Nintendo has confirmed that both the Wii U and 3DS digital storefronts will no longer allow new purchases of paid or free content from March 27, 2023. given the chance to do so – at least legally. Now there is a definite date.
There’s a bit more urgency, though, if you’re hoping to buy a Nintendo eShop card (which is usually available with some sort of small discount) to add money to your account on Wii U or 3DS. As Nintendo previously shared, the deadline to add funds through this method is August 29, 2022, just over a month from the time of publication. You can use that money as you see fit until March 27, 2023. Nintendo says you can still redeem download codes on both platforms until the closing date of March 2023.
Even after both stores closed, Nintendo announced that you can redownload purchased games and DLC, receive software updates for them, and play online games. The company claims that this will not change “in the near future”.
Strangely enough, the sale of Fire Emblem Fates for 3DS ends on February 28, 2023, one month before the 3DS eShop closes. The DLC is still available for purchase until March 27, 2023.
Nintendo is ending support for its previous-generation consoles, which has increased demand somewhat – more towards the much-loved 3DS and its many iterations than the Wii U. It’s not uncommon for local game stores to sell them for nearly their price. original retail price or far above. It’s also not uncommon to find stores completely sold out with second-hand stock as more and more gamers try to stock up on their favorite games for the cut-off.