Nintendo Switch Firmware Update 18.1.0 Removes X/Twitter Integration

by Annabelle Stephenson
in News, Release
on 11 June 2024

Nintendo has released a new update for the Nintendo Switch, bringing the firmware version up to 18.1.0. While this update doesn’t introduce any major features or improvements, it does have a specific focus. The main purpose of this update is the removal of the Switch’s X/Twitter integration.

With the update installed, several changes related to X (formerly Twitter) integration can be observed. First, the option to “Post to Twitter” when sharing from the Album in the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu has been removed. This means users will no longer be able to directly share their gaming experiences on Twitter from the console’s album.

Furthermore, the ability to post Super Smash Bros. Ultimate screenshots from the Album in the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu to Smash World in the Nintendo Switch Online smart device app has also been removed. This feature allowed players to easily share their gameplay moments with the online gaming community.

In addition, the update removes the option to link X (formerly Twitter) from “Settings” > “User Settings” > “Posting to Social Media.” This means users will no longer be able to link their X account for social media posting directly from the console’s settings.

Lastly, the option to link social media accounts from “My Page” > “Friend Suggestions” has been removed as well. This means users will no longer be able to link their social media accounts for easier friend suggestions and networking.

Aside from these changes, the firmware update includes general system stability improvements aimed at enhancing the user’s overall experience. While this update may not bring any exciting new features, it demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to optimizing and refining the Switch’s software.

Additional facts:
– The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that can be used both as a handheld device and as a traditional home console.
– The X/Twitter integration was introduced in a previous firmware update, allowing users to easily share their gaming experiences on Twitter.
– Nintendo often releases firmware updates for the Nintendo Switch to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features.

Important questions and answers:
1. Why did Nintendo remove X/Twitter integration?
The article does not provide a specific reason for the removal of X/Twitter integration. However, it is common for companies to remove certain features or integrations in firmware updates for various reasons, such as changing partnerships or focusing on different priorities.

2. Can users still share screenshots and gameplay moments on social media?
The removal of X/Twitter integration does not completely prevent users from sharing their screenshots and gameplay moments on social media. They can still save their screenshots or videos to the console’s album and manually upload them to social media platforms using the platform’s respective sharing features.

Key challenges or controversies:
There are no specific challenges or controversies associated with the removal of X/Twitter integration mentioned in the article. However, some users may be disappointed by the removal of this feature if they frequently used it to share their gaming experiences on Twitter.

Advantages:
– Improved system stability: The firmware update includes general system stability improvements, which can enhance the user’s overall experience by reducing crashes or performance issues.
– Nintendo’s commitment to software optimization: The removal of X/Twitter integration demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to continuously improving and refining the software of the Nintendo Switch.

Disadvantages:
– Reduced ease of sharing: With the removal of X/Twitter integration, users will no longer be able to directly share their gaming experiences on Twitter from the console’s album. This may be inconvenient for users who frequently shared screenshots or videos.