Why did the 3DS stop?
The Nintendo 3DS stopped due to the natural life cycle of the product, as it had been eclipsed by the Switch console, which has become the company’s primary focus, leading to the discontinuation of the 3DS and the shutdown of its eShop. The decision to end the 3DS’s life cycle was also driven by the fact that the console had been on the market for over a decade, and sales had slowed down significantly, making it no longer viable for Nintendo to continue supporting it.
Introduction to the 3DS Discontinuation
The Nintendo 3DS was a handheld game console released in 2011, and it had a successful run, selling over 76 million units worldwide. However, with the release of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, the 3DS’s popularity began to decline, and Nintendo eventually decided to discontinue the console and shut down its eShop.
The Impact of the Switch on the 3DS
The Switch was a major factor in the decline of the 3DS, as it offered a more powerful and versatile gaming experience, with the ability to play both home console and handheld games. The Switch’s success led to a shift in Nintendo’s focus, with the company pouring more resources into the Switch and less into the 3DS.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why did Nintendo shut down the 3DS eShop?
The 3DS eShop was shut down due to the decline in sales and usage of the console, making it no longer viable for Nintendo to continue supporting it.
2. Is Nintendo still making 3DS games?
No, Nintendo is no longer producing 3DS games, as the console has been discontinued and the focus has shifted to the Switch.
3. Will the 3DS still be supported online?
No, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS software in early April 2024.
4. Can I still download 3DS games?
No, it is no longer possible to purchase software or DLC in the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS, but previously purchased games and DLC can still be redownloaded.
5. What will replace the 3DS?
The Switch has become the primary handheld console for Nintendo, offering a more powerful and versatile gaming experience.
6. Will there be a 4DS?
There has been no official announcement from Nintendo regarding a 4DS, but the company has released the Switch, which has become the focus of their handheld gaming efforts.
7. Can 3DS still go online?
No, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS software in early April 2024.
8. 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, leading to low sales and a short lifespan.
9. What was the last 3DS made?
The last 3DS model produced was the New Nintendo 2DS XL, which was discontinued in 2019.
10. Is the Wii being discontinued?
Yes, the Wii was formally discontinued in 2013, and the Wii Mini was discontinued in 2017.
11. Is the 2DS discontinued?
Yes, the 2DS was discontinued in 2019 in Japan and in 2020 in the rest of the world.
12. Can you play 3DS games on the Switch?
No, 3DS games are not compatible with the Switch, and there is no backwards compatibility.
13. Do 3DS games stop working?
Some 3DS games may experience issues or stop working due to cart failure or other technical problems.
14. What happens if you lose your 3DS?
If you lose your 3DS, you can contact Nintendo customer support to recover your purchased games and transfer them to a new console.
15. Is the DS series over?
Yes, the DS series is no longer being produced, and Nintendo has shifted its focus to the Switch, which has become the primary handheld console for the company.