Do Switch eShop Funds Transfer to 3DS? Understanding Nintendo’s Digital Ecosystem
The short answer is: yes, with a caveat, but practically no. While it was once possible to share funds between your Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS (and Wii U) by merging your Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID (NNID), as of March 27, 2023, you can no longer purchase new content on the 3DS eShop. Although you can still technically share funds, there is little to no point as of right now. This means you can still use your merged funds for redownloading past purchases and game updates but not for buying anything new.
Understanding the Past: Merging Funds for Cross-Platform Purchases
Previously, Nintendo offered a system where you could link your Nintendo Account (used on the Switch) with your Nintendo Network ID (NNID), which was the account system for the 3DS and Wii U. This linkage allowed you to merge your funds into a single digital wallet. Therefore, you can add money to your Nintendo Switch, and then transfer funds to the 3DS eShop. However, this is no longer possible.
This meant that any balance you had could be used interchangeably across all three platforms. For example, if you had $20 in your merged account, you could use it to buy a game on the Switch eShop, a 3DS title, or a Wii U game. It created a unified experience for purchasing digital content within the Nintendo ecosystem. This system was especially useful for those who owned multiple Nintendo consoles and wanted to manage their digital spending more efficiently. This is now no longer a viable option.
The Present: Sunset of the 3DS eShop
As of the end of March 2023, the ability to purchase new digital games and DLC on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops has been discontinued. This means that you can no longer use merged funds to buy new content on these systems. While you can still redownload previously purchased games and DLC and download updates, you cannot spend any existing or newly added funds on new purchases.
Impact on Digital Ownership
The closure of the 3DS eShop has significant implications for digital ownership. Many games were only available digitally on the 3DS, and now these titles are effectively lost to time unless you already own them. While Nintendo allowed users to redownload their purchases, the inability to buy new titles has effectively sealed the fate of the 3DS as a platform for discovering and experiencing new games digitally.
The Future: Focusing on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo is now fully focused on the Nintendo Switch and its successor. The resources once dedicated to maintaining the 3DS and Wii U eShops are now being channeled into supporting the Switch and developing new platforms. This transition is a natural evolution for Nintendo, as they seek to innovate and remain competitive in the gaming industry. The Nintendo Decision Confirms a Switch 2 Transition.
What to Do with Your Remaining eShop Funds?
If you have any remaining funds in your merged Nintendo Account, you can only use them on the Nintendo Switch. This means you can purchase digital games, DLC, and Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions. It’s essential to plan your purchases wisely and make the most of your remaining funds. A way to do this is to Buy any game and choose “add required funds”. That should let you zero out your account.
Here are some tips to make the most of your remaining eShop funds:
- Consider purchasing digital-only Switch titles: There are many excellent games that are only available digitally on the Switch eShop. This is a great way to add unique and valuable titles to your collection.
- Invest in DLC for your favorite games: Extend the lifespan of your favorite Switch games by purchasing additional content like new characters, levels, or story expansions.
- Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online: Enjoy online multiplayer, cloud saves, and access to a library of classic Nintendo games by subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation surrounding Nintendo eShop funds and the 3DS:
1. Can I still add funds to my Nintendo 3DS eShop in 2024?
No, you can no longer add funds to your Nintendo 3DS eShop since Nintendo discontinued this service.
2. Can I use a Nintendo eShop card to add funds to my 3DS?
No, as of August 29, 2022, you can no longer use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to your 3DS.
3. What happens to the money I already have in my 3DS eShop account?
If you linked your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account and merged your wallets, you can still use those funds on the Nintendo Switch eShop. If not, you won’t be able to use them.
4. How do I merge my Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID?
You used to be able to merge them in your account settings via your account on your Nintendo Switch. This is no longer an option, so you can only use those funds on your switch.
5. Can I transfer my purchased 3DS games to my Nintendo Switch?
No, you cannot transfer games purchased on the 3DS eShop to the Nintendo Switch. Each platform has its own separate digital library.
6. Can I still download games I previously purchased on the 3DS eShop?
Yes, for the foreseeable future, you can still redownload games and DLC that you previously purchased on the 3DS eShop.
7. Will StreetPass still work on the 3DS?
StreetPass will remain fully functional even after the eShop closure, as it doesn’t rely on online services.
8. Can I get a refund for the money I can’t use on the 3DS eShop?
Nintendo typically does not offer refunds for unused eShop funds. Be sure to spend them on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
9. What happens to download codes for 3DS games?
As of April 3, 2023, it is no longer possible to redeem download codes in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
10. Can I still play 3DS games online in 2024?
Unfortunately, as of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. This includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.
11. Why did Nintendo close the 3DS eShop?
Nintendo closed the 3DS eShop to focus its resources on supporting the Nintendo Switch and developing new platforms. Not enough games with huge droughts between releases. 2015 and 2016 were incredibly depressing times to be a Wii U owner. It had no third party, and even the first party was lacking in a lot of ways. There was no mainline Fire Emblem, Kirby, Animal Crossing, or other popular Nintendo IPs.
12. Are 3DS purchases tied to my Nintendo Account?
Yes, 3DS purchases are tied to your Nintendo Network ID (NNID), which can be linked to your Nintendo Account.
13. Can I use the same account for 3DS and Switch?
While you cannot directly use the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) from your 3DS as your primary account on the Switch, you can link it to your Nintendo Account to merge funds (though purchasing new items is no longer an option).
14. What happens to the games I have downloaded on my 3DS if I buy a new 3DS?
You can transfer your games to your new 3DS by performing a system transfer. This will move your games, saves, and account information to the new device.
15. Does linking my Nintendo Account to my NNID on 3DS affect my Switch account in any way other than fund merging?
Linking your accounts primarily affects fund merging. It also allows you to access certain Nintendo services across both platforms.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
The closure of the 3DS eShop marks the end of an era for Nintendo. While it’s sad to see the platform’s digital storefront shut down, it’s also a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the gaming industry. Nintendo is now fully focused on the Switch and its future endeavors. While it is no longer possible to use funds on the 3DS eShop, Games Learning Society is here to help you stay informed about all the latest developments in gaming. To learn more about the educational benefits of gaming, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.