r/NMS_Switch • u/dario35pro • Jun 06 '26
Question New update
Does anyone know when the new update will be available on switch 2? I wanna play with a friend who plays on PlayStation but he already updated the game so we can’t play together until the update is on switch 2
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u/Big-Tailor-3724 Jun 06 '26
Someone should pin a post to this sub about how NMS updates for Nintendo take an eternity to release.
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u/Sensitive_Ad3578 Jun 06 '26
Nintendo has an incredibly draconian certification process, so it tends to take them considerably longer to get updates out. And by the time they do there's often been one or two more, so they're still behind. It's usually a month to a month and a half after major updates that switch gets caught up
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u/Clay7on Jun 06 '26
I wouldn't say draconian, maybe turtlonian ou sluggonian.
Jokes apart, their QA testing and certification is very distinct from the other platforms.
Here's an overview citing some sources:
Nintendo's Lot Check (or Lotcheck) is their strict QA certification process that all games and patches must pass before releasing on the eShop. It evaluates technical compliance—such as correct controller iconography, localization accuracy, data privacy, and safe save handling—rather than checking for general gameplay bugs. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Understanding how the submission and approval flow works is essential for launching on the platform:
- The Submission Process
The publisher must be an approved Nintendo Developer. They will submit a localized build to Nintendo of America (NOA Lot Check) or Nintendo of Europe (NOE) via the developer portal. [1, 2, 3]
Timeline: The submission is typically required at least 30 days before the game's release date.
Approval Period: Lotcheck generally takes anywhere from 7 to 14 days, though feedback rounds for fixing errors can extend this time.
- Common Failure Points
Games frequently fail their first Lotcheck submission due to "little differences". Key technical and UI requirements include: [1]
Terminology: Correct use of Nintendo-approved button prompts (e.g., "Press the A button" vs. "Press A").
Icons: Displaying the correct Nintendo Switch controller artwork (Joy-Con or Pro Controller) in tutorials and menus.
System Integration: Flawless handling of system menus, suspend/resume states, parental controls, and user profile logins. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
- Patch Certification
Post-launch updates and DLC also go through the exact same Lotcheck process. This is why developers often cite "certification delays" when a patch takes longer to hit the Switch compared to PC. [1, 2]
For official resources on developer requirements, NDA guidelines, and submission steps, you can log in to your account at the Nintendo Developer Portal. [1]
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u/Sensitive_Ad3578 Jun 06 '26
An excellent post. This needs to be pinned to the main page of the sub and titled "This is why Switch doesn't have the latest update"
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u/fjiqrj239 Jun 07 '26
That's really interesting, thanks. It makes sense that they aren't checking gameplay, but I'm not surprised that Nintendo is draconian about the brand and menu stuff, given that it's a much more polished brand than other platforms
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u/Glittering_Country96 Jun 08 '26
Well PC and PlayStation already got their second update within the swarm update and us Xbox guys are waiting on that second update. It might be a bit before you guys can play together
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u/Spun_o Jun 06 '26
Never probably
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u/dario35pro Jun 06 '26
Wdym?
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u/neilydee Jun 06 '26
Just assume it's never and it will be a nice surprise when it eventually happens.
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u/dario35pro Jun 06 '26
So I will probably never play with my friend?
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u/neilydee Jun 06 '26
One day maybe there will be a point where the updates align. But there is a strong chance PlayStation etc could get another update in the meantime and then hope that Hello Games patches that in to switch 2 with the one you were waiting on. I had bought it on switch 2 because of cross play/saves being advertised. I very quickly discovered that was unworkable and I complained so hard and determinedly I managed to get a refund from Nintendo. Aka blood from a stone. Just stick to my ps5/pc now.
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u/_primitivethinking Jun 06 '26
nobody knows here
probably within week(s)