With every update comes another closure. This is life for consoles as we know it. Today it was Nintendo’s turn. The Japanese company recently announced that WiiU and Nintendo 3DS owners won’t be able to purchase content on eShop as of March 27, 2023. This announcement isn’t unexpected to the Nintendo family; “old” consoles like WiiU and Nintendo 3DS have become obsolete. It’s their version of the “circle of life.”
Earlier today, Nintendo UK made the official statement via Twitter:
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
WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL?
According to the official announcement, here is what’s going to happen to WiiU and Nintendo 3DS consoles (via Nintendo UK’s website):
As of 27 March 2023, it will no longer be possible to purchase on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos. Furthermore, related services will cease to function as this date draws closer. As of 29 August 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account on Nintendo eShop for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS. However, redeeming download codes will still be possible until 27 March 2023.
It is highly recommended that all consumers use any funds in their Nintendo 3DS and/or Wii U Nintendo eShop balance before the ability to purchase content ends on Monday, 27 March 2023.
Users who link their Nintendo Network ID funds (used on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) with the funds tied to their Nintendo Account can use the shared funds to purchase content on any of these consoles and systems until 27 March 2023. After that, the funds can only be used to buy content on Nintendo Switch.
WHAT COMES AFTER THIS?
Even after 27 March 2023 and for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U consoles and Nintendo 3DS systems. Keep in mind that sales of the game Fire Emblem Fates will end one month earlier, on 28 February 2023. However, DLC for Fire Emblem Fates, including story paths accessible after the completion of Chapter 6, will still be available until 27 March 2023.
If you visit Nintendo eShop for WiiU or Nintendo 3DS after March 27, 2023, on both platforms, users will still be able to redownload content they own and download existing software updates.
On both platforms, users will not be able to:
- Purchase any content: The Nintendo 3DS systems include paid content, plays, and passes in software such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, the Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade, and Pokémon Bank. Wii U consoles include passes in software such as Wii Sports Club.
- Download demos
- Download free-to-start software
- Redeem download codes
- Add funds to their Nintendo eShop balance
On Nintendo 3DS systems, users will still be able to:
- Download a small number of free themes from the Theme Shop
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