Design
The NashStore interface presents a clean, tidy, and user friendly experience. On first launch, new users must complete a quick registration, sharing basic details such as last name, first name, postal code and phone number.
At the bottom of the home screen, four sections appear: Home, Applications, Games, and Profile. Transitions between chapters are seamless, though opening app pages or category chapters can trigger a brief animation. A search bar sits at the top, enabling quick access to the exact app needed.
Overall, NashStore feels visually appealing and intuitive. It stands out against the longstanding, unchanging layouts of Google Play and the App Store, offering a fresher look and feel.
Nevertheless, some design flaws are noticeable. For instance, when browsing the Applications and Games sections, only a subset of categories displays its own icon. Many categories rely on a uniform template, and the icons themselves are small and not very legible.
The store interface remains uncluttered, listing all applications and categories clearly so users do not feel lost. A Recommendations block also sits on the main page, presenting users with interesting apps, useful collections, and trending picks.
Catalog
At launch, the catalog did not look expansive, with roughly a thousand announced programs slated for download on a specified date. The current legal framework around preinstalling Russian software means not all key apps may be registered in the NashStore system yet, which helps explain gaps in the lineup.
Interestingly, there is no Sberbank entry in the store, while the Kazakhstan VTB branch has an app available.
Included among the catalog are Stoloto, Banki.ru, Alfa-Bank, RN-Kart, Rutube, Wink online cinema, PSB-Business, SberMarket, Sovcombank, Gloria Jeans, and others. The games section, however, lacks widely known titles; most offerings appear basic. Reports indicate the store experienced a DDoS incident that temporarily disrupted access during the note’s preparation.
Questions remain about moderation before apps appear in the catalog. Recent industry moves by Apple and Google to remove outdated apps from their stores have sparked concerns about longevity and security. A game found in the NashStore catalog last updated on Google Play in 2016 raises questions about protection against modern threats in older apps.
Results
When initializing comparisons with Google Play, several differences stand out. In Google Play, tapping Install typically triggers a background download and installation, allowing users to continue using their device without interruption. NashStore follows a different pattern: after a file is downloaded, a dedicated installation window appears, reproducing the experience of manually installing APK files from device memory or third party sources.
Another distinction is the absence of in store purchases in NashStore. The developers have signaled plans to enable purchases in the near future, but for now, the platform acts primarily as a repository for APK files. It is fair to say NashStore is not quite a replacement for Google Play, more a separate channel for APK distribution. Several third party stores, such as ApkPure and Aptoide, offer catalogs comparable to the primary Android store and are often cited in discussions around alternative app ecosystems.
It is important to frame NashStore accurately: it is marketed as an independent, sanctions resistant alternative to Google Play. If major platforms withdraw from a market, this store aims to provide a reliable route to install apps. At present, NashStore resembles a beta version. To become compelling, it will need integrated payment options, a larger catalog including major international apps, and reliable promotions. While announcements have been made, timelines remain unclear.
Developers could also consider introducing discounts or loyalty rewards to attract users, a tactic successfully employed by Huawei AppGallery and other app ecosystems.
DDoS attack
Following testing, reports emerged that NashStore experienced a DDoS attack that temporarily disrupted service. Users reported the store becoming unresponsive and accounts being logged out. Company representatives stated efforts were underway to stabilize access and restore services. In later updates, reports indicated that the download function was redirected to a remote storage solution, with download limits and signup requirements complicating access. As of the latest observations, the NashStore site remained unavailable to users, highlighting ongoing recovery and security concerns that have impacted user trust and reliability.
Industry coverage notes that the platform faced significant stress prior to its public launch, and that the current state of the service reflects ongoing efforts to mitigate large scale disruptions. The incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and secure distribution methods when operating a regional app marketplace in a fluid regulatory environment.