On Monday, June 10, Nintendo released firmware update 18.1.0 for the Switch, marking the end of its integration with Twitter, now known as X. This major update removes several social media sharing functionalities, impacting how users interact with their Switch consoles.
Nintendo's latest firmware update for the Switch ends its integration with Twitter, removing social media sharing features. Enrique Vidal Flores from Unsplash
Latest Switch Update Ends Twitter Integration
The latest Nintendo Switch firmware update has removed several features related to social media sharing. Users will no longer be able to post content directly from their Switch album to Twitter, nor will they be able to share Super Smash Bros. Ultimate screenshots to Smash World through the Nintendo Switch Online app.
Additionally, the option to link Twitter accounts in user settings has been removed, along with the ability to link social media accounts from the "My Page" > "Friend Suggestions" section.
While these features are no longer available, the update does bring general system stability improvements. These enhancements are designed to enhance the overall user experience across all models of the Nintendo Switch, ensuring smoother and more reliable performance.
Nintendo of America had already announced on May 9 that the integration of the social media platform would be discontinued. However, they did not provide specific reasons for this decision.
It is speculated that the move is related to increased fees for business use of the Twitter API. This speculation arises from recent changes in Twitter's policies and business model under Elon Musk's ownership.
In response, X stated that the gaming community is a 'large and vibrant part' of their platform, and they are committed to improving and supporting gaming-related features.
They also noted that, due to Nintendo's decision to stop sharing content directly to X from the Nintendo Switch, users will now need to download Switch gameplay media directly to their smartphones and share it natively on X's platform.
Twitter Now Allows Porn on the App
KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images
A photo taken on March 11, 2024 shows the logo of US online social media and social networking service X - formerly Twitter - on a smartphone screen in Frankfurt am Main, western Germany.
The update to Nintendo's firmware comes in the wake of significant changes in X's content policies. X has recently allowed the sharing of NSFW content with some restrictions.
According to X's updated adult content policy, "You may share consensually produced and distributed adult nudity or sexual behavior, provided it's properly labeled and not prominently displayed." The policy balances freedom of expression with restrictions on exposure to minors and adults who choose not to see such content.
In 2021, Nintendo revealed in a report that the largest demographic of Nintendo Switch players is young adults aged 20-25, followed by a significant portion of adults in their 40s. Children make up only a small fraction of players, with the 10-12 age group being the most prominent among them.
