On April 29, 2025, Nintendo released version 20.0.0 of its operating system for the original Nintendo Switch. While the update included expected enhancements—such as early implementations of Switch 2 features like the Virtual Game Card system—one notable change went unlisted in the official update notes. Shortly after the update was rolled out, users noticed a major shift in how game rankings are displayed on the eShop’s charts.

Nintendo Revises eShop Chart Rankings

Nintendo eShop

According to a recent analysis from GameDiscoverCo, Nintendo has altered its eShop chart methodology. Previously, Top 30 rankings on both the Best Sellers and Deals pages were determined based on the number of downloads over the past 14 days. Now, those rankings reflect revenue generated within the past three days. The new metric is disclosed transparently at the bottom of each chart page, offering a clear view into Nintendo’s updated approach.

This shift represents a fundamental change in how games are discovered by players browsing the eShop. Download volume no longer directly drives visibility. Instead, games that generate higher revenue, regardless of total units sold, are now favored. This adjustment has implications not only for developers but also for consumers, particularly in how discounted titles and premium-priced games appear on storefronts.

Nintendo Revises eShop Chart Rankings

Game Discoverability and Pricing Strategies

The new system has already led to noticeable changes in chart composition. Before the update, discounted, lower-priced games often dominated the Deals section due to their ability to drive high download volumes quickly. Titles such as Hole.io, previously ranked near the top due to substantial price cuts, have since disappeared from prominent placement. In contrast, more expensive titles that were discounted have climbed the charts. For example, Ninja Gaiden: Master Collection, reduced from $39.99 to $19.99, moved from position 18 to 6 in the Great Deals chart. Mortal Kombat I also rose significantly, benefitting from a larger base price even after a 67% discount.

First-party Nintendo games have also seen increased prominence. The number of Nintendo-published titles in the Top 30 Best Sellers has grown from seven to thirteen, reinforcing the advantage of higher-priced games under the new ranking system. Well-known titles like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Pokemon Scarlet & Violet now appear more frequently among the best sellers.

Nintendo Revises eShop Chart Rankings

Reactions from the Developer Community

Responses from developers and publishers have been varied. While some independent developers express concern about increased competition with premium titles, others acknowledge that visibility is still possible if a game gains sufficient traction. James Barnard, developer of titles such as Let’s Build A Zoo, noted that lower-priced games can still chart if they generate enough revenue, though the bar is now higher. He also pointed out the arithmetic challenge for less expensive games: a $20 game must sell significantly more copies to compete with the revenue generated by a single $60 purchase.

The shift is seen by many as a step toward industry-standard practices. Platforms like Steam already use real-time top charts based on total revenue, and the move by Nintendo aligns the eShop with broader digital marketplace trends. Some observers suggest that the previous system enabled games of lower quality to dominate the charts through aggressive discounting, potentially leading to user frustration when purchases did not meet expectations. The updated approach may help restore trust in featured game recommendations.

Nintendo Revises eShop Chart Rankings

Implications for Future of eShop Discoverability

The update also revealed early indicators of integration with Switch 2. Users have reported new interface elements, including options to filter games by platform and new features such as "Game Finds For You" and enhanced wishlist functions. These changes suggest that Nintendo is not only adjusting its discovery algorithms but also preparing a more personalized and dynamic storefront for its next-generation console.

Despite the improvements, some questions remain about how Nintendo will continue to evolve eShop discoverability. While the revenue-based ranking is a significant step, additional discovery features such as a “New & Trending” chart could provide more visibility to emerging titles. Other platforms use such tools to help balance visibility between major releases and rising indie games. The curated nature of Nintendo’s current “Featured Titles” section, which tends to rotate infrequently, could also be reevaluated to support a broader range of content.

Nintendo Revises eShop Chart Rankings

Visibility Remains Possible for Smaller Games

While the new system favors higher-priced games, it does not entirely shut out lower-cost titles. Games that resonate with audiences and generate strong sales within short time frames can still appear on the charts. The key difference is that pricing strategy and perceived value now play a more central role in determining visibility.

This update reflects a recalibration of the eShop’s discoverability framework. By prioritizing revenue over pure download numbers, Nintendo is moving closer to standard digital storefront practices while attempting to improve the quality and trustworthiness of its recommendations. As Switch 2 approaches, the gaming community will be watching closely to see how these changes influence game visibility, developer strategy, and player satisfaction on Nintendo’s evolving platform.

Source: GameDiscoverCo