Storage development using vertical memory is described. A memory system includes a controller and a non-volatile memory array. The non-volatile memory array is vertically stacked relative to the controller. The controller communicates with external devices through an interface and processes requests from the external devices to store and retrieve data. The controller additionally accesses the non-volatile memory array and performs diagnostic functions on the non-volatile memory array. The controller may be designed to handle multiple memory layer configurations such that the same controller can be used for both N layers and M layers of memory.