Can You Still Update Your Games After the eShop Closes? A Comprehensive Guide

The Nintendo eShop for the 3DS and Wii U is now a memory. The closure has left many gamers wondering about the fate of their digital libraries. One burning question is whether it’s still possible to update games after the eShop doors have officially shut. The straightforward answer is yes, you can still update your 3DS and Wii U games, even after the eShop’s closure, provided you have already downloaded them or their updates prior to the shutdown.

However, the devil is always in the details. This doesn’t mean you can download updates for games you never owned or access new DLC. It simply means that any updates that were already available and linked to your account are still accessible. Let’s delve deeper into this topic, exploring the nuances and answering common questions that linger in the minds of nostalgic Nintendo fans.

Understanding the Post-eShop Landscape

The closure of the eShop marks the end of an era. No longer can you browse the digital storefront, discover hidden gems, or impulsively purchase that retro title you’ve been eyeing. The main limitations now include:

• No new digital purchases: You can no longer buy games or DLC directly from the eShop.
• No new downloads (initially): Games and DLC not already associated with your account can’t be downloaded.
• Limited access to demos: Normal demos are not available for redownloading, but special demos will redownload.

However, Nintendo has ensured that those who invested in the digital ecosystem aren’t left entirely in the cold. Here’s what remains functional:

• Redownloading: Games, apps, themes, and special demos that you previously purchased and downloaded can still be redownloaded.
• Game Updates: Updates and patches for games you own can still be accessed, ensuring your games run smoothly.
• Online Play: For the time being, online multiplayer functionality remains active for many titles.

How Do Game Updates Work After the Closure?

Game updates are crucial for various reasons, ranging from bug fixes and performance improvements to the introduction of new content and features. After the eShop closure, updates are still available via Nintendo’s servers. When you launch a game, your console will check for available updates. If an update is found, you will be prompted to download and install it.

This process is dependent on Nintendo maintaining these servers and the game developers providing updates. There is no guarantee that updates will continue indefinitely.

FAQs: Addressing Your Concerns About Post-eShop Gaming

To give you a clearer picture, here are some frequently asked questions.

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

Yes, if you had previously purchased and downloaded the games on your 3DS, you’ll be able to redownload them using the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

2. Can you get DLC after the eShop closes?

No, you can’t purchase new DLC after the eShop closes. However, DLC you have already bought and downloaded can be redownloaded.

3. Are eShop games permanent?

Digital games are tied to your Nintendo Account ID. As long as your account is active, you can redownload them as many times as you want, provided Nintendo continues to support the service.

4. Are eShop games tied to account?

Yes, all purchases on the eShop are linked to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase. Your purchases can be played by anyone that uses your primary console.

5. Is it safe to update games on a hacked 3DS?

Updating games on a hacked 3DS can be risky. While you can use the eShop (or alternative methods like hShop), there’s a possibility of getting your account banned by Nintendo if you are caught using unauthorized software.

6. What if a game shows “Purchased” but I can’t redownload it?

If a game shows “Purchased” in the eShop but you cannot redownload it, consult Nintendo’s official support documentation for troubleshooting steps. This issue is more common on Switch but can happen on 3DS. Ensure your account is properly linked and that you’re using the correct account.

7. How do I transfer Pokemon after eShop shuts down?

Use Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter. Before the eShop shut down, you had to download the Poké Transporter app through the eShop page within Pokémon Bank to continue transferring Pokémon between generations. This functionality should persist after the closure for users who downloaded it previously.

8. Can you refund games on the 3DS eShop?

No, Nintendo typically does not offer refunds for digital content purchased through the eShop, even for mistaken purchases.

9. Can you still update 3DS games?

Yes, you can update 3DS games, as long as you have downloaded them or their updates before the eShop closure.

10. Will my Nintendo account get banned if I hack my 3DS?

Using a hacked 3DS to play cartridge games online could get your Nintendo account banned. Hacking your 3DS to access and play games you haven’t legally obtained is a violation of Nintendo’s terms of service.

11. How many games can a Switch hold?

The number of games a Switch can hold depends on the storage space available. With a larger SD card, the Switch can hold more games, but even with a smaller internal memory it can hold around 30.

12. Are Switch games locked to account?

Yes, purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop are tied to the Nintendo Account that made the purchase.

13. Can I lose my digital Switch games?

No, games you buy digitally are stored via your Nintendo Account ID. You can redownload them as many times as you want if you delete them to free up space.

14. Can you transfer eShop money?

You can merge funds between a Nintendo Account and Nintendo Network ID to share your Nintendo eShop balance between Nintendo Switch, Wii U, and Nintendo 3DS.

15. What happens if Nintendo discontinues the update servers?

If Nintendo were to discontinue the update servers, you would no longer be able to download updates for your games. You would still be able to play the games you have downloaded.

The Future of Retro Gaming

The closure of the eShop signals a shift in how we access and preserve classic games. While Nintendo has provided avenues for redownloading previously purchased content and updates, the future of these services remains uncertain.

Alternative solutions, such as game preservation efforts and the exploration of ROMs and emulators, are gaining traction. However, it’s crucial to approach these options responsibly and ethically, respecting copyright laws and the intellectual property of game developers. The Games Learning Society promotes responsible gaming practices and the ethical study of games and game culture; learning more about these principles can ensure that the rich legacy of gaming is available for future generations. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Ultimately, the ability to update games after the eShop closure provides a temporary reprieve for those who have embraced the digital era of 3DS and Wii U gaming. However, it’s a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of the gaming landscape and the importance of responsible digital ownership.