Nintendo is restricting access for some independent game studios to developer kits for the Switch 2 console. Even after sending out the tools, the company continues to filter out projects that do not meet quality standards. Changes have also been made to the eShop to lower the priority of low-quality games on the new platform.

Access to Developer Kits

Before the launch of the portable console, scheduled for June 2025, there were reports about difficulties in obtaining Switch 2 developer kits. Recently, the process of acquiring these tools has become easier, but Nintendo still reserves the right to reject certain projects during development to prevent a flood of low-quality games in the eShop.

Plans of Independent Studios

The studio behind Dusk and Blood West is preparing to release the multi-platform dungeon crawler Dungeons of Dusk. The developers plan to launch the game on Switch 2, but the port has not yet been confirmed. The studio’s CEO noted that the process of obtaining developer kits is similar to the previous generation, but not all studios receive approval from Nintendo.

Selection Criteria and eShop Changes

With the Switch 2 developer kits, Dungeons of Dusk builds demonstrate high performance and mouse support. However, the application process for indie games is ongoing, as Nintendo remains cautious about allowing new projects onto the platform.

Nintendo is taking steps to prevent an influx of low-quality games in the eShop, aiming to avoid repeating the situation with the first version of the store, which eventually became flooded with similar projects. The company has also updated its ranking algorithms: now, games are sorted by revenue over the past three days rather than by the number of copies sold. This measure is intended to reduce the visibility of cheap games created with artificial intelligence. Additionally, buyers may notice fewer repetitive bundles and more accurate game descriptions.

Prospects for Dungeons of Dusk

The Dungeons of Dusk demo, available on Steam, has received positive feedback from players and is not considered low-quality. However, it is still unclear whether this turn-based RPG will appear on Switch 2, as the final decision on allowing the game onto the platform rests with Nintendo.