Nintendo Switch 2 eShop Guidelines Tightened: Key Changes Affecting Developers in Japan and Asia

Nintendo has officially rolled out stricter Nintendo Switch 2 eShop guidelines for developers and publishers looking to launch games on the new hardware, primarily affecting Japan and Asia.

The move comes amid longstanding concerns regarding the proliferation of low-effort or inappropriate content on the original Nintendo Switch eShop, often referred to by gamers as “slop,” including copycat projects and AI-generated titles that undermine the platform’s quality standards. Announced in a report by IGN, the new developer guidelines for the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop aim to enhance the digital storefront’s curation and protect the Nintendo brand.

These updated rules were implemented on June 5 — coinciding with the Nintendo Switch 2's official launch day. **Major eShop Guideline Changes: Bundles, Content, and Metadata** One of the most notable changes restricts how developers can bundle their games.

Under the new policy, a game can be released with a maximum of five different bundles in its first year on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop.

After the initial year, developers may add one additional bundle per year, with an absolute cap of eight bundles per game.

This measure is designed to prevent excessive game bundling intended to manipulate store visibility or inflate sales figures. In terms of content, Nintendo is prioritizing the safety and reputation of its brand.

Content labeled as "sensitive," which could damage Nintendo's image, is strictly prohibited.

This includes—among other things—the sexualization of minors, explicit sexual content, discriminatory or hateful material, exploitation of topical or controversial social issues, instructions for criminal activity, and overt political messaging that supports or criticizes real-world entities or ideologies.

The company stated that, while these guidelines provide a framework, individual determinations may be made regionally and are not exhaustive. A Nintendo statement summarized the position clearly: "We reserve the right not to distribute a game.

We encourage all developers to carefully consider these guidelines when developing and submitting content for our platforms." Another critical update addresses how developers may describe their games.

Providing inaccurate or misleading product descriptions—such as claiming content is "under development" when it will not be implemented—is now prohibited.

This improvement is expected to increase transparency and trust for Nintendo eShop users. Additionally, title changes for a published product are only allowed in cases of significant updates or for the sake of consistency with other platforms or series titles.

Post-launch edits to product page information are also restricted, and developers must contact Nintendo prior to releasing non-game applications on the platform. The updated guidelines also come with strict enforcement.

As outlined in the official notice, Nintendo may refuse to sell, request content revisions, restrict listing visibility, or suspend the distribution of products that violate these terms.

Action may also be taken if Nintendo determines a breach of any law, contract, or regulation. At present, these changes impact developers and publishers targeting the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop in Japan and Asia.

No official word has been released regarding North America or Europe, but history suggests that global implementation could follow suit to uphold consistent standards across all Nintendo platforms. For more developments on the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Direct presentations, and future eShop updates, stay tuned to our ongoing Nintendo news coverage.

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