Nintendo switch eShop gets dark mode and speed boost in long-awaited update

At a glance:

• The Switch eShop now supports dark mode when the system theme is set to dark
• Nintendo rebuilt the storefront as a native app, making browsing significantly faster on original Switch hardware
• New PIN locking protects the eShop and saved payment methods, and videos can be skipped 10 seconds at a time with ZL/ZR buttons

A decade late, but welcome: the eShop overhaul

Nintendo has rolled out an update to the Switch eShop that finally brings dark mode support and a host of performance improvements to the aging storefront. The update, which transforms the eShop from a web-based experience to a native application, represents the first major facelift for the digital store since the original Switch launched in 2017.

For users who have their system theme set to dark mode, the eShop will now automatically follow suit, providing a more comfortable browsing experience in low-light environments. This feature has been standard on competing platforms for years, making its belated arrival on Switch all the more noteworthy.

The transition from web-based to native app appears to be the key driver behind the reported performance gains. Users testing the updated eShop on both original Switch and Switch 2 hardware noted markedly faster loading times and more responsive navigation, with the improvement being most pronounced on the newer hardware.

Native app brings noticeable speed improvements

The move to a native application architecture appears to have addressed longstanding complaints about the eShop's sluggish performance. Web-based applications typically suffer from slower load times and less efficient resource utilization compared to their native counterparts, issues that plagued the Switch's digital store since launch.

While the Switch 2 obviously benefits from superior hardware specifications, the update makes a meaningful difference for owners of the original Switch model. This is particularly significant given that Nintendo's latest console has already begun shipping to consumers, potentially leaving early adopters of the original hardware further behind.

It's somewhat remarkable that such fundamental improvements took nearly a decade to materialize. During this period, competitors like Sony and Microsoft had already implemented similar native storefront experiences with dark mode support and optimized performance across their console generations.

New security and navigation features

Beyond the visual and performance upgrades, Nintendo has introduced practical new features aimed at improving user security and content navigation. The ability to lock the eShop with a PIN adds an extra layer of protection for users who share their consoles or want to restrict access to digital purchases.

Payment method security has also been enhanced, with users now able to require PIN entry before accessing saved payment information. This addresses concerns about unauthorized transactions or accidental purchases, particularly relevant for family-shared accounts.

Video content consumption within the eShop and News app has been streamlined through improved playback controls. Users can now skip forward or backward through full-screen videos in 10-second increments using the ZL and ZR shoulder buttons, making it easier to preview game trailers or navigate promotional content.

What this means for users

For the millions of Switch owners still using the original console, this update delivers tangible benefits that enhance daily usage. The combination of dark mode support, improved performance, and new security features addresses several pain points that have accumulated over the console's seven-year lifespan.

However, the timing raises questions about whether these improvements come too late. With the Switch 2 already in consumers' hands and the original Switch approaching end-of-life status, many users may wonder if they'll see similar updates on Nintendo's next hardware generation.

The update is now rolling out automatically to all Switch consoles, requiring no manual intervention from users. Those with automatic updates enabled will receive the changes the next time they launch the eShop, while manual update settings may require users to initiate the download process.