“Nintendo released firmware version 22.5.0 for the Switch and Switch 2 on June 15, 2026, with the original Switch receiving significant eShop improvements and the Switch 2 gaining Dutch and Russian accessibility support, according to multiple sources including Nintendo World Report and vooks.net.” https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-switch-2-and-switch-update-22-5-0-out-now-patch-notes/ https://www.vooks.net/nintendos-replaced-the-eshop-on-the-original-switch-and-it-no-longer-sucks/ https://gonintendo.com/contents/61917-switch-switch-2-firmware-update-version-22-5-0-now-available/
### A Major Overhaul for the Original Switch
The most significant changes in the 22.5.0 update target the original Nintendo Switch, which received a redesigned eShop interface that now supports “Basic Dark” themes and improves performance. Previously, the eShop operated as a web-based interface, causing sluggishness that frustrated users. With this update, the eShop has been restructured as a native app, allowing it to load nearly instantly on the nearly decade-old console. “The eShop now loads almost instantly on the nearly decade-old console,” noted vooks.net, which highlighted the shift from a web-based to a native application. This change also enables the eShop to recognize the console’s theme settings, including dark mode. https://www.vooks.net/nintendos-replaced-the-eshop-on-the-original-switch-and-it-no-longer-sucks/
### Accessibility Enhancements for the Switch 2
While the original Switch saw a visual overhaul, the Switch 2 gained new accessibility features. Dutch and Russian languages were added to “Text to Speech” and “Change Speech ⇔ Text During GameChat” options, expanding the console’s multilingual support. These updates align with Nintendo’s broader efforts to make gaming more inclusive, though the Switch 2’s improvements were less visually apparent than the original Switch’s changes. “Added Dutch and Russian to ‘Text to Speech’ languages in Accessibility,” reported Nintendo World Report, which noted the update’s focus on language support. https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/76096/switch-and-switch-2-system-software-updated-new-languages-and-dark-mode-for-switch-eshop-included
### User Verification and Video Controls
Both the Switch and Switch 2 received a new user-verification PIN feature, allowing players to confirm actions like accessing the eShop or using saved payment methods. This security measure was previously absent on the original Switch but is now standard across both systems. Additionally, the update introduced video controls using the ZL and ZR buttons, enabling users to rewind or fast-forward 10 seconds during full-screen videos in the News app or eShop. “Added the ability to rewind 10 seconds/advance 10 seconds with the ZL and ZR Buttons,” noted Nintendo Life, which emphasized the practicality of the new controls. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/06/nintendo-switch-2-system-update-22-5-0-is-now-live-here-are-the-full-patch-notes
### A Shift in Development Priorities
The update reveals a strategic shift in Nintendo’s development focus. While the Switch 2 has received incremental updates since its 2025 launch, the original Switch is now getting features that previously only existed on the newer model. This pattern mirrors earlier changes, such as the 2024 Handheld Boost Mode update for the Switch 2, which later appeared on the original console. “The biggest update of the year was still version 22.0.0, which added the Handheld Mode Boost feature,” noted Nintendo Everything, suggesting that the 22.5.0 update continues this trend of retroactive improvements. https://nintendoeverything.com/nintendo-switch-2-and-switch-update-22-5-0-out-now-patch-notes/
### What This Means for Users
For long-time Switch owners, the eShop overhaul addresses a longstanding pain point. The transition to a native app not only improves speed but also enhances the overall user experience by aligning the eShop with the system’s visual themes. Meanwhile, the Switch 2’s accessibility updates cater to a growing global audience, though critics argue that such features should have been included at launch. “The eShop now loads almost instantly on the nearly decade-old console,” said vooks.net, highlighting the update’s impact on older hardware. https://www.vooks.net/nintendos-replaced-the-eshop-on-the-original-switch-and-it-no-longer-sucks/
### The Road Ahead
With the 22.5.0 update now live, Nintendo’s next steps remain unclear. The company has not announced major features for the Switch 2 beyond the recent “Handheld Boost Mode” addition, but users expect further refinements. Meanwhile, the original Switch’s improved eShop could encourage continued investment in the aging hardware. “This is the first update Nintendo has released for the Switch and Switch 2 since April 2026,” noted Nintendo Life, suggesting that the company may be prioritizing stability over innovation in the short term. https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2026/06/nintendo-switch-2-system-update-22-5-0-is-now-live-here-are-the-full-patch-notes
### A New Era for Nintendo’s Ecosystem
The 22.5.0 update underscores Nintendo’s commitment to maintaining its hardware ecosystem. By bringing Switch 2 features to the original console, the company is bridging the gap between older and newer models, potentially extending the lifespan of the Switch. However, the lack of major new features for the Switch 2 raises questions about its long-term development. “General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience,” noted multiple sources, emphasizing Nintendo’s focus on refining rather than revolutionizing. https://gonintendo.
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