Did Nintendo shut down the 3DS eShop?
Yes, Nintendo has indeed shut down the 3DS eShop, with the closure officially taking place on March 27th, 2023, permanently disabling all new purchases on the 3DS and Wii U platforms. The eShop closure marks the end of an era for the 3DS, a console that has been a staple of Nintendo‘s handheld gaming lineup for over a decade, and users can no longer purchase digital games or downloadable content (DLC) from the eShop.
Understanding the 3DS eShop Closure
The 3DS eShop closure has raised several questions among Nintendo fans and gamers, and to address these concerns, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide additional valuable information.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still play 3DS games after the eShop closure?
Yes, you can still play 3DS games that you have already purchased or downloaded, and online play will also still be available for the foreseeable future, although it will eventually end in early April 2024.
2. Can I still purchase 3DS games?
No, it is no longer possible to purchase new games or DLC from the eShop, but you can still redownload games and DLC that you have previously purchased.
3. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again?
No, Nintendo announced that it was discontinuing production of the 3DS in 2020, and the eShops for Wii U and 3DS have now shut down.
4. Can I still use eShop cards on 3DS?
No, it is no longer possible to use eShop cards on the 3DS to add funds to your account, as this feature has been discontinued.
5. Can I still download 3DS games?
Yes, you can still redownload games and DLC that you have previously purchased, but you cannot download new games or DLC.
6. Is the 3DS Virtual Console dead?
Yes, the Virtual Console service was discontinued on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS on March 27, 2023, although purchased titles remain playable.
7. Can I still add funds to my 3DS account?
No, it is no longer possible to add funds to your 3DS account using eShop cards or other methods, as this feature has been discontinued.
8. What happens to 3DS eShop games after the closure?
You can still play and redownload games that you have already purchased, but you cannot purchase new games or DLC.
9. Can I still redeem 3DS eShop codes?
No, it is no longer possible to redeem download codes in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U or Nintendo 3DS.
10. How long will the 3DS eShop last?
The 3DS eShop has already been shut down, and it is no longer possible to purchase new games or DLC.
11. Can 3DS be modded after eShop shutdown?
Yes, you can still install custom firmware on your 3DS, even after the eShop closure.
12. What games were removed from the 3DS eShop?
Several games, including Barbie And Her Sisters Puppy Rescue, Barbie: Dreamhouse Party, and Beast Saga: Saikyou Gekiotsu Coliseum, were removed from the eShop before its closure.
13. Is it illegal to sell modded 3DS?
Yes, it is illegal to import, market, sell, or distribute circumvention devices, including modded 3DS consoles.
14. Will Pokémon Bank still work after the 3DS eShop closes?
Yes, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will still work after the eShop closure, and you can still transfer Pokémon between games.
15. Can I have 2 3DS with the same account?
No, it is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.