Is the 3DS eShop closing in March?
The Nintendo 3DS eShop is indeed closing in March, with the official shutdown date set for March 27, 2023, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time, marking the end of an era for digital purchases on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles. This closure will permanently disable all new purchases on the platforms, although users will still be able to redownload previously purchased games and DLC for the foreseeable future.
Understanding the 3DS eShop Closure
The decision to close the 3DS eShop was inevitable, given the decline in sales and the shift in focus towards the Nintendo Switch. However, this move has significant implications for gamers who have invested heavily in the 3DS ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What time will the 3DS eShop close on March 27th?
The 3DS eShop will close at 5:00 PM Pacific Time on March 27, 2023, after which no new purchases can be made.
2. Can I still redownload 3DS games after March 2023?
Yes, for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.
3. Can I add funds to my 3DS eShop account in 2023?
As of August 29, 2022, it is no longer possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
4. How long will the 3DS eShop stay open?
The 3DS eShop will close on March 27, 2023, and after this date, no new purchases can be made, although redownloads will still be available.
5. Can I still merge my 3DS and Switch funds?
The ability to combine funds will be available until March 2024, allowing users to merge their Nintendo eShop balances for their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account.
6. Can I update 3DS games after the eShop shuts down?
After the eShop has closed, users will still be able to redownload software and DLCs and update existing software, but new purchases will not be possible.
7. What will happen to digital 3DS games?
As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.
8. Do 3DS game codes expire?
Download codes purchased from retailers do not expire, providing a way to acquire games even after the eShop closure.
9. Can I still buy 3DS games?
No, as of March 27, 2023, it will no longer be possible to purchase games digitally from the 3DS eShop.
10. Why did Nintendo stop making 3DS?
Nintendo likely decided to retire the 3DS console because it’s no longer selling as well as it used to, focusing instead on the Nintendo Switch.
11. Can I still use an eShop card on 3DS?
It is no longer possible to use an eShop card on the 3DS as of August 29, 2022.
12. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again?
Nintendo announced it was discontinuing production of the 3DS console in 2020, and the eShops for Wii U and 3DS will shut down in 2023.
13. What should I get off the 3DS eShop before it closes?
Games like Picross 3D Round 2, Pokemon Bank + Poke Transporter, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario 3 are recommended purchases before the eShop closure.
14. Is 3DS online still active?
Online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024.
15. Can I link my 3DS account to my Nintendo account?
Yes, users can link their 3DS account to their Nintendo account by selecting Merge Funds from Nintendo 3DS/Wii U in the Nintendo eShop on their Nintendo Switch console.