In a story that feels like it could be straight out of a survival video game, a Nintendo Switch owner recently shared a remarkable event on Reddit involving their game cartridges. During a house fire, these small yet robust cartridges managed to withstand the merciless flames, thanks to their sturdy protective cases. Although the fire tragically consumed much of their home, all the occupants, thankfully, escaped unharmed. For the Nintendo community, the news that these game cartridges emerged unscathed was both surprising and noteworthy.
Despite nearing the end of its lifecycle, the Nintendo Switch remains a beloved fixture in the gaming world, with over 150 million units sold globally. Bridging the gap between handheld and home consoles, its unique cartridge-based format, rather than discs, has become a staple for game enthusiasts everywhere. These seemingly delicate cartridges, as it turns out, are safeguarded by impressively durable packaging, a fact recently highlighted by a devoted Nintendo fan.
A Reddit user, known as DemureSow, took to the platform to detail the aftermath of a fire that ravaged their home. Luckily, all household members were quick to evacuate, and firefighters promptly extinguished the blaze. Among the charred ruins, a surprising discovery awaited: the game cases were burnt and even adhered together in places, but armed with a hammer and screwdriver, DemureSow was able to pry them open. Inside, the cartridges were unscathed. Among the 18 surviving titles were fan favorites such as Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle. They also boasted a copy of the limited-time release, Super Mario 3D All-Stars.
Elaborating further on the Switch subreddit, DemureSow revealed that a short-circuited power strip was the fire’s origin. Fortunately, the blaze was confined to a single bedroom, sparing their Switch console, which sat in a different part of the house. The post sparked an array of reactions, gaining numerous upvotes and sympathetic comments from community members. Many expressed astonishment at the resilience of the Nintendo game cases, drawing attention to the stark contrast between the charred exteriors and the pristine cartridges within.
For DemureSow, while losing possessions in the fire is undoubtedly devastating, retaining their collection of Switch games is a small solace. With gaming collections often representing substantial investments, learning that these games still function is undoubtedly a relief, as confirmed in the Reddit discussion.
Looking ahead, the potential release of the Nintendo Switch 2 stirs excitement and curiosity about what the future holds, especially regarding any advancements in cartridge packaging. With a forthcoming event on April 2 geared towards unveiling more insights on new titles and packaging, fans are keen to see if Nintendo will maintain the robust design that has proven its worth in even the direst situations.
