On December 11, 2024, Nintendo made a highly anticipated addition to its Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) service by releasing Tetris and Tetris DX for the NES and Game Boy platforms. This momentous event was celebrated with a heartfelt video message from Alexey Pajitnov, the original creator of Tetris, expressing gratitude to fans who have supported the franchise over the years.
The iconic puzzle game Tetris initially launched in 1985 on IBM computers in the Soviet Union and gained global popularity by 1988, making its way to PCs and arcades. Following a notable legal battle with Atari Games, Nintendo introduced its versions of Tetris on the NES and Game Boy in North America and Europe in 1989. Since then, various iterations have emerged across different platforms, yet the NES version remains a beloved classic, revered for its fast-paced dynamics. Noteworthy in 2023, 13-year-old prodigy Blue Scuti made headlines after achieving the phenomenal feat of reaching level 157, unlocking the elusive “Kill screen,”marking a historic milestone in Tetris history.
Nintendo Switch Online Welcomes Two Classic Tetris Titles
Subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online can now experience two legendary entries from one of the most successful franchises in gaming history. The NSO now features the esteemed 1989 NES version of Tetris and the 1998 Game Boy Color title, Tetris DX. This announcement was shared through a video showcasing Pajitnov’s reflections on Tetris, highlighting that 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the game’s inception. He emphasized that this re-release of Tetris on the NES app is the first official availability since its original launch in 1989. Additionally, Tetris DX serves as an enhanced edition of the classic Game Boy game, which was previously added to the NSO Game Boy app in February 2023. Notably, Tetris DX features a competitive two-player mode, albeit requiring each player to maintain their own NSO subscription.
A special message from the creator of Tetris, Alexey Pajitnov, to celebrate the release of two classic Tetris games, now available on #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline members! ☑ï¸\u008f Tetris® ☑ï¸\u008f Tetris® DX pic.twitter.com/zVLF1aFxDd — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 12, 2024
- Nintendo Switch Online subscribers can now access the nostalgic 1989 NES version of Tetris alongside the Game Boy Color title, Tetris DX.
- This re-release of Tetris on the NES app marks its first official return in 35 years.
- Tetris DX introduces a two-player versus mode, fostering competitive fun among players.
- Alexey Pajitnov expressed his appreciation to fans for their unwavering support of the Tetris franchise.
To dive into Tetris and Tetris DX, NSO subscribers must connect to the internet and update their NES and Game Boy applications. The unveiling of these titles aligns with a series of exciting updates for the Game Boy NSO app, which recently saw the launch of the Donkey Kong Land trilogy in November.
With the introduction of these two classic Tetris titles, Nintendo Switch Online continues to solidify its position as a premier platform for retro gaming enthusiasts. As anticipation builds for the next Nintendo console, the success of Tetris on the Switch raises questions about how the franchise will persist and evolve in the years to come.
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