Download Play After the eShop: What’s Still Possible on Your 3DS?
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.
The Nintendo 3DS eShop may be gone, but its legacy lives on. One question that continues to pop up amongst 3DS enthusiasts is: Will Download Play still work after the eShop closure?
The answer is a resounding yes! Download Play, which allows multiple 3DS systems to enjoy local multiplayer using only one game cartridge, remains fully functional even after the Nintendo eShop’s demise. This feature is independent of the eShop and relies on local wireless communication between consoles. So, dust off your 3DS and gather your friends, because local multiplayer sessions are still very much alive and kicking! This ensures continued enjoyment of classic multiplayer experiences on the 3DS.
The End of an Era, Not the End of the Fun
While the closure of the Nintendo eShop on March 27, 2023, marked the end of an era for digital purchases and downloads, Nintendo assured players that certain features would continue to function. Download Play was among those features, alongside the ability to redownload purchased games and DLC (for the “foreseeable future”), receive software updates, and enjoy online play for supported titles. It’s important to remember that “foreseeable future” is vague, so don’t delay redownloading important titles.
Why Download Play Endures
Download Play’s continued functionality stems from its fundamental design. Unlike downloadable games or online services that rely on Nintendo’s servers, Download Play operates through a direct, ad-hoc wireless connection between 3DS systems. This means the absence of the eShop has no impact on the ability of the 3DS to communicate locally with other systems. So even without an internet connection or a functioning eShop, you can still enjoy many multiplayer experiences with other 3DS owners in your vicinity.
Navigating the Post-eShop Landscape
Now that the eShop is closed, understanding what remains accessible and how to utilize it is crucial for 3DS owners. Here’s a breakdown of what you can still do:
- Redownload Purchased Content: As mentioned, you can still redownload games, applications, and DLC you previously purchased from the eShop. To do so, access the eShop on your 3DS using the Nintendo Account that made the original purchases. Navigate to your account settings and select the “Redownload” option. This is available for the “foreseeable future“
- Play Physical Games: All your physical 3DS game cartridges will continue to work as they always have. These games are independent of the eShop and can be played without any issues.
- Local Multiplayer: Download Play and other forms of local multiplayer connectivity remain fully functional.
- Online Play (for Supported Games): Games that support online play, such as Mario Kart 7 and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, will continue to offer online services. However, remember that Nintendo has warned that these services may be discontinued at some point in the future.
- System Updates: The ability to receive system updates will also remain active for the time being. Keep your system updated to ensure compatibility and security.
- Pokémon Bank: Despite the eShop’s closure, Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will still work, allowing you to transfer your Pokémon between games. However, new downloads of the apps themselves are no longer possible. If you don’t already have it, you are out of luck.
- StreetPass: The highly popular StreetPass feature also remains fully functional, facilitating interaction between 3DS systems as you pass other players in real life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify what the eShop closure means for your 3DS experience:
1. Can I still transfer my digital games to a new 3DS after the eShop closes?
Yes, you can still perform system transfers to move your digital games and save data to a new 3DS. This process moves all content associated with your Nintendo Network ID. This is different from redownloading. A system transfer moves the license; redownloading is accessing a separate, licensed copy.
2. Will free demos still be available for redownload?
Normal demos are no longer available for redownload after the eShop closes. However, “special” demos may be redownloadable.
3. What happens to my Nintendo Network ID (NNID) after the eShop closure?
Your NNID remains active and associated with your 3DS system. It’s necessary for redownloading games and using other online services.
4. Can I still purchase new themes for my 3DS?
No, new theme purchases are no longer possible after the eShop closure.
5. Are there any alternatives to the eShop for getting new games?
Aside from physical game cartridges, there are no official alternatives to the eShop.
6. Will my save data be affected by the eShop closure?
No, your save data is stored on your 3DS system or the game cartridge and is not affected by the eShop closure.
7. What if I get a new SD card? Can I just copy my files over?
Yes, you can copy the files from your old SD card to a new one. For optimal performance, it’s recommended to use the official SDFormatter program on the new card before copying the data.
8. Will online multiplayer for 3DS games eventually be discontinued?
Nintendo has stated that online play will continue “for the foreseeable future,” but has also cautioned that it may eventually be discontinued. There is no set date yet.
9. Is modding my 3DS a way to access more games after the eShop closure?
Modding your 3DS can allow you to play ROMs and homebrew games. However, it’s important to be aware of the legal and security implications involved. Pirating Nintendo’s games is illegal.
10. Can I still download software updates for my 3DS system?
Yes, system updates will continue to be available.
11. Where can I find more information about the eShop closure and its impact?
Nintendo’s official website provides comprehensive information about the eShop closure and its impact on 3DS and Wii U systems.
12. How do I transfer Pokémon from older games to Pokémon Home?
You need to use Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter on your 3DS to transfer Pokémon from older games (like Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow) to Pokémon Home.
13. Will StreetPass still work in 2024 and beyond?
Yes, StreetPass will continue to function.
14. Can I redownload games on a new 3DS if my original one breaks?
Yes, as long as you perform a system transfer from your old 3DS to the new one before it breaks completely, or if you had already linked your Nintendo Network ID to a Nintendo Account. This will move your licenses and allow you to redownload your games on the new system (while preventing them from being played on the old one).
15. Is it legal to sell a 3DS with modded software on it?
Selling a 3DS with pre-loaded ROMs or other pirated content is illegal. It is fine to sell a modded 3DS with no ROMs.
The Lasting Appeal of the 3DS
Even with the eShop closure, the Nintendo 3DS remains a fantastic handheld gaming system. Its extensive library of physical games, the continued functionality of features like Download Play and StreetPass, and the ability to redownload purchased content ensure that the 3DS will remain a relevant and enjoyable platform for years to come.
We’ve explored gaming and education in the past at the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
So, don’t let the eShop closure discourage you. Grab your 3DS, gather your friends, and continue to enjoy the many amazing games and experiences that this beloved handheld console has to offer!