Nintendo has recently updated its publishing guidelines for the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, introducing a more rigorous vetting process to eliminate low-quality and spam-like games that have historically cluttered the platform. The move comes as the company celebrates a successful launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which has already sold over 3.5 million units globally within its first week.

The Nintendo Switch eShop has faced criticism in the past for allowing an overflow of low-effort content, which often overshadowed high-quality indie and AAA titles. Developers have long voiced concerns about the difficulty of gaining visibility amid spam bundles and misleading listings. With the Switch 2 attracting a surge of new players, Nintendo aims to address these issues proactively.

According to a report by IGN, the updated guidelines were introduced on June 5, coinciding with the Switch 2's official release. Key changes include:

• Content Restrictions: Games deemed damaging to Nintendo’s brand or containing overtly sexual, political, or criminal themes will face stricter scrutiny.
• Bundle Limits: Developers are now limited to five bundles per year, with a maximum of eight over time.
• Accuracy Requirements: Misleading descriptions, abrupt name changes, and inaccurate metadata are prohibited.

Notably, these guidelines currently apply only to Japan and select Asian regions, with the US eShop remaining unaffected for now. Nintendo has clarified that the rules are not exhaustive and may be adjusted regionally, allowing for case-by-case exceptions.