An interesting discovery unveiled for the Nintendo Switch today is a great reminder to always take gaming leaks with a healthy dose of skepticism. A bug tied to the Nintendo Switch is allowing users to create compelling screenshots that would seem to hint at classic Wii U and 3DS games being. They aren't, of course, but this should nevertheless serve as a heads up regarding what could be a wave of "leaks" about upcoming Nintendo Switch releases that aren't true.
The bug, which some are calling an exploit, isn't actually malicious whatsoever. Nintendo allows users to add games to wishlists via its official website, including older games from platforms including the Wii U and the 3DS. These wishlisted items can then be viewed through the Nintendo Switch, where their listings from other platforms' shops will be seen in the Nintendo Switch eShop.
The profiles can be fully explored on the Nintendo Switch, showing games' screenshots, descriptions, and yes, also their price. For some games, the full profile doesn't load correctly, but it's enough information to make any Wii U or 3DS game to appear as if it's for sale on the Nintendo Switch.
The Twitter user that discovered the glitch, JarylGaren, experimented with several different games. Their experimenting made it look as if games like Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey Redux, Pikmin 3, Paper Mario: Color Splash, and even 3DS Virtual Console games like The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX were available on the new console. While it was completely unintentional, it made for a persuasive "leak" of games coming to Switch soon.
Just to reiterate, while it appeared these games were available on Switch, they absolutely were not. Buying these games would not allow them to be downloadable, let alone playable, on the Nintendo Switch. It's just a glitch allowing players to view wishlisted games through their Switch eShop.
There's no reason to worry about security issues or otherwise due to this weird exploit. Nintendo fans will just have to be extra careful going forward so that they're not tricked by supposed leaks claiming that games available for Wii U or 3DS will be coming to Switch.