Notice of End of Purchases in Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS – Update April 2024
As of 27 March 2023, it is no longer possible to make purchases on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. It is also no longer possible to download free content, including game demos. Furthermore, related services have ceased to function:
- As of 29 August 2022, it is no longer possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account on Nintendo eShop for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS.
- As of 12 March 2024, it is no longer possible to merge Nintendo eShop funds between a Nintendo Network ID and a Nintendo Account.
No changes are planned on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch.
The changes on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS simultaneously took effect in software on these platforms where it was possible to make purchases, such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, the Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade.
For the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC and receive software updates on Wii U consoles and Nintendo 3DS systems.
We thank you for supporting Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.
Q&A
How long will it still be possible to redownload previously purchased content on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS? How long will those platforms still support online play?
For the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC and receive software updates on Wii U consoles and Nintendo 3DS systems.
However, it is not possible to redownload demo versions after the end of purchases on 27 March 2023, even if you have downloaded a demo version of a game before.
As of 8 April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication has ended for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software (including software exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS). This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.
If I visit Nintendo eShop for Wii U or Nintendo 3DS after 27 March 2023, what am I able to do?
On both platforms, users are still able to:
- Redownload content they own
- Download existing software updates
On both platforms, users are not able to:
- Purchase any content
- On Nintendo 3DS systems, this includes paid content, plays and passes in software such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, the Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade and Pokémon Bank.
- On Wii U consoles, this includes 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 are still able to:
- Download a small number of free themes from the Theme Shop
After 27 March 2023, what can I do with my existing Nintendo eShop balance on Nintendo 3DS or Wii U?
If you have unused funds on Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U but you did not link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account and merge your funds before 12 March 2024, you will not be able to use the funds.