While he was Rumored for a whileNow, Nintendo has officially confirmed that 3DS stores and Wii U eShops will be closing the store permanently. Previously, the potential shutdown window was ‘late March’ 2023, but nintendo (Opens in a new tab) He confirmed in a blog post yesterday that online stores will close on March 27, 2023.
Unfortunately for fans of the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U, there is more bad news. Players will not be allowed to use a Nintendo eShop Gift Card to add money to an account linked to a Wii U or Nintendo 3DS starting August 29. Fortunately, we’ve learned that the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops will be closing again in February, so hopefully you’ll have time to plan appropriately.
Nintendo eShops closing: How does it affect gamers?
Gamers are already preparing for the death of the 3DS and Wii U for some time. We originally reported this story in February, and since then Nintendo has already removed the ability to add money to a 3DS or Wii U eShop account via credit card.
This means that currently the only way to add money to your eShop account for your 3DS or Wii U is via a gift card, although as previously mentioned support will stop on August 29th. After this point, you will need to either use your existing eShop balance or redeem download codes to purchase games digitally.
There are two silver linings to this news. First, Nintendo said users can re-download purchased 3DS and Wii U games and associated downloadable content, receive software updates for those games and play them online even after eShops closed on March 27. Nintendo has stated that it does not intend to change this situation anytime soon.
The other silver lining is that Nintendo Switch Users do not need to burn their eShop balance just to use it. Once the 3DS and Wii U eShops close, your eShop credit will be usable on the Nintendo Switch Online Store. If you are thinking of upgrading, be sure to take a look at the Best Nintendo Switch Deals before buying.
Nintendo eShops closing: What games should I get?
If you’re panicking about which games to buy, don’t worry, we’ve done plenty of research for you. we found 12 3DS Games to Buy Before Nintendo Closes the eShopAnd, yes, there is a lot of The Legend of Zelda on that list. We also found 10 Wii U games to buy before Nintendo shuts down the eShopSo be sure to take a look before eShops closes permanently.
Finally, there was one final wrinkle in Nintendo’s announcement. For fans of Fire Emblem Fates on 3DS, you’ll want to make sure you buy all the content you need for another one before closing the eShop. Sales of Fire Emblem Fates will officially cease on February 28, 2023.
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