Can I Redownload Wii U Games after eShop Closes?

The answer to the question Can I redownload Wii U games after eShop closes? is yes, as long as you already own a game on the Wii U, you’ll be able to redownload it from the eShop “for the foreseeable future”. This means that even though the Wii U eShop is closed, you can still access and redownload your previously purchased games, but you won’t be able to buy new games or DLC.

Redownloading Wii U Games and eShop Closure Implications

Understanding the eShop Closure

The closure of the Wii U eShop marks the end of an era for Nintendo‘s digital storefront on the Wii U and 3DS consoles. While this change brings an end to purchasing new games, DLC, and other content, it does not immediately affect the ability to redownload previously purchased titles.

Redownloading Process

To redownload a Wii U game after the eShop closure, you can follow these steps:

• Scroll down to the History section on your Wii U.
• Select Your Downloads.
• Choose Downloaded Software or Downloaded Content.
• Find the title you wish to redownload and select Download.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the redownload process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I still play games after eShop closes?

• Yes, you can still play your games and redownload them if needed, but some online features may not be available after the eShop closure.

1. How do I redownload games on the Wii U?

• To redownload games, go to the History section, select Your Downloads, and then choose the game you want to redownload.

1. Can I redownload eShop games after the store closes?

• Yes, games that have been archived (not deleted) can still be redownloaded by anyone on the console, while deleted games can only be redownloaded with the Nintendo Account that originally purchased the game.

1. Can I download demos after eShop closes?

• You can redownload special demos, but normal demos will not be available for redownload after the eShop closure.

1. What happens to Wii U Online after eShop closes?

• Nintendo announced that online play and other functionalities using online communication for Wii U and 3DS software will end in early April 2024.

1. Does StreetPass still work in 2023?

• StreetPass will remain fully functional, and events or gatherings can still be hosted to find tags.

1. Can I still update my Wii U?

• System updates on the Wii U will download and install automatically for systems with menu version 5.0.0-U and higher, even after the eShop closure.

1. Will I be able to redownload 3DS games after eShop closes?

• Yes, you can still redownload games you’ve purchased after the eShop has closed, but only if they were previously bought.

1. Why can’t I redownload games on my Switch?

• You can only redownload games using the Nintendo Account that purchased the game.

1. Are Wii U games tied to my account or the console?

   • Technically, purchases are tied to your NNID, which is in turn tied to the Wii U console, though the NNID can be transferred with a system transfer or by contacting Nintendo.

2. Is it legal to download Wii games?

   • No, downloading Wii games without purchasing them is a violation of Nintendo‘s intellectual property rights.

3. How do I recover deleted Wii games?

   • Access the Wii Shop Channel, select Start Shopping, find the game, and select Download to redownload it.

4. What happens if the eShop shuts down?

   • You won’t be able to buy or download new games, DLC, or demos, and some online functionalities will cease.

5. Why did the Wii U fail?

   • The Wii U‘s hardware and Nintendo‘s approach to online play contributed to its limited success, making it less appealing to developers and consumers.

6. Can you play 3DS games on Wii U?

   • No, the Wii U cannot play 3DS games natively, but you can use an emulator on a computer to play 3DS games.