On March 27th, 2023, Nintendo will close the Wii U and 3DS eShops, preventing gamers from making new digital purchases or downloading free content. While this is a sad occasion for avid gamers, this move allows Nintendo to shift resources towards their latest developments. Find out everything you need to know about the impact of Nintendo’s eShop closures and what it means for the future of gaming.
Nintendo has been one of the world’s most influential video game companies, consistently bringing innovation and quality to the gaming industry. Any change that happens within the company, whether good or bad, becomes a significant occasion in the gaming world. Unfortunately, March 2023 marks a sad milestone for gamers as Nintendo closes the Wii U and 3DS eShops. This move has generated mixed emotions among gamers worldwide, and in this article, we explore what this means for gamers and what lies ahead for Nintendo.
Nintendo has always been an innovator in the gaming industry, and while this means some consoles and platforms come to an end, it also allows them to move resources and funds to the next big thing. The closing of the Wii U and 3DS eShops is a disappointment for gamers who have spent years building their libraries on these platforms. However, the move isn’t all bad. The closure allows Nintendo to focus on their current and future developments, including the popular Nintendo Switch.
On March 27th, 2023, the eShops for Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS platforms will be discontinued, which means that gamers will no longer be able to make new digital purchases or download free content like demos for all 3DS, 3DS XL, 2DS, 2DS XL, and Wii U Basic and Deluxe consoles. It is worth noting that any games purchased before the closure can still be downloaded and receive software updates in the foreseeable future. However, gamers will not have the opportunity to purchase anything new on the digital store after March 27th.
If you’re a Nintendo gamer, it’s best to prepare for the closure of these eShops by making any final purchases before March 27th. Unfortunately, the Wii U and 3DS eShops no longer accept credit cards or gift cards to add funds to store accounts. However, you can still use the Nintendo Account Wallet on Nintendo’s website or through the Switch console to add funds before the closure. After March 27th, you can still redownload content and receive software updates through the eShop. Additionally, on the 3DS system, you can download a few free themes from the Theme Shop. Any funds remaining in the 3DS and Wii U eShops will need to be transferred by March 27th, 2024, to a Nintendo Account Wallet.
While this news may be sad for those who still actively enjoy buying games on 3DS or Wii U eShops, physical games are still available for purchase, and this move provides Nintendo with the freedom to focus on Switch eShop usability and their latest developments. We hope that Nintendo will soon add many of these classic 3DS and Wii U games to the Switch library for gamers to enjoy.
The closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops marks the end of an era for Nintendo gamers. However, it is necessary for the company to shift its focus towards the Switch eShop and its future developments. While this may cause inconvenience to some gamers who still actively use these platforms, it is a part of the natural lifecycle for these products.
This move allows Nintendo to concentrate on improving the usability of the Switch eShop, making it more accessible and user-friendly for gamers worldwide. With the success of the Switch console and its library of games, we hope that Nintendo will continue to bring more classic 3DS and Wii U games to the Switch library.
In conclusion, the closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops is a sad occasion for gamers worldwide. However, it is a necessary step for Nintendo to focus on their latest developments and continue to innovate in the gaming industry. We hope that Nintendo will continue to bring joy to gamers worldwide with their future endeavors.
