It’s the end of an era. Effective immediately, the Nintendo eShop digital storefront of both the 3DS and the Wii U have been closed. This closure only affects new sales. It will still be possible to re-download your purchased games and DLC for the “foreseeable future”, according to an official Nintendo support site. Users are also still able to download software updates, as well as play games online with friends.
The closure of the Nintendo eShop means that, as of right now, there are a bunch of 3DS and Wii U eShop exclusive games that are simply impossible to obtain. Unless you purchased them earlier, there is now no (legal) way to play gems like Attack of the Friday Monsters!, Harmoknight, Pullblox World and many more. 3DS and Wii U owners can also no longer download demos, redeem download codes or add to their balances.
If you had any remaining balance left on your 3DS or Wii U eShop accounts, you have until March 2024 to transfer that over to a Nintendo Switch with your My Nintendo account merging service. We’ve got a full guide on how to merge your accounts right here, so be sure to give it a check sometime before 2024 and make sure you won’t be losing any cash.
The 3DS and the Wii U had an excellent run of games, even if the latter was something of a commercial disaster for Nintendo. Some of Nintendo’s biggest franchises like Animal Crossing and Splatoon had their futures established on these systems, with their later Nintendo Switch entries building from their successes on the past generation of hardware. It’s a sad day for Nintendo fans, but we’ll always have the memories.
What were your favorite Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games? Let us know in the comments below, and keep your eyes on GameLuster for more gaming news.
