How long will 3DS eShop last?

The Nintendo 3DS eShop officially closed on March 27, 2023, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, marking the end of an era for digital purchases on the platform, but it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC that were previously purchased. Although the eShop is closed, online play will still be available for the foreseeable future, but it will eventually come to an end, with early April 2024 being the cutoff point for online play on 3DS and Wii U.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. Is the 3DS eShop shutting down?: As of March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to make purchases in the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, including downloading free content such as game demos.
2. Can I mod my 3DS after the eShop closes?: Yes, you can still mod your 3DS, even after the eShop closes, which is a relief for those looking to extend the life of their console beyond official support.
3. What to get off the 3DS eShop before it closes?: Some notable games to consider purchasing before the closure include Picross 3D Round 2, Pokemon Bank + Poke Transporter, Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow/Silver/Gold/Crystal, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario 3, Pocket Card Jockey, Rusty’s Real Deal Baseball, and Mario & Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move.

Purchases and Refunds

4. Can you still use eShop cards on 3DS?: It is no longer possible to use eShop cards on the 3DS after the eShop closure, so it’s essential to spend any remaining balances before the deadline.
5. Can I still buy 3DS games on eShop?: With the eShop now closed, you’re no longer able to purchase digital games on 3DS or Wii U, making it crucial to explore alternative purchasing options for future gaming needs.
6. Can you refund 3DS eShop games?: Unfortunately, refunds for downloaded games or DLC are not possible, so players must carefully consider their purchases before making them.

Post-eShop Closure

7. Will Pokemon bank still work after 3DS eShop closes?: Thankfully, Pokemon Bank and Poke Transfer will continue to function normally after the eShop closure, allowing trainers to manage their Pokémon collections without interruption.
8. What to do with 3DS before selling?: Before selling your 3DS, ensure you remove all personally-identifiable information and consider formatting the system memory to protect your privacy and security.
9. Is it illegal to sell modded 3DS?: Yes, it is illegal to import, market, sell, or distribute circumvention devices, including modded 3DS consoles, so it’s crucial to understand the legal implications of modifying your console.

Gaming and Online Play

10. Is it possible to update games after eShop closes?: Yes, even after the eShop closure, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC and receive software updates, ensuring that your games remain up-to-date and functional.
11. Can you still play 3DS online 2023?: Although the eShop has closed, online play will remain available for the foreseeable future, but with an eventual cutoff point of early April 2024 for 3DS and Wii U.
12. Can you play 3DS games on switch?: Unfortunately, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch, so you won’t be able to play your 3DS games on the Switch.

Availability and Pricing

13. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again?: Nintendo announced the discontinuation of 3DS production in 2020, and while the eShops for Wii U and 3DS have closed, hard copies of 3DS games are still available at most game stores.
14. How much does a 3DS sell for 2023?: As of October 2023, 3DS XL prices start at $159 and cost $159 on average, with prices expected to decrease over time.
15. What games were removed from 3DS eShop?: Several games, including Barbie And Her Sisters Puppy Rescue, Barbie: Dreamhouse Party, Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups, and Beast Saga: Saikyou Gekiotsu Coliseum, have been removed from the 3DS eShop, so players should act quickly to purchase any desired titles before they disappear.