On December 11, Nintendo made a splash by releasing Tetris and Tetris DX as part of its NES and Game Boy apps on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Fans of the iconic puzzle game now have something new to dive into, as these beloved classics make their way back to the forefront. In a special video message, Alexey Pajitnov, the brilliant mind behind Tetris, expressed his gratitude to the fanbase for their unwavering love and support for the franchise.
Tetris first saw the light of day on IBM computers in the Soviet Union back in 1985, before captivating gamers worldwide in 1988 through PCs and arcade systems. In 1989, after a well-documented legal tangle with Atari Games, Nintendo rolled out its own versions of Tetris for the NES and Game Boy to audiences in North America and Europe. Despite the multitude of Tetris versions available today, the NES release from 1989 remains an all-time favorite, known for its thrilling, fast-paced play. Fast forward to late 2023, a young genius by the name of Blue Scuti, only 13 years old, managed a feat unheard of—reaching level 157 and triggering the infamous “Kill screen” in Tetris, marking an iconic moment in the game’s long history.
Now, those with Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions have the chance to revisit two milestones in gaming history. Both the NES version of Tetris from 1989 and Tetris DX from 1998 for the Game Boy Color have made their comeback on the NSO apps. This re-release, celebrated through Nintendo and Pajitnov’s announcement, coincides with Tetris’s 40th anniversary, marking the first official appearance of the NES version since it wowed players way back in 1989. Tetris DX offers an upgrade of the classic Game Boy variant, which returned to fans on the NSO Game Boy app in February 2023. This version even includes a two-player versus mode, although participants will each need their own NSO subscription to join in the fun.
Nintendo’s decision to bring back these Tetris gems to the Switch Online service arrives at an opportune time. Players must ensure their NES and Game Boy apps are up to date to access these additions, a move joining a recent wave of Game Boy releases on the service. Throughout November, other nostalgic favorites like the Donkey Kong Land trilogy were thrown into the mix for subscribers to rediscover.
With these legendary Tetris games now part of its roster, Nintendo Switch Online continues to be a top-tier destination for retro gaming enthusiasts. Only time will tell whether the Switch’s next iteration will maintain this exciting momentum, but for now, fans can enjoy a return to the roots of gaming mastery.
Tetris, a name synonymous with addictive gameplay, began its journey into gaming lore thanks to Alexey Pajitnov’s curious marriage of coding and puzzle-solving in 1984. Ever since, it has taken the world by storm, appearing on virtually every gaming platform imaginable. The essence of the game is simplicity wrapped in challenge, as players strive to clear horizontal lines by maneuvering falling Tetriminos, all while the pace steadily picks up. It’s a timeless test of skill—one that has thrilled and frustrated players for generations.
