Seriously, what is it with the Switch version of a game appearing on a developer/publisher/retailer website, then disappearing shortly afterwards?

It's happened with a number of Switch games now,including the N.Sane Trilogy, Spyro and AC3 Remastered. Is this some new third party tactic to generate buzz and get people talking about the Switch version of a game, by keeping them wondering if it's happening or not?

It seems to happen too often to just be a simple mistake every time, and if it is a ploy to get people's attention, then annoying as it is, it works.

Have you ever seen the movie Elf? Do you remember that part where Santa can't get his sleigh to work because not enough people are spreading Christmas cheer and believing in the power of Christmas? That's basically it, but with port begging. Ever time the port just barely dips below the threshold the Switch version magically disappears We must spread the power of the port begging!

I am the kind of guy who believes that Nintendo controlled some artificial shortages in 2017 and that even today, they are waiting to announce the Direct to increase the hype. So I think you are just right.

Yep, "accidental leaks" are a totally new marketing technique and unique to Switch games.

I think it's because of Directs. Nintendo asks publishers to keep their games under wraps until a Direct and then these leaks either happen by accident or the publisher wants to show that a Switch version is indeed coming, without breaking the deal they made with Nintendo. We really should be getting a Direct soon with all these leaked but not-yet-confirmed games.

There should be more fans-friendly marketing methods. Though this one is working currently, how long will it last?