Is the 3DS eShop going away?

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Is the 3DS eShop Going Away?

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The Nintendo 3DS eShop has officially closed for business as of March 27th, 2023, permanently disabling all new purchases on the platform, and users can no longer buy digital games or DLC on the 3DS or Wii U consoles. The closure of the eShop marks the end of an era for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles, which have been a part of the gaming world for over a decade.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the 3DS eShop Closure

  1. What happened to the 3DS eShop? The Nintendo eShop for the Wii U and 3DS game consoles officially closed on March 27th, 2023, permanently disabling all new purchases on the platforms.
  2. Can I still download 3DS games? Although it is no longer possible to purchase software or DLC in the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS, it is still possible to redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.
  3. 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 shut down in 2023, but hard copies of 3DS games are available at most game stores.

About 3DS Console and Games

  1. What will replace the 3DS? The Nintendo Switch has become the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming, replacing the 3DS as the primary handheld console.
  2. Can I still play 3DS online in 2023? As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.
  3. What to get off the 3DS eShop before it closes? Some recommended games to purchase before the eShop closure include Picross 3D Round 2, Pokemon Bank + Poke Transporter, and Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario 3.

About Refunds and Account Management

  1. Can you refund 3DS eShop games? Nintendo is unable to provide refunds or exchanges for mistaken purchases, so users should be cautious when buying games from the eShop.
  2. How do I buy games on 3DS eShop? Users can purchase games from the 3DS eShop by launching the eShop app, finding the desired game, and selecting Proceed to Purchase.
  3. Can I have 2 3DS with the same account? It is not possible to link the same Nintendo Network account to multiple Wii U or multiple Nintendo 3DS family systems at the same time.

About 3DS Console Maintenance and Support

  1. What to do with 3DS before selling? Before selling a 3DS console, users should securely remove all personally-identifiable information and format the system memory to protect their data.
  2. How long will 3DS online last? Online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024.
  3. Can you still redeem codes on 3DS? It is no longer possible to redeem download codes on the Wii U and 3DS, but users can still re-download already purchased software.

About 3DS Console Value and Sales

  1. How much does a 3DS sell for 2023? The price of a 3DS XL starts at $159 and costs $159 on average as of October 2023, with prices expected to decrease over time.
  2. Does Gamestop still take 3DS games? Gamestop accepts trades on select games, accessories, console, and handheld hardware for the Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation 4, XBOX One, and Nintendo Switch.
  3. When was the last 3DS sold? The 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, marking the end of production for the 3DS console.

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