Will 3DS still work in 2023?

The Nintendo 3DS will still function in 2023, but with limited online functionality as the eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023, and most internet services will be discontinued in April 2024. The 3DS can still be used to play games, redownload previously purchased software, and receive software updates, but online play and other online features will be terminated.

Understanding the 3DS Closure

The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops closure marked the end of an era for these consoles, but it’s essential to understand what this means for 3DS owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. How long will the 3DS be supported? While Nintendo Network services remain active in most regions, the Nintendo eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023, and most internet functionality will be discontinued in April 2024, with the exception of Pokémon Bank and the ability to redownload previously purchased software.
2. Will 3DS still be supported? Fans of the 3DS and the Wii U will be losing online support in April 2024, but the consoles will still function for offline play.
3. How much does a 3DS sell for in 2023? 3DS XL prices start at $159 and cost $159 on average as of October 2023, and prices will continue to get cheaper over time.

eShop and Online Functionality

4. Can you redownload 3DS games after March 2023? As of 5:00 PM Pacific Time on Monday, March 27, 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase software or DLC in the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS, but it is still possible to redownload games and DLC that were purchased previously.
5. Can you still update 3DS games after eShop shuts down? After the eShop has closed, you will still be able to redownload software and DLCs and update existing software.
6. Will you be able to update 3DS games after eShop closes? On both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms, users are still able to redownload content they own and download existing software updates.

Online Play and Functionality

7. Can you still play online on 3DS in 2023? Nintendo announced that online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software in early April 2024.
8. Will 3DS go offline? In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.
9. Is 3DS online shutting down? With some exceptions, online services will end for all Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.

Nintendo Support and Future Plans

10. Will Nintendo sell 3DS again? Nintendo announced it was discontinuing production of the console in 2020, and the e-Shops for Wii U and 3DS will shut down in 2023, but hard copies of 3DS games are available at most game stores.
11. What will replace the 3DS? The Switch has become the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming for many fans, replacing the 3DS as the primary handheld console.
12. Will there be a 4DS? There is no official announcement from Nintendo about a 4DS, but rumors and speculations are circulating among gaming communities.

Gaming and Compatibility

13. Can you play 3DS games on Switch? No, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games purchased through Nintendo eShop do not carry over to Nintendo Switch, and the Switch does not include backwards compatibility with digital or physical games designed for other systems.
14. Does the 3DS virtual console still work? On March 27, 2023, the Virtual Console service was discontinued on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, but purchased titles remain playable.
15. When did 3DS online shut down? The planned early April 2024 shutdown will occur just over ten years after the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service went offline, ending online services for Nintendo’s Wii and DS titles in 2014.