Does 3DS still accept eShop cards?

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. The eShop for Wii U and 3DS game consoles officially closed for business on March 27th, 2023, permanently disabling all new purchases on the platforms, but it is still possible to redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Can you still download 3DS games from eShop?: As of 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Monday, March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase software or DLC in the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS, but for the foreseeable future, it is still possible to redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.
2. Can you still add funds to 3DS eShop 2023?: 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.
3. How do you pay for games on 3DS?: You can add funds in two ways: either with a Nintendo eShop Card or with a credit card.

Redeeming Codes and Games

4. Can you still redeem codes on 3DS?: It is no longer possible to redeem download codes on the Wii U and 3DS.
5. Are 3DS still being sold?: The Nintendo 3DS, the company’s 2011 successor to the Nintendo DS, was discontinued in 2020, but the handheld console has continued to have a dedicated fanbase.
6. Can you still play 3DS online 2023?: As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.

Nintendo 3DS and eShop

7. Will 3DS go offline?: In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.
8. How much does a 3DS sell for 2023?: 3DS XL prices start at $159 and cost $159 on average as of October 2023.
9. How long will 3DS eShop last?: The Nintendo eShop for the Wii U and 3DS game consoles officially closed for business on March 27th, 2023.

Nintendo’s Plans and Releases

10. Will there be a 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo regarding a 4DS.
11. Why did Nintendo cancel the 3DS?: Nintendo said the closure comes at the end of their product’s “natural life cycle,” as the 3DS and Wii U have long been eclipsed by their fast-selling Switch console.
12. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again?: Nintendo announced it was discontinuing production of the console in 2020, and the e-Shops for Wii U and 3DS will shut down in 2023.

Games and Purchases

13. What to get off the 3DS eShop before it closes?: Some recommended games to purchase before the eShop closure include Picross 3D Round 2, Pokemon Bank + Poke Transporter, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario 3.
14. Is the eShop closing extended?: The final shutdown was set for March 27th, 2023, and there has been no official extension announced by Nintendo.
15. Is Nintendo 3DS going away in 2023?: The Nintendo 3DS was discontinued in 2020, and the eShop for Wii U and 3DS game consoles officially closed for business on March 27th, 2023.