Nintendo Ends Support for Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
On March 27, 2023, Nintendo will officially discontinue support for the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems. This decision has significant implications for gamers and collectors alike. If you’re a fan of Pokemon games, in particular, now is the time to act. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the closure and the impact it will have on digital game purchases and the availability of Pokemon titles.
The Closure Date and Recommendations
As mentioned earlier, the closure of the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS is slated for March 27, 2023. After this date, users will no longer be able to purchase digital games for these systems. Therefore, if you have any pending digital game purchases or if there are Pokemon titles that you’ve been eyeing, we highly recommend making your purchases before the deadline. By doing so, you can ensure that your collection remains complete and accessible.
Impacted Pokemon Titles
A variety of Pokemon titles will become unavailable for purchase after the closure of the eShop. It’s important to note that these games are digital-only releases and won’t be accessible through physical copies. If you’re a Pokemon enthusiast, you won’t want to miss out on adding these titles to your collection:
- Poké Transporter
- Pokédex 3D
- Pokédex 3D Pro
- Pokemon Bank
- Pokemon Battle Trozei
- Pokemon Dream Radar
- Pokemon Picross
- Pokemon Rumble World
- Pokemon Shuffle
Pokemon Titles on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
- Pokemon Blue Version
- Pokemon Red Version
- Pokemon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition
- Pokemon Trading Card Game
- Pokemon Gold Version
- Pokemon Silver Version
- Pokemon Puzzle Challenge
- Pokemon Crystal Version
Pokemon Titles on the Wii U eShop
- Pokemon Rumble U
Pokemon Titles on the Wii U Virtual Console
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team
- Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
- Pokemon Ranger
- Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs
- Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
- Pokemon Snap
These titles encompass a range of Pokemon adventures and experiences, from classic Game Boy games to spin-offs and puzzle games.
Game Demos and Additional Features
While the closure of the eShop signifies the end of purchasing new Pokemon titles, there are still a few game demos available for download from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. These demos not only provide a sneak peek into the full versions of the games but also offer the opportunity to obtain special Pokemon. Completing the demos allows for the transfer of these unique Pokemon to Pokemon Bank. To find these demos, keep an eye out for Glalie in the Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Special Demo and Ash-Greninja in the Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon Special Demo.
Furthermore, the closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop will affect the Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade. These platforms currently offer various Pokemon items that allow users to customize their Nintendo 3DS home screens. If personalizing your device with Pokemon-themed content appeals to you, be sure to explore these options before they become unavailable.
Lastly, we strongly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to download any available software updates before the closure. These updates may provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and additional features that enhance the gameplay experience.
Wallet Balance and Nintendo Account Integration
If you have linked your Nintendo Network ID wallet, used with the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of systems, with your Nintendo Account wallet, used with the Nintendo Switch family of systems, there’s good news. You can utilize the shared balance to purchase content on any of these systems until March 27, 2023. However, it’s important to note that after this date, the balance can only be used to acquire content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
Conclusion
The closure of the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS represents a significant transition for Nintendo fans. It marks the end of an era for these platforms and emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunity to complete your collection of Pokemon titles available on these systems. Take the time to browse through the eShop and make your purchases before March 27, 2023, to ensure access to these beloved games.
FAQs
1. Can I still play the digital games I purchased from the Nintendo eShop after the closure?
Yes, you will still be able to play the digital games you purchased on your Wii U or Nintendo 3DS even after the closure of the eShop. However, please note that you won’t be able to redownload previously purchased games or buy new ones.
2. Will there be any alternative platforms to purchase digital games for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS?
No, after the closure of the eShop, there won’t be any official alternative platforms to purchase digital games for these systems. It’s essential to make your desired purchases before the designated closure date.
3. Can I transfer my purchased digital games from the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS to the Nintendo Switch?
No, there is no official way to transfer purchased digital games from the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS to the Nintendo Switch. The closure of the eShop only affects the availability of digital game purchases for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems.
4. What happens to my Nintendo eShop balance after the closure?
If you have a remaining balance in your Nintendo eShop wallet, it can still be used to purchase content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems. However, it will no longer be valid for making purchases on the Wii U or Nintendo 3DS after March 27, 2023.
5. Will this closure affect the ability to play physical copies of Pokemon games on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS?
No, the closure of the eShop will not impact the ability to play physical copies of Pokemon games on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. You will still be able to enjoy your physical copies without any issues.