Nintendo seems to be trying to make things easier for folks who want to make games for Nintendo hardware by streamlining its various developer programs into a single portal, accessible to developers around the globe.
While the process of registering for a Nintendo Developer ID still forms the core of Nintendo's dev program, the way that process is presented to prospective game makers seems to have shifted to embrace independent developers.
Instead of expecting applicants to categorize themselves as either game developers, tool developers or publishers, the new portal emphasizes that "everybody is welcome....regardless of your level of experience in game development."
Moreover, making the streamlined portal equally available to developers worldwide means that things are now easier for Japanese indie developers who, according to multiple fansites, were previously prevented from accessing Nintendo's dedicated indie dev portal.
Nintendo's consoles have long lagged behind other platforms in terms of developer support, though its expected to launch a new platform -- codenamed NX -- next year.