In a report screenshot by Does It Play (thanks Time Extension), it's claimed that cartridges are capable of rewriting themselves over time, with only a certain number of write cycles allowed before the cartridge in question eventually dies. To stop this, systems such as the Nintendo Switch and 3DS refresh the data on game cartridges whenever they're inserted to make sure all of them are in good working order.
We don't have accurate information on exactly when cartridges will die if left alone, but it's been suggested that owners stick cartridges in their systems and leave them idle for a little while if they haven't been played in the past 5 to 10 years. That way, you can stop your cartridges from eventually degrading and becoming unplayable. So, if you've got any cartridge-based games you haven't played since 2015, stick them in your Switch for a bit, otherwise you may find yourself down a game.
