Here’s When 3DS And Wii U eShop Purchases End

Nintendo started the whole process of shutting down the 3DS and Wii U eShop by making it impossible to add funds with a credit card on May 23, 2022. However, until August 29, you can still boost your balance by adding funds from a Nintendo eShop Card. Download codes will remain redeemable until the final sunsetting date of March 27, 2023, according to Nintendo. Effectively, this means that if you want to buy some games for your older consoles, you must top up your eShop balance before August 29. After that date, only the funds that were already there will still be usable.

If you link your older-generation Nintendo Network ID wallet with your Nintendo Account (used for the Nintendo Switch), you’ll be able to combine the balance of both shops and use it toward buying games on any of your systems. Once the 3DS/Wii U eShop closes down, the balance will remain usable for the Nintendo Switch. In all likelihood, you run no risk of wasting money as long as you combine your Network ID with the new account.

Nintendo promises that “for the foreseeable future,” it will still allow you to re-download previously purchased games and DLCs, as well as required software updates. The company’s also not planning to take down online play on either of the consoles. However, alongside the eShop, it will also shut down the StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop, and Nintendo Badge Arcade. It’s sad to see the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo Wii U go, but at least Nintendo gives the players a little more time to stock up on games before they’re cut off for good. Now, if only all of these titles could make it to the Switch eShop, that’d be swell.