Nintendo Ends Support for Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop Closes on March 27, 2023
Nintendo has announced that it will be officially ending support for the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems. This decision means that users will no longer be able to purchase digital games, including popular titles like Pokemon, for these consoles. The closure of the eShop is scheduled to take place on March 27, 2023. If you have been considering adding any Pokemon titles to your collection, we highly recommend making your purchases before it’s too late.
Important Pokemon Titles Affected
The closure of the Nintendo eShop will result in several digital-only Pokemon releases becoming unavailable for purchase. These include games such as Poké Transporter, Pokédex 3D, Pokemon Bank, Pokemon Rumble World, and Pokemon Shuffle. Additionally, numerous Pokemon titles available through the Virtual Console on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will also become inaccessible. This includes classics like Pokemon Red Version, Pokemon Gold Version, Pokemon Crystal Version, and Pokemon Snap.
Impact on Pokemon Game Demos
While the closure of the eShop is unfortunate, there are still a couple of Pokemon game demos available for download from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. These demos not only provide a glimpse into the full versions of the games but also offer special Pokemon that can be transferred to Pokemon Bank. Look for Glalie in the Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Special Demo, and Ash-Greninja in the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon Special Demo.
Additional Effects on Pokemon-related Apps
The discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS eShop will also impact other Pokemon-related features, such as the Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade. These platforms allow users to customize their Nintendo 3DS home screens with Pokemon-themed items. Therefore, if you enjoy personalizing your console, we recommend taking this opportunity to explore and download any available software updates and customization options before the closure.
Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account Wallet Integration
For users who have linked their Nintendo Network ID wallet (used with Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS) with their Nintendo Account wallet (used with the Nintendo Switch), there is still a limited time window to use the shared balance. Until March 27, 2023, you can utilize the shared balance to purchase content on any of these systems. However, once the eShop closure takes effect, this balance can only be used to purchase content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nintendo has made the decision to terminate support for the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS consoles. This closure will have an impact on the availability of digital games, including a variety of Pokemon titles. We encourage Pokemon enthusiasts to take advantage of this limited time opportunity to complete their collections before the eShop shuts down on March 27, 2023. Make sure to explore the demos, utilize available software updates, and customize your home screen with Pokemon-themed items. For more information and assistance regarding the discontinuation of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop, please visit Nintendo’s Customer Support site.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I still download previously purchased games from the eShop?
Yes, you will still be able to redownload any games that you have previously purchased from the eShop. However, you will no longer be able to make new purchases or access new content after the closure.
2. Will online multiplayer features still be available for games purchased from the eShop?
While the closure of the eShop will not affect the ability to play games offline, certain online features, such as multiplayer modes and online leaderboards, may no longer be accessible.
3. Can I transfer my purchased games to another Nintendo console?
If you have linked your Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account, you may be able to transfer some of your purchased games and data to another Nintendo console. However, it is important to note that not all games are eligible for transfer, and the process may vary depending on the specific game and console.
4. Are physical copies of Pokemon games still available for purchase?
Yes, physical copies of Pokemon games for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles will still be available for purchase through authorized retailers. However, the closure of the eShop means that digital copies of these games will no longer be accessible.
5. Will there be any future options for purchasing Pokemon games on Nintendo consoles?
While the closure of the eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles marks the end of digital game purchases for these systems, Nintendo continues to release new consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, which offer opportunities to play and purchase Pokemon games in a digital format. Stay tuned for updates on future Pokemon releases for Nintendo consoles.