Nintendo to Remove X Integration from Nintendo Switch Console
Nintendo has announced that it will remove X integration from its Nintendo Switch console, a move following in the footsteps of Microsoft and Sony. Starting June 10, 2024, users will no longer be able to post screenshots and videos to X from the Album or send friend requests to social media users via the Friend Suggestions feature. This decision is a direct result of Elon Musk's introduction of a new, paid model for X's API, imposing exorbitant prices on these integrations. Consequently, Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are dropping X integration, leading to X losing major video game partners and their hundreds of millions of users.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo is the latest major gaming company to remove X integration from its Nintendo Switch console.
- Beginning June 10, 2024, users will no longer be able to post screenshots and videos to X directly from the Nintendo Switch's Album.
- Nintendo joins Microsoft and Sony in dropping X integration, potentially saving them money due to the expensive API plans.
- Game-specific changes include the removal of posting to X in Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 via the mailbox option.
- X will lose major video game partners and their hundreds of millions of users, who were sending free content to X from gaming consoles.
Analysis
Nintendo's decision to drop X integration on Nintendo Switch, following Microsoft and Sony, is a cost-saving measure due to the expensive API plans under Elon Musk's new model. This move will save gaming giants money, but X will lose significant video game partners and hundreds of millions of users, diminishing its social media influence. The loss of free user-generated content from these consoles will further impact X negatively. In the long term, alternative social media integrations may emerge on gaming consoles, signaling a potential shift in the gaming and social media landscape.
Did You Know?
- X integration on Nintendo Switch: X integration on Nintendo Switch allowed users to post screenshots and videos directly to X from the console's Album. This feature is being removed due to Elon Musk's new, paid model for X's API, which is necessary for these integrations.
- Elon Musk's new, paid model for X's API: Elon Musk has rolled out a new, paid model for X's API, now priced exorbitantly high. This move has forced major gaming companies like Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony to drop X integration, potentially saving them money but also leaving X to lose major video game partners and their hundreds of millions of users.
- Game-specific changes in Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3: With X integration being removed from the Nintendo Switch, users will no longer be able to post to X via the mailbox option in Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3. This change is a direct result of the expensive API plans of X.