It was originally announced over a year ago, but we figured it was worth a last-minute reminder – Nintendo is shutting the digital doors on the eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and WiiU console families this week.
That means that, starting March 27th, you’ll no longer be able to make any digital purchases of 3DS or WiiU games or content, including free content or demos. Anything you’ve already purchased will still be downloadable from your account, but that’s it. Although it’s not possible to add credit to your account through these systems with a credit card or prepaid card any more, linking your old Nintendo Network ID to the new Nintendo Account wallet will allow you to purchase items from the 3DS or WiiU eshop from your shared balance up until the close date.
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You can find all the info you need on the Nintendo website, or read the main points below:
As of March 27, 2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos. Furthermore, as this date draws closer, related services will cease to function:
- As of May 23, 2022, it is no longer possible to use a credit card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
- As of August 29, 2022, it is no longer possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. However, it will still be possible to redeem download codes until March 27, 2023.
Users who link their Nintendo Network ID wallet (used with Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems) with their Nintendo Account wallet (used with the Nintendo Switch family of systems) can use the shared balance to purchase content on any of these systems until March 27, 2023. After that, the balance can only be used to purchase content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
No changes are planned for Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
The changes to Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems will simultaneously take effect in software on these platforms where it is possible to make purchases, such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade.
Even after March 27, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
