Video game fans who are still into playing classic titles on older Nintendo systems, such as Wii U and 3DS, now have a little more than a year to buy games from the eShop. After that, they may have to consider upgrading to the Nintendo Switch.
The company announced on Tuesday that it is ending Wii U and 3DS players’ ability to purchase games from the Nintendo eShop by late March 2023. The shutdown also means fans can no longer download free games and demos in the same timeline.
In an FAQ portion of the announcement, Nintendo said there is no complex explanation as to why the Wii U and 3DS are losing access to the eShop by next year. “This is part of the natural lifecycle for any product line as it becomes less used by consumers over time,” the company wrote.
Nintendo launched the 3DS system in early 2011, while the Wii U entered the market in late 2012. The Wii U production was discontinued first in January 2017, followed by the 3DS in September 2020. Based on the data posted on Nintendo’s Investor Relations page, it has sold more than 75 million units of 3DS and over 13 million units of Wii U as of Dec. 31 last year. And that is how many video game fans are going to be affected by these massive changes.
In the months leading to the Wii U and 3DS eShop closure, players using these gaming systems will also see some changes in what they can access from the digital store. On May 23, they can no longer add funds using credit cards to their eShop accounts registered on these consoles. Players can still add eShop funds to Wii U and 3DS using the Nintendo eShop Card until Aug. 29 only.
One small good news is that Nintendo fans can still use their Wii U and 3DS consoles “for the foreseeable future” beyond March 2023. “It will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems,” Nintendo said.
Photo by Marco Verch from Flickr, licensed under Creative Commons


Nvidia Develops New Location-Verification Technology for AI Chips
SUPERFORTUNE Launches AI-Powered Mobile App, Expanding Beyond Web3 Into $392 Billion Metaphysics Market
Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools Raises U.S. National Security Concerns
Adobe Strengthens AI Strategy Ahead of Q4 Earnings, Says Stifel
Apple App Store Injunction Largely Upheld as Appeals Court Rules on Epic Games Case
Australia Enforces World-First Social Media Age Limit as Global Regulation Looms
EU Court Cuts Intel Antitrust Fine to €237 Million Amid Long-Running AMD Dispute
SK Hynix Considers U.S. ADR Listing to Boost Shareholder Value Amid Rising AI Chip Demand
China Adds Domestic AI Chips to Government Procurement List as U.S. Considers Easing Nvidia Export Curbs
Microsoft Unveils Massive Global AI Investments, Prioritizing India’s Rapidly Growing Digital Market
SoftBank Shares Slide as Oracle’s AI Spending Plans Fuel Market Jitters
Amazon in Talks to Invest $10 Billion in OpenAI as AI Firm Eyes $1 Trillion IPO Valuation
Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban Sparks Global Debate and Early Challenges
SK Hynix Labeled “Investment Warning Stock” After Extraordinary 200% Share Surge
SpaceX Reportedly Preparing Record-Breaking IPO Targeting $1.5 Trillion Valuation
SpaceX Insider Share Sale Values Company Near $800 Billion Amid IPO Speculation 



