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Reading Time: 2 minutesNintendo is officially closing the Wii U and 3DS eShops in March 2023. Specifically, you’ll be unable to make new purchases or download free content from their catalogs. Two big changes are occurring this year. Both will limit your ability to link credit cards and add funds to your account.
Outside of the general “late March 2023” announcement, a specific date for the eShops discontinuation was not revealed. However, the changes happening in 2022 were given concrete deadlines. On May 23rd, 2022, you’ll be unable to add funds to your Wii U or 3DS account using a credit card. Then on August 29th, 2022, you won’t be able to add funds to your account using a Nintendo eShop Card. You will, however, still be able to redeem download codes until March 2023.
If you own a Nintendo Switch, you’ll want to go ahead and link your Nintendo Network ID wallet to your Nintendo Account wallet. The former is associated with both the Wii U and 3DS. Linking it to the latter will let you transfer funds and purchase content on Switch.
Nintendo reassured customers that they’ll be able to redownload games and DLC they’ve already purchased “for the foreseeable future.” The company is also committed to launching periodic software updates and keeping the Wii U and 3DS servers active for online multiplayer. But when it comes to purchasing and downloading new games, you’ll be out of luck come March 2023.
Expect Wii U and 3DS Games to Become Much More Expensive
Nintendo’s closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops marks a huge blow to digital preservation efforts. Those seek to keep games alive and easily accessible for the public. Sony attempted a similar move with the PS3, PS Vita and PSP last year. The company changed plans after considerable backlash from the community.
When digital storefronts close, physical copies of games typically see a dramatic price increase. Nintendo isn’t likely to ramp up production of Wii U or 3DS games. Without the ability to download a digital version, anyone who wants to play that game will be forced to seek out an existing physical copy. That means they’ll have to do so along with thousands of other players. That increased demand, combined with a limited supply, often results in prices that are inaccessible for all but a few collectors.
If there’s an old game you’ve had your eye on, we’d recommend downloading a digital version while the service is still available. You can also try to hunt down a physical copy before prices inevitably skyrocket.
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Jon Bitner
Jon is a freelance writer who primarily focuses on topics related to video games, science, medicine and technology. Before starting his career as a writer he worked in the Biotechnology industry. He has a degree in Biology, and when he isn't writing he can usually be found traveling, playing video games or hunting down the latest deals.