Nintendo has revised its publishing guidelines for the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, implementing a stricter vetting process to tackle subpar “slop” games that have previously cluttered the storefront. This update follows a successful quarter after the Switch 2’s launch, which has already sold over 3.5 million units globally within a week of its debut.

The eShop has faced criticism for allowing low-effort games to dominate its surface, hindering game makers’ efforts to shine amidst the spam content. With the Switch 2 attracting a wave of new players, Nintendo aims to rectify this issue before it escalates further.

According to a report by IGN, the Nintendo developer and publisher portal was updated with a new set of rules, which came into effect on June 5, coinciding with the Switch 2’s launch. These updated guidelines state that any content deemed detrimental to the Nintendo brand will not be allowed. Additionally, publishers are now restricted to five bundles of games annually, with a possibility of adding one extra bundle each subsequent year, for a maximum of eight bundles.

Moreover, misleading texts and sudden title changes on store listings are banned, and content that is excessively sexual, political, or criminal will face substantially more scrutiny when submitted for approval.

As of now, these new content regulations only apply to Japan and select Asian regions, with the US eShop currently unaffected. Nintendo has signaled that these guidelines may vary regionally, leaving room for exceptions based on specific cases. This change is seen as beneficial for indie developers striving for visibility among the vast collection of games, though there are concerns about potential heavy-handed moderation that could restrict mature and socially relevant themes.