Nintendo confuses fans by removing eShop reviewing system mere days after launch

Nintendo has inexplicably removed the game reviews system for the Switch eShop that it first implemented only days ago.

When launched last Friday, game store reviews were a welcome addition to Switch's product listings. The process for reviewing a game was thorough but straightforward. After signing in, users could rank games 1-5 stars. There were also several tags they could choose to describe the game like "great value" or "challenging."

Beyond that, there were fields for a "headline" and any comments about the game. Comments were even required to be more than 50 characters to encourage more substantive reviews.

Below that were questions asking the user to describe themselves (Nintendo fan, Core Gamer, Casual plater, or Parent) and if the review contained any spoilers, a very nice touch.

However, as of today, the system is gone. One Reddit user posted Nintendo's explanation for the removal.

"Customer reviews have been taken offline as we evaluate this feature and its functionality. We currently have no estimated date on when an update will be provided. We appreciate the positive response and thank the reviewers who provided such thoughtful commentary on the games."

Since Nintendo did not indicate that the system was in beta or otherwise being tested at launch, it is confusing as to why it is just now saying it is being evaluated. Users on Reddit are confused and disappointed that the rating system was removed so quickly.

Reviewing systems for products have become ubiquitous. Consumers seem to prefer reviews from real people who have purchased the good or service over professional reviewers who may or may not have a hidden conflict of interest or bias. This is especially true for video games.

Every major platform has at the very minimum a rating system if not a full-fledged review process within its online storefront. Steam's is probably the best of all the major systems. Nintendo's rating process seemed to be somewhat shadowing Valve's so it is understandable that users are upset to see it taken away so soon and without any word about when it would be coming back.