Nintendo previously announced some months back that the Wii U and 3DS eShops will be shutting down for good in March 2023.
This means that users won’t be able to buy any new digital games or DLC from either store, which inevitably caused a massive backlash from the gaming community with Nintendo fans particularly sensitive to the love they give the prestigious brand and the respect they expect in return.
The Japanese video game giant has now provided the precise date that the Wii U and 3DS eShops will close and it’s March 28th, 2023.
Updates on the discontinuation of #eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family systems:
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) July 19, 2022
– As of 29/08/2022, it will no longer be possible to add funds.
– As of 27/03/2023, purchases will no longer be available.
More details: https://t.co/XUEf0YZIxC
So while you still have some months to access the store, you best delve in and download your previous purchases (and go shopping for one last time) before it shuts down for good.
Once the store closes, it’s predicted that the price of boxed games will increase as die-hard fans have only source – the original physical medium – from which to play the classics.
Gotta catch ’em all…
In some good news, Nintendo has also clarified that you can still download purchased games from each eShop even after the closure date until further notice. You’ll also be able to receive software updates as well as be able to play compatible online games.
Despite this extra digital leway it’s advisable that you download and allow your purchases to permanently reside on your devices in order to prevent Nintendo changing tack and potentially preventing you playing something you’ve bought from them.
And if you’d like to save some money on one last blast of eShop credit (that you can spend before the shop items disappear) you can currently get a 10% discount for $50 vouchers here by using the code SAVE10 at checkout (for the US only).
Daniel Griffiths is a veteran journalist who has worked on some of the world's biggest entertainment, home and tech media brands. He's reviewed all the greats, interviewed countless big names, and reported on thousands of releases in the fields of video games, music, movies, tech, gadgets, home improvement, self build, interiors, garden design and more. He’s the ex-Editor of PSM3, GamesMaster, Future Music and ex-Group Editor-in-Chief of Electronic Musician, Guitarist, Guitar World, Computer Music and more. He renovates property and writes fun things for great websites.
