Exactly 4 years ago today, Japanese video game company Nintendo launched one of its most successful comebacks since the Nintendo 64 was released after the Virtual Boy, with the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017 after the commercial failure of the Wii U console. The Switch revolutionized handheld gaming with its hybrid handheld-home console approach, allowing players to truly take a full home console experience with them on-the-go for the first time ever.
Following the incredibly poor performance of the Wii U, largely chalked up to marketing failures, former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime has gone on record saying that the Nintendo Switch was a "make or break" console for the video game company. Since its release, the Switch has dominated video game console sales in almost all regions of the world, seeing a plethora of new releases, ports of Wii U games, and incredible indie and third-party studio support. Now, "Nintendo Switch" is trending on Twitter in light of the console's anniversary.
Over on Twitter, Switch fans, video game industry heads, and content creators alike have made commemorative tweets remembering the Switch's launch, moments from its iconic games, and even light-hearted jabs at the popular console. Even Fils-Aime shared a screen-capture from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which released alongside the Switch 4 years ago today, remembering the game's magical feel.
User Akfamilyhome took the opportunity to poke fun at the Switch's ever-persistent Joy-Con drift issue, which has haunted players ever since the system's initial release. Other fans showed off their own Nintendo Switch consoles along with some of their favorite games, such as user OnTheDownLoTho, who expressed being motivated for content creation thanks to the Switch's success. Twitter users like EGPRCHAMP also took the chance to show off their photos from Nintendo Switch launch events, such as the one which took place at the Nintendo New York Store in New York City.
Additionally, the EtikaMemories Twitter account paid homage not only to the system, but also the late Nintendo YouTuber Desmond "Etika" Amofah with a video of the YouTuber remembering the Switch back on its 1-year anniversary. Since the Switch's release, it has introduced fans to the Nintendo Switch Online service, released a handheld-only variation in the Switch Lite, brought fans arguably the most ambitious Super Smash Bros. game yet, and much more.
However, as the Switch turns 4 years old, many Nintendo fans are hoping for more in the form of a console revision, or a "Pro" Nintendo Switch model, with more power and new functionalities. And although rumors and supposed leaks regarding a Switch Pro have been swirling for the past few months, it seems that only time will tell whether Nintendo has anything new planned for the system.
The Nintendo Switch is available now.