Nintendo Says Indie Games Are “Extremely Popular” on Switch and Switch 2

Nintendo has reaffirmed its commitment to independent developers, with company president Shuntaro Furukawa describing indie games as "extremely popular" across both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 ecosystems. Speaking during a recent shareholders' meeting, Furukawa emphasized that smaller studios continue to play a vital role in Nintendo's software lineup and remain a key reason why players regularly return to the eShop.

During the Q&A session, Furukawa was asked why some indie games launch on PC months before arriving on Nintendo platforms. He acknowledged the issue and explained that Nintendo is actively working with developers to reduce porting times and encourage more studios to release their games on Switch and Switch 2 earlier. According to Furukawa, the company wants to make it easier for independent creators to bring their titles to Nintendo hardware without lengthy delays.

The Nintendo president also highlighted the strong relationship the company has built with indie developers over the past several years. Thanks to initiatives such as Indie World showcases and expanded support for digital publishing, Nintendo has become one of the most successful platforms for independent games. Best-selling titles like Hades, Hollow Knight, Stardew Valley, Balatro, and Vampire Survivors have all found massive audiences on Switch, demonstrating the continued demand for indie experiences alongside major first-party releases.

As the Switch 2 library continues to expand, Nintendo expects indie games to remain an essential part of the platform's long-term success. While blockbuster franchises such as The Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon continue to attract millions of players, Furukawa stressed that independent developers help keep the ecosystem diverse by delivering innovative ideas and unique gameplay experiences. His comments reinforce Nintendo's strategy of supporting creators of every size as the company enters the next generation of its hybrid console.