A data storage cartridge according to one embodiment comprises a housing configured to house a data storage medium, a sensor coupled to the housing, and a microcontroller coupled to the sensor. The microcontroller is configured to wirelessly communicate information about the sensor. Other embodiments relate to a data storage cartridge comprising a housing configured to house a data storage medium, a cartridge memory coupled to the housing, the cartridge memory having a wireless communications interface, and a microcontroller in physical communication with the cartridge memory. The microcontroller is configured to wirelessly communicate information retrieved from the cartridge memory. Additional embodiments relate to a data storage cartridge comprising a mechanical write protect mechanism coupled to the housing of the data storage cartridge, an actuator coupled to the mechanical write protect mechanism for selectively changing a state of the mechanical write protect mechanism, and a microcontroller configured to control the actuator.