Nintendo has recently announced that the eShop on the upcoming Switch 2 will not feature background music, following the same design philosophy established with the original Switch. The eShop, which serves as Nintendo’s digital store for purchasing games, first launched on the Wii as the Shop Channel and has been known for its distinct musical themes across various platforms. Fans especially fondly remember the Wii’s iconic theme, characterized by a calming electric piano and string melodies, which have been widely referenced and celebrated in memes since its inception.
Unlike its predecessors, the Switch has opted for a different approach by prioritizing promotional content—game trailers and video showcases will take center stage on the Switch 2’s eShop. In a recent interview with Polygon, producer Kouichi Kawamoto elaborated on this choice: “Unlike back then, the eShop now has lots of videos that are showcasing the games. We didn’t want to intrude on that, so we don’t have music there.”This shift reflects how the eShop’s usage has evolved, as video content was relatively rare in formats like the Wii Shop Channel or the 3DS eShop.
Innovative Enhancements in the Switch 2 eShop
Enhanced Performance and New Features
However, the transition to the Switch 2 is not merely a direct port of the existing eShop. During an “Ask the Developers”segment on the official Nintendo website, developers shared insights into various enhancements being made to the eShop.
One significant upgrade will be improved performance. Thanks to the robust hardware of the Switch 2, it is expected to handle more demanding and complex games, including titles like Elden Ring, Cyberpunk 2077, and Borderlands 4, without experiencing slowdowns. Notably, the eShop will manage numerous high-definition video trailers and game captures seamlessly.
Additionally, a new feature called “Game Finds for You”aims to enhance the user experience by recommending games tailored to player interests. Kawamoto notes that this section will enable players to “quickly see screenshots and watch introduction videos for games,”streamlining the process of discovering new titles without extensive searching throughout the eShop.
The Dullness of Nintendo Menus
An Unfortunate Trend in User Interface
Regrettably, Nintendo’s user interface and menus have lost their whimsical charm over the past decade and a half. Previously, music was an integral part of the Nintendo experience, enhancing everything from the eShop to the main home screen. Nostalgic gamers often reminisce about the catchy 3DS home screen melodies that stay etched in one’s mind.
Moreover, the charming details that characterized earlier systems—such as the startup sounds from the Wii U when a disc was loaded or the festive presents appearing on the DS home screen—have become increasingly scarce. These delightful touches not only provided a unique vibe but also demonstrated the capabilities of the consoles themselves, leaving many fans yearning for their return.
While the Switch does include some fun audio cues, the overall experience lacks a certain charm, especially when compared to contemporaries like the PS5, which features ambient home menu music. The absence of a melodic backdrop in the Switch’s main screen stands in stark contrast to the nostalgic harmonies of the past, like the cheerful 3DS themes that fit without detracting from its more serious titles.
As Nintendo forges ahead with its upcoming console, it appears that the era of eShop music has drawn to a close. Fans may have to come to terms with the fact that soundtracks attached to digital storefronts may be a relic of nostalgia while fonder memories are cherished.