Are 3DS Still Sold?

The Nintendo 3DS is no longer being produced or sold by Nintendo as it was discontinued in 2020, but refurbished or used consoles and games can still be purchased from various retailers or online marketplaces. Although the 3DS is not being manufactured or sold as a new product, hard copies of 3DS games are still available at most game stores and can be downloaded digitally while the eShop is still open.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again?: No, 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.
2. Is the 3DS being shut down?: Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024.
3. Why was the 3DS discontinued?: The company didn’t abandon the 3DS family as soon as the Switch came out, but it most likely decided that it’s the right time to retire the console because it’s no longer selling like it used to.

Compatibility and Gaming

4. Can you play 3DS games on Switch?: No, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch.
5. Did the 3DS flop?: The 3DS had a weak console launch, but after a price drop, it gained popularity and ended up selling over 75 million units worldwide.
6. Can I still download my 3DS games?: Important, 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 you can still redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.

Online Services and Server Status

7. How long will the 3DS servers last?: Nintendo is shutting down most online services for the Wii U and 3DS in spring 2024, following the closure of the eShops in March 2023.
8. Can you still play 3DS online 2023?: Online play will also still be available “for the foreseeable future” for any titles you already own, past March 2023, but it will not function after “early April” 2024.

Replacement and Future Consoles

9. What will replace the 3DS?: The Switch as a Handheld Console has become the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming for many fans.
10. Will there be a 4DS?: There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a 4DS, but there have been rumors and speculations about a potential new handheld console.

eShop and Game Purchases

11. Will the 3DS eShop stay open?: The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops have been permanently closed, you can no longer purchase new games or DLC from the eShops, but you can still download games and DLC that you have previously purchased.
12. How much does a 3DS sell for 2023?: 3DS XL prices start at $159 and cost $159 on average as of October 2023, and the prices will continue to get cheaper over time.

Additional Information

13. Can you still download games after 3DS eShop closes?: After the eShop has closed, you will still be able to redownload software and DLCs and update existing software, but you will not be able to buy any software, download demos or redeem a code.
14. Can you still mod a 3DS?: Yes, you can still install custom firmware on your 3DS, even after the closure of eShop.
15. Can you buy DS games on 3DS eShop?: If you are asking “can I use the 3DS eShop to digitally purchase games made for the original DS,” then no, but you can play most Nintendo DS games on your Nintendo 3DS.