Nintendo Updates Original Switch eShop With Faster Performance After Years of Complaints

Nintendo has rolled out a major update for the original Nintendo Switch that finally addresses one of the console’s longest-standing issues—the slow and often frustrating eShop experience. With system update version 22.5.0, the company has introduced a redesigned digital storefront that significantly improves speed, usability, and navigation.

The update, released on June 15, 2026, marks a notable shift in how Nintendo is supporting its aging hardware, bringing the original Switch closer to the experience expected on the newer Switch 2.

A Long-Overdue Fix for eShop Performance

For years, Switch users have voiced frustration over the eShop’s sluggish loading times and unresponsive browsing. The storefront, which previously relied on a browser-based interface, often struggled with performance, especially when steering large catalogs.

With the latest update, Nintendo has moved toward a more responsive, app-like experience. Early reports and user feedback indicate that the eShop now loads much faster, with smoother transitions between pages and improved responsiveness across menus.

This change directly tackles one of the most common complaints about the console, making it easier for players to browse, search, and purchase games without delays.

Alongside performance improvements, the updated eShop introduces a cleaner and more modern design. The interface now adapts to the system’s theme settings, meaning users who prefer the “Basic Dark” mode will see a matching darker storefront instead of the previous bright layout.

Nintendo has also refined the presentation, with clearer fonts, improved artwork displays, and more organized content sections. The redesign aims to reduce visual clutter and create a browsing experience that feels more in line with modern digital stores.

Nintendo Switch users are finding new ways to access classic games beyond the official library (Image via Nintendo)

According to reports, Nintendo has intentionally aligned this new interface with the Switch 2’s eShop, though it is not an exact replica. This suggests a broader effort to unify the user experience across generations.

Additional Features Improve Usability and Security

Beyond speed and design, the update introduces several smaller but meaningful improvements. Users can now set a PIN requirement before accessing the eShop, adding an extra layer of security—especially useful for shared or family consoles.

Media playback within the store has also been enhanced. Trailers and videos now support quick skipping using controller buttons, making it easier to preview content without frustration.

These additions may seem minor, but they contribute to a more polished and user-friendly experience.

What This Means for Switch Owners

The update signals that Nintendo is not ready to move on from the original Switch just yet. Despite the arrival of newer hardware, the company continues to invest in improving the experience for existing users.

While the update does not change the eShop’s catalog—meaning issues like the presence of low-quality or repetitive listings remain—it does make steering the store significantly more manageable.

For players who still rely on the original Switch, this improvement helps extend the console’s usability, especially as many popular titles remain available on the platform.

Nintendo’s decision to overhaul the eShop suggests a continued commitment to the Switch ecosystem. In the past, the company has eventually phased out digital storefronts on older systems like the Wii U and 3DS, but those closures came years after the consoles declined in popularity.

By contrast, this update indicates that the Switch still has a meaningful role in Nintendo’s current lineup. Whether through cross-generation support or ongoing software updates, the platform appears set to remain relevant for the foreseeable future.