Cnet reports that despite some initial difficulties, Matrix Semiconductor has begun shipping its memory chips to Japan. Using a clever 3D layered transistor design, Matrix is able to produce denser memory at a cheaper price, even using last-generation lithography technology.

Why does this interest Nintendo fans? Vice President Dan Steere refused to reveal the company purchasing Matrix’s chips. However, Moore mentioned Matrix’s chips will initially be mostly read-only in nature, citing games and music as target platforms. Even more interesting is that Nintendo invested $15 million in Matrix two years ago, recognizing it as a promising partner for its Game Boy Advance product line.

"We will have a customer shipping products in retail this year in high volumes," said Steere.

We all know when the Nintendo DS is supposed to come out! Could Matrix be involved in the production of Nintendo DS game paks? Nintendo has remained silent on the game pak technology, stating only that it will be significantly cheaper to produce than GBA cartridges.

The partnership is still only speculation at this point, but with the Nintendo-esque scent of secrecy in the air and Big N’s money in the company, it isn’t at all unreasonable.