Nintendo's recent official announcement of the Switch 2 console launch in the first half of 2025 has generated significant excitement among gamers. Consumer feedback indicates strong pent-up demand for the new device, suggesting a potentially substantial upgrade cycle.

Export orders from Taiwan are expected to decline significantly in January 2025, with the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) forecasting values between US$44.5 billion and US$46.5 billion. This represents a month-over-month decrease of 15.9% to 12.1% and a year-over-year decline of 8.1% to 4%.

Samsung Electronics has denied reports about the redesign of its fifth-generation 10nm-class DRAM (1b DRAM), following media speculation about changes to the latest commercially available technology. Sources had suggested the company was planning to adjust the design to improve performance and yield.

The European Union will raise concerns with the US over a decision to restrict the export of artificial intelligence chips from the likes of Nvidia to some of its
member states, according to people familiar with the matter.

Earlier this month, the Andhra Pradesh state government in India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indichip Semiconductors and its Japanese joint venture partner, Yitoa Micro Technology Ltd (YMTL), to set up a semiconductor manufacturing plant.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's recent low-profile visit to China has reaffirmed the company's strategic focus on this crucial market amid tightening US restrictions on advanced semiconductor exports.

Kaynes SemiCon, a fully owned subsidiary of Kaynes Technology India, has emphasized the value of legacy semiconductor packages in driving the country's manufacturing goals.

Industry sources indicate that thermal issues associated with GB200 have prompted major clients including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta to reduce their orders, impacting not only Nvidia's product sales and revenue but also creating significant implications for its primary HBM supplier, SK Hynix.

Y.L. Wang, VP of fab operations at TSMC, will be elevated to senior VP for his efforts in resolving challenges at the foundry's advanced fab location in Arizona, US, according to sources familiar with the matter. Wang is also considered the potential COO of TSMC.

Shortly after taking office, President Trump swiftly signed several executive orders to fulfill his campaign promises. A key focus for the business sector is his sweeping energy policy shift, which includes rolling back net-zero carbon emissions regulations and reinstating domestic oil production. The administration aims to alleviate the rising cost of living by boosting the local energy supply.

Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) Chairman Frank Huang made a rare public appearance at the India Republic Day reception hosted by Manharsinh Yadav, Director General of the India Taipei Association, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. His attendance underscored the strategic importance of PSMC's collaboration with India's Tata Group and the Indian government to establish a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility in Gujarat, India.