Nintendo’s Switch 2 has introduced a number of updates to its eShop that directly affect how users discover and interact with games. Following the opportunity to explore the console and its menus, it’s clear that several changes have been made to improve the storefront experience. These modifications touch on chart rankings, navigation performance, and the addition of new discovery tools, all of which aim to streamline how players find games in the digital store.

Nintendo Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch 2 officially launched on June 5, marking the beginning of a new generation in Nintendo’s gaming lineup. Designed as a hybrid console that caters to both handheld and docked gameplay, the Switch 2 brings several improvements over its predecessor. The launch has generated widespread interest, with high demand from both long-time fans and new customers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Improves Game Discoverability

Integration of Chart Systems Across Generations

According to GameDiscoverCo, one of the most noticeable changes is the unification of the eShop charts across both Switch 1 and Switch 2 systems. The charts now display games from both platforms simultaneously, with Switch 2-exclusive titles marked by a red border and logo for easy identification. This combined listing appears by default in both stores, although users on Switch 1 can choose to filter out Switch 2 titles using a tickbox.

The default sorting method remains based on “3 day revenue,” which prioritizes high-performing titles over a short timeframe. This continues the trend Nintendo began earlier in the year when it moved away from “14 day downloads” as the default chart filter. While this approach highlights higher-priced or more successful titles, it may reduce visibility for lower-priced games or those using steep discounts to attract buyers.

Nintendo Switch 2 Improves Game Discoverability

Enhanced Store Performance and Usability

Performance improvements are another key part of the Switch 2 eShop. The navigation issues present on the Switch 1 eShop—such as lag when scrolling through long lists—have been resolved. The improved responsiveness is likely due to both an update in store code and the increased processing capability of the Switch 2 hardware. This creates a smoother and more efficient browsing experience, particularly when exploring larger catalog sections.

Changes in Navigation and Wishlist Access

The layout and design of the eShop navigation have also been refined. One of the clearer improvements is the repositioning of the Wish List feature, which is now prominently displayed as one of the top navigation items. On the previous system, users had to search within account settings to access this list. Other top navigation elements, such as “Featured” (or “Highlights” in the UK store) and “Search/Browse,” remain similar to their predecessors, maintaining familiarity while enhancing usability. These refinements reflect a more structured and user-friendly interface without introducing entirely new terminology or design patterns.

Nintendo Switch 2 Improves Game Discoverability

The ‘For You’ Personalized Discovery Tool

Among the most significant additions to the Switch 2 eShop is the ‘For You’ discovery tool. This feature presents users with a set of ten personalized game recommendations, each displayed with a full-screen trailer. Alongside each recommendation, users are shown the reasons why a specific game was suggested. These can include factors such as similarity to previously played titles, trending status within the top fifty best sellers, alignment with preferred genres or publishers, inclusion on a user’s wish list, or social data indicating that friends have played the game.

Once the ten recommendations have been viewed, users receive a summary page where they can easily add games to their wish list or proceed to purchase. The recommendations reflect the user's activity, and early feedback suggests that while the recommendations may lack broad variety for users with limited libraries, they tend to diversify as the user base grows. For instance, users with more varied play histories have reported recommendations that include both mainstream titles and older or lesser-known indie games.

Nintendo Switch 2 Improves Game Discoverability

Improved Game Discoverability on Switch 2

The changes introduced in the Switch 2 eShop demonstrate a clear effort by Nintendo to modernize its digital storefront. By emphasizing recent revenue performance and introducing a personalized recommendation system, the platform aims to make game genre discovery more dynamic and relevant to each user. However, the shared chart system that combines data from both console generations could limit visibility for new, smaller Switch 2-exclusive games, especially if they are competing with well-established titles from the previous console.