When can you no longer buy games on the 3DS?

by
When can you no longer buy games on the 3DS

When Can You No Longer Buy Games on the 3DS?

Quick answer
This page answers When can you no longer buy games on the 3DS? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

  • Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
  • Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
  • Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
  • Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
  • Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
  • Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

You can no longer buy or download new games on the 3DS or Wii U eShop after March 27th, 2023, and you also won’t be able to purchase in-game content, download demos or free-to-play software, redeem download codes, or add funds to your account on 3DS or Wii U. This shutdown marks the end of an era for these consoles, which have been a part of the gaming landscape for over a decade, with the 3DS being discontinued in 2020 and the Wii U being formally discontinued in 2017.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

  1. What year did they stop making 3DS games?: The Nintendo 3DS, the company’s 2011 successor to the Nintendo DS, was discontinued in 2020, but the handheld console has continued to have a dedicated fanbase.
  2. Can you no longer buy games on 3DS?: Yes, as of March 27th, 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase games digitally from the 3DS eShop.
  3. Is the 3DS a success?: Despite a slow start, the 3DS went on to sell 76 million units, almost as much as the GameBoy Advance at 81.5 million, making it a successful console.

eShop and Online Services

  1. When can you no longer use eShop cards on 3DS?: 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.
  2. Did they stop selling 3DS?: Yes, 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020.
  3. Will there be a 4DS?: There have been rumors and discussions about a potential Nintendo 4DS, but no official announcement has been made by Nintendo.

Wii U and Wii

  1. Why did the Wii U fail?: The Wii U failed due to a combination of factors, including poor marketing, a confusing name, and a lack of appealing games for both hardcore and casual gamers.
  2. Is the Wii being discontinued?: The Wii was formally discontinued in October 2013, though Nintendo continued to produce and market the Wii Mini through 2017.
  3. What replaced Wii?: The Wii U is the successor to the Wii, offering improved graphics and new features like the GamePad.

Modding and Hacking

  1. Can 3DS be modded after eShop shutdown?: Yes, you can still install custom firmware on your 3DS, even after the closure of the eShop.
  2. Why is my 3DS banned?: Using a hacked 3DS to play cartridge games online can get your Nintendo account banned, as it violates the terms of service for online play.

DS and 2DS

  1. Is the DS series over?: Yes, the Nintendo DS line of dual-screened handhelds is now over, as Nintendo has discontinued the 3DS and all of its various models.
  2. Is the 2DS discontinued?: Yes, the Nintendo 2DS was discontinued in Japan in 2019 and in the rest of the world in 2020, along with the other systems in the Nintendo 3DS family.
  3. Are 3DS XL still being made?: No, Nintendo confirmed that it has discontinued production on all current models of the 3DS family of portable gaming systems.

Other Services

  1. Was YouTube removed from 3DS?: Yes, service for the YouTube app for Nintendo 3DS family systems ended on August 30, 2019, although owners of New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 3DS, or New Nintendo 2DS XL systems can still watch YouTube through the built-in Internet browser.

Leave a Comment