Navigating the Nostalgia: Paying for Games on the Nintendo 3DS (A Retro Guide)
The Nintendo 3DS, a handheld marvel that brought glasses-free 3D gaming to the masses, holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. While the eShop for the 3DS is now closed, understanding how we used to purchase games digitally is a fascinating look back at the console’s history and the evolution of Nintendo’s digital distribution methods. This article will explore how you could purchase games on 3DS, and answer frequently asked questions.
The Nintendo eShop, the 3DS’s online marketplace, was the primary way to buy digital games. You could add funds to your account using either Nintendo eShop Cards or credit cards. Once funds were added, you could browse the eShop, select the game you wanted, and download it directly to your 3DS.
A Look Back: Adding Funds and Purchasing Games
The process, now a relic of gaming history, was once a core part of the 3DS experience:
- Accessing the eShop: From the 3DS home menu, you’d tap the eShop icon to launch the application.
- Browsing or Searching: You could browse through different categories, check out featured titles, or use the search function to find specific games.
- Selecting a Game: Once you found a game you liked, you’d select it to view more information, including screenshots, trailers, and user reviews.
- Choosing “Download Software”: If you were ready to buy, you’d select the “Download Software” option.
- Adding Funds (if needed): If your eShop account didn’t have enough funds, you’d be prompted to add more. This could be done via:
- Nintendo eShop Cards: These physical cards, available at retailers, contained a code that could be redeemed for eShop credit.
- Credit Cards: You could directly enter your credit card information to add funds. Accepted cards typically included VISA and MasterCard.
- Confirming the Purchase: After adding funds (or if you already had sufficient balance), you’d confirm the purchase. The game would then begin downloading to your 3DS.
The End of an Era: The eShop Closure
It’s important to remember that as of March 27th, 2023, the Nintendo eShop for the 3DS and Wii U officially closed. This means you can no longer purchase new digital games, download demos, or add funds to your account through the eShop. This closure marked the end of an era for these consoles and their digital marketplaces.
What Remains? Redownloading and the Future of 3DS
Despite the closure, there’s still some functionality left. Users can redownload previously purchased games, apps, themes, and special demos. However, normal demos are no longer available for redownload.
FAQs: Remembering the 3DS eShop
Here are some frequently asked questions about paying for games on the Nintendo 3DS, reflecting the now-historical context of the eShop:
1. Could you still buy 3DS games digitally before the closure?
Yes, up until March 27th, 2023, you could purchase and download games digitally from the Nintendo eShop on the 3DS.
2. How could you add funds to your 3DS account?
You could add funds using either Nintendo eShop Cards or a credit card. However, as of August 29, 2022, you could no longer use Nintendo eShop Cards for the Wii U and 3DS family of systems. After this change, only credit cards added funds.
3. Did the 3DS accept all types of credit cards?
Generally, the Nintendo eShop accepted valid VISA and MasterCard credit cards.
4. Could you use PayPal to pay for 3DS games?
No, PayPal was not a supported payment method for the Nintendo 3DS eShop. PayPal could only be used in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico with Nintendo.
5. What happened to digital 3DS games after the eShop closed?
After the eShop closed, you could no longer purchase new digital games. However, you could redownload any games you had previously purchased.
6. Were digital 3DS games tied to your Nintendo Account?
Yes, digital 3DS games purchased through the eShop were linked to your Nintendo Network ID. This allowed you to redownload them if needed.
7. Could you download 3DS games onto an SD card?
Yes, downloaded Nintendo 3DS software and Virtual Console titles were saved on your SD card.
8. How many digital games could a 3DS hold?
The number of digital games a 3DS could hold depended on the size of your SD card. An SD card could potentially hold up to 300 software titles, depending on their individual file sizes.
9. Could you transfer digital games from one 3DS to another?
Yes, you could perform a system transfer to move your digital games and other data from one 3DS to another.
10. If I had a download code for a 3DS game, could I redeem it after the eShop closure?
No, as of April 3, 2023, it was no longer possible to redeem download codes in the Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
11. Will online play for 3DS games continue to work?
No, in early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication ended service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.
12. Where can I learn more about the impact of games on learning and education?
The Games Learning Society is a valuable resource for understanding the potential of games in education. You can find more information on their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
13. Could I still add funds to my Nintendo Account through the Switch eShop to purchase 3DS games (before the closure)?
No, funds added to your Nintendo Account on the Switch eShop were separate from your Nintendo Network ID balance on the 3DS. You needed to add funds directly to the 3DS eShop to purchase 3DS games.
14. If I bought a new 3DS after the eShop closed, could I still download my previously purchased games?
Yes, as long as you linked your Nintendo Network ID to the new 3DS, you could still redownload your previously purchased games.
15. What payment methods does Nintendo accept today for the Nintendo Switch?
Today, for Nintendo Switch purchases through the eShop, you can use:
- A valid VISA or MasterCard (e.g. credit card, debit card, or gift card).
- A Paypal account (U.S., Canada, and Mexico only).
- A Nintendo eShop Card.
Conclusion: Remembering the Magic
While the ability to purchase new digital games on the 3DS is now a thing of the past, the memories and experiences we had with the console and its eShop remain. From discovering new indie gems to revisiting classic titles, the 3DS eShop played a significant role in shaping the handheld gaming landscape. Now, redownloading previously purchased games is what remains. Although online functionality is being discontinued, players are still able to enjoy the magic of the 3DS. For further reading on how video games impact learning, please visit GamesLearningSociety.org.