Nintendo is removing X/Twitter integration from Switch on June 10, 2024 as it echoes moves made by PlayStation and Xbox in 2023.
A post on Nintendo's support website outlined the change, which will predominantly stop users sharing screenshots and video clips to X/Twitter directly from their console. The decision to remove support comes after the social media platform began charging more for business use of its API, the interface used by third-party developers to access Twitter data.
Nintendo didn't give an explicit reason for the removal of support, but big companies like it, Sony, and Microsoft could be charged around $42,000 a month to uphold integration, according to Wired. It notably continued to support Facebook, however, which does not charge for using its API.
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.
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 9, 2024
Find out more: https://t.co/rNkouTo109
X/Twitter itself responded to the announcement, insisting it's dedicated to enhancing the gaming community's experience on the social media platform and that it still has a strong relationship with Nintendo.
"The gaming community is one of the largest and most vibrant communities on our platform, and we are dedicated to enhancing and supporting gaming-related features," X/Twitter said in its own post.
"Our partnership with Nintendo remains strong, and we are working together to ensure a smooth transition for all users. We will continue collaborating with partners to bring new and exciting experiences to our global gaming community."
X/Twitter's API changes arrived in March 2023 and Microsoft disabled Xbox integration in May. Sony removed X/Twitter integration from PlayStation in November of that year, though like Nintendo, neither company referenced the API changes as a reason for doing so.
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
