Can games still update after eShop closes?

The answer to the question of whether games can still update after eShop closes is yes, even after the eShop closure, 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. This means that players can continue to access and update their existing games, although new purchases will no longer be possible through the eShop.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What happens when the eShop closes?: Nintendo’s shutdown of the Wii U and 3DS eShops is a step back in video game preservation, making it more difficult for people who still own and play the Wii U and 3DS to access certain games.
2. Can I still play downloaded 3DS games after eShop closes?: Yes, you can still play downloaded 3DS games after the eShop closes, as long as you have already downloaded them.
3. Will I be able to use Pokemon Bank after eShop closes?: Pokemon Bank is now usable at no cost due to the discontinuation of Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Digital Game Ownership

4. Are eShop games permanent?: All games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID, so you can just redownload them as many times as you want when you delete games to free up space.
5. Is it better to buy games on eShop?: If you prefer the convenience and speed offered through digital purchases, and don’t want game boxes lying around, then you’ll want to go digital.
6. Do eShop funds expire?: The code balance may only be used on a single Nintendo eShop account, and code balance does not expire, and there are no fees associated with the code.

Nintendo Consoles and Services

7. Is the Wii being discontinued?: The Wii was formally discontinued in October 2013, though Nintendo continued to produce and market the Wii Mini through 2017.
8. Is the Wii U discontinued?: Nintendo discontinued the Wii U in 2017, and will shut down all online connectivity for the console by the end of this year.
9. Is the 3DS discontinued?: 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023.

Pokemon and Game-Specific Information

10. What to do for Pokemon before eShop closes?: 3DS owners need to download Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter before eShop closes to ensure they can still access their Pokémon.
11. How long is Pokémon Bank free for?: As long as you download Pokemon Bank before the end of March 2023, you should then be able to use the whole service for free when the 3DS eShop closes its doors.
12. Is Poké Transporter still available?: Since March 27, 2023, due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop, it is no longer possible for new users to download Poké Transporter, although users who had previously downloaded it can redownload it.

Nintendo Account and Refund Information

13. Can I have 2 3DS with the same account?: 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.
14. Does Nintendo refund eShop?: We are unable to provide refunds or exchanges for mistaken purchases, so please be sure to read the game descriptions and check out the screenshots available through the Nintendo eShop before making purchases.

Nintendo Switch and Other Products

15. Is Switch OLED worth it?: The Nintendo Switch OLED improves many aspects of the original model, and if you don’t have a Nintendo Switch, then it’s definitely worth it for a small jump in price, although the differences may not be noticeable if you play mainly while docked.