64 or the thick, square cartridges of past Game Boy models. However, their small size can pose a problem for younger gaming audiences, who may be tempted to pop one in their mouth or hold a cartridge between their teeth as they switch out games. Because of this, Switch Cartridges pose the potential risk of being a choking hazard, and Nintendo came up with a curious way of handling the risk.
Nintendo Switch cartridges are coated in a bittering agent meant to prevent them from being swallowed. The bitter flavor is non-toxic, according to Nintendo's explanation, and is completely harmless to those feeling bold enough to take a lick. While the bitter taste was designed to discourage young children from putting the devices in their mouths, it turns out the special coating had an unforeseen side-effect, as it encouraged adults to test the foul flavor for themselves.
Nintendo Switch Gamers Regularly Lick Their Switch Cartridges
After the discovery of the terrible taste, gamers all around the world took it upon themselves to grab a game cartridge and give it a curious lick, to test if it was in fact as bitter as the rumors stated. Because of this, licking Switch games went viral, and images of gamers mid-slurp popped up on various social media outlets. While this cartridge-licking fad was primarily prominent during the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, players may still give into curiosity from time to time, and find that current new Nintendo Switch game cartridges continue to possess the offending flavor.
Because the bitter taste was meant to keep players from putting the cartridges in their mouths, it seems only natural the discovery of a strange flavor would lead to gamers doing exactly that. However, it isn't recommended anyone put a cartridge in their mouths, as they are a choking hazard, and it can damage the Nintendo Switch cartridge and potentially ruin the game if it gets soggy. Instead of licking a cartridge, Nintendo Switch fans may be better off assuming they still taste terrible, to ensure no harm comes to the game they just invested in.
Source: Nintendo