Table of Contents

Can You Still Download 3DS Games? The Definitive Guide

The short answer is: No, you can no longer directly purchase and download new digital games from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. The service officially shut down on March 27, 2023. However, the full picture is more nuanced, and there are still some things you can do regarding your existing 3DS library. Let’s delve into the details.

What Happened to the 3DS eShop?

The Nintendo 3DS eShop, the online marketplace for digital 3DS games, applications, and demos, was deactivated after a phased shutdown. This began with the removal of the ability to add funds using credit cards and prepaid cards in May 2022. The final nail in the coffin was the complete shutdown of purchasing capabilities on March 27, 2023. This marked the end of an era for the beloved handheld console and its digital storefront.

Why Did Nintendo Shut Down the eShop?

Nintendo cited several reasons for the eShop closure, primarily focusing on resource allocation and the aging hardware. As the 3DS console is nearing the end of its lifecycle, Nintendo is shifting its focus to newer platforms like the Nintendo Switch. Maintaining the eShop infrastructure, server support, and software updates for the 3DS required resources that could be better utilized elsewhere. Furthermore, the limited internal storage of the 3DS and the need for SD card management presented challenges for users, contributing to the decision to consolidate digital distribution on newer systems.

What Does This Mean for 3DS Owners?

For those who enjoyed purchasing digital games on their 3DS, the eShop closure has several implications:

No New Purchases: You can no longer buy new digital games, DLC, or themes from the eShop.
Physical Copies are King: The only way to acquire new 3DS games is through physical cartridges if you can still find them in stores or through secondhand marketplaces.
Impact on Digital-Only Titles: Some games were only available digitally on the 3DS eShop, meaning they are now effectively unavailable through legitimate channels unless you already own them.
Focus on Existing Library: If you purchased games before the shutdown, you can still re-download them.

Can You Still Re-Download 3DS Games?

Fortunately, Nintendo allows you to re-download games and software you have previously purchased from the 3DS eShop. This is a significant consolation for players who have invested in a digital library. Even though you can’t buy new games, you can still access and enjoy the games you already own.

How to Re-Download Games

To re-download your 3DS games:

Power on your 3DS and connect to the internet.
Open the Nintendo eShop.
Sign in to your Nintendo Network ID (NNID).
Navigate to the “Menu” option in the top-left corner.
Select “Your Downloads.”
You will see a list of all the software you have purchased using that NNID.
Select the game you want to re-download and follow the on-screen instructions.

Important Considerations for Re-Downloads

Nintendo Network ID (NNID): Re-downloads are tied to your NNID. Ensure you are logged in with the correct account.
System Limit: Make sure your 3DS system has enough free space for the games you want to re-download, or use an SD card with sufficient capacity.
Future Availability: While Nintendo currently allows re-downloads, there’s no guarantee this feature will remain indefinitely. Download your games as soon as possible to ensure you have them stored on your 3DS or SD card.
System Transfers: If you have multiple 3DS systems, ensure your NNID is linked to the specific console where you want to play your games. System transfers can move your digital purchases between devices.

Alternative Ways to Experience 3DS Games

Even with the eShop closure, there are alternative ways to experience 3DS games:

Physical Cartridges: As mentioned, physical copies are the primary option for playing new (to you) 3DS games. Search online retailers, local game stores, and secondhand marketplaces.
Emulation: While not officially endorsed by Nintendo, emulation allows you to play 3DS games on other devices like PCs and smartphones. However, this requires obtaining ROMs, which can be legally questionable depending on the source and region. It’s important to be aware of the legal implications before pursuing this route.
Used Consoles with Pre-Installed Games: You might find used 3DS consoles for sale with pre-installed digital games. However, ensure the seller can transfer the NNID and games to your account or provide proof of purchase to avoid any issues.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About 3DS Games After the eShop Closure

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation regarding 3DS games after the eShop closure:

Can I still transfer 3DS games to a new 3DS system? Yes, you can still perform system transfers to move your digital games and NNID to a new 3DS system. This is essential for upgrading to a newer model or replacing a broken device. However, it is only possible to transfer data between two devices.
What happens if my 3DS breaks down? Can I still access my purchased games? If your 3DS breaks, and you haven’t performed a system transfer, you might lose access to your games. Regularly backing up your save data and performing system transfers when upgrading is crucial. You can contact Nintendo support for potential recovery options, but there are no guarantees.
Can I still download game updates and DLC for my 3DS games? Yes, you can still download game updates and DLC for games you own, provided the updates are still available on Nintendo’s servers. Nintendo has not announced any plans to discontinue update services for existing games.
Are there any 3DS games I can no longer play because they were digital-only? Yes, several 3DS games were exclusively available on the eShop. Unless you purchased them before the closure, they are now unavailable through official channels. Examples include Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale and HarmoKnight.
How long will Nintendo continue to support re-downloads of 3DS games? Nintendo has not provided a specific timeline for how long re-downloads will be available. It is generally advised to re-download your games as soon as possible to ensure you have them safely stored on your system or SD card.
Can I use prepaid eShop cards that I already own? No. The ability to redeem eShop cards ended before the complete shutdown of the eShop. Any unused eShop cards are essentially worthless.
Is it possible to get a refund for games I purchased but never downloaded? Contact Nintendo customer support to inquire about potential refund options. However, refunds are not guaranteed, and decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Can I buy a used 3DS with games already installed and transfer them to my account? Technically, yes, if the seller performs a system transfer to your NNID. Without the system transfer, the games remain tied to the seller’s account. Be extremely cautious when buying used consoles with pre-installed games.
What happens to my save data if I delete a game? Deleting a game will remove the game data from your 3DS system, but your save data might be retained depending on the game and its save file storage location (internal memory or SD card). It is always good practice to back up your save data regularly.
Can I back up my 3DS games and save data? Yes, you can back up your save data using the built-in save data backup tool on the 3DS. For digital games, backing up the entire SD card is recommended to preserve the game files.
Will Nintendo release any of the digital-only 3DS games on the Switch? There’s no guarantee, but Nintendo has ported some older games to the Switch. Keep an eye on future Nintendo Direct presentations for potential announcements.
Is it legal to download 3DS ROMs from the internet? Downloading ROMs of games you don’t own is generally considered illegal and infringes on copyright laws. Downloading ROMs of games you do own may also be questionable depending on the region and the source of the ROM.
Are there any other online services affected by the 3DS eShop closure? The primary impact is on the eShop. Other online services, such as online multiplayer for certain games, might still be available, but their long-term support is uncertain.
Can I still access my Nintendo eShop account online? Your Nintendo Account linked to your NNID remains active, but you can no longer use it to purchase 3DS games.
What is the best way to preserve my 3DS game collection? For physical games, store them in a safe and dry place. For digital games, re-download them to your 3DS or SD card and back up your save data regularly. Performing a system transfer to a newer 3DS model (if you have one) can also help ensure your games are accessible.

In conclusion, while the ability to purchase new digital games from the 3DS eShop is gone, you can still re-download your existing library. Focus on preserving your current collection, exploring physical copies, and staying informed about potential future releases or ports on other Nintendo platforms. The legacy of the 3DS lives on through the games we cherish and the memories we made with this iconic handheld console.

Can you still download 3DS games?