Nintendo takes action to remove “eSlop” and adult games from Switch 2

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Nintendo has decided to tidy up the eShop on Switch 2 by making subtle changes to its publishing rules. These changes aim to remove low-quality games, deceptive descriptions, and inappropriate sexual content.

According to IGN, the new regulations took effect on June 5, which was also the launch date for the Switch 2 in Japan and some Asian regions. Although the changes weren’t officially announced, they have already begun influencing the types of games that developers are allowed to publish on the platform.

As a dedicated Nintendo enthusiast, I’m excited about the recent changes they’re making to the eShop. They’re targeting explicit content and low-quality games that have dominated the platform for some time now, by introducing a fresh set of guidelines aimed at keeping the quality high and maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

Nintendo targets Switch 2 “eSlop” with new update

A key concern is addressing the excessive distribution of “bundle deals.” Certain publishers have been misusing bundle listings by repeatedly re-packaging the same games into fresh discount offers, aiming to maintain their dominance on the eShop rankings. Nintendo’s latest policy restricts bundles to a maximum of five titles during a game’s initial year, gradually increasing this limit to a maximum of eight over time.

The latest update for Switch 2 games has become more stringent regarding acceptable content. Nintendo now explicitly prohibits any material deemed excessively sexual, discriminatory, politically biased, or exploiting real-world matters. Specifically, the company is particularly wary of content involving the sexualization of minors, adult themes, and portrayals of hate or instructions for illegal activities.

These alterations might significantly affect anime-themed visual novel and adult games, genres that have experienced significant growth on the Nintendo Switch’s online store.

It seems Nintendo is taking steps to prevent deceptive advertising on its platform. Developers are now prohibited from promoting features that may not be fully incorporated, and games must truthfully disclose their content. Some recent releases have attracted buyers with AI-generated art and ambiguous claims, only to deliver inexpensive, buggy products with minimal gameplay substance.

Games not adhering to the updated rules might be marked for revisions or potentially taken off the market. Nintendo clarifies that these choices will be made regionally, and they caution that continuous violations may result in additional measures being implemented.

It’s uncertain whether or when these tighter measures will be implemented worldwide by Nintendo, yet it’s evident they are taking steps to address the increasing issue of unauthorized game sharing, often referred to as “eSlop.” The success and extent of this crackdown remain questionable for now.

Nintendo has been strict about copyright infringement on the newly launched Switch 2 console, even punishing users who inadvertently bought pirated software or borrowed games from their community library.

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2025-07-16 01:18