Nintendo Switch to remove Twitter (X) integration

X (aka Twitter) will no longer become a useable tool on the Nintendo Switch in a few weeks. Nintendo announced that users will no longer be able to send requests using social media, as well as posting gameplay images from Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED devices.

A detailed explanation was published on Nintendo’s support website, where it listed its impact on numerous services, such as the feature disappearing on the Nintendo Switch HOME menu, and posting features that will be adjusted accordingly on Splatoon games. The page also mentioned that it would remove the ability to post on Facebook at a later date. If you have photos, images in albums can be transferred either wirelessly or through a PC via USB. Fortunately, you’re still able to use the friend suggestion features from smart devices, Nintendo 3DS, and Wii U.

As of June 10, 2024, it will no longer be possible to post screenshots and videos to X (formerly Twitter) from the Nintendo Switch's Album, or send friend requests to social media users via the Friend Suggestions feature.

Find out more: https://t.co/rNkouTo109

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 9, 2024

Nintendo didn’t explain its decision to remove the feature, but it has thanked fans for using it over the years. However, one could assume that it could be due to the social media platform’s increased API cost. In 2023, Mashable reported that X’s API costs around $2.5 million USD per year (~ $3.8 million AUD). X still does have a free API plan but has many limitations, such as a postcaps-post of 1500. Nintendo isn’t the only company that made this decision. Sony has made a similar decision back in November 2023 for the PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles.

So if you’re the type of player that uses Twitter in their Switch gameplay, you have until June 10 to use this feature.