Nintendo Wii U, 3DS eShop Shutdown Date Confirmed
Nintendo has confirmed the dates for its shutdown of the digital eShop for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems and games. From March 27, 2023, it will no longer be possible to purchase new titles or download additional free content such as demos. In addition, the following restrictions are being placed:
- Since May 23, 2022, users are no longer able to use a credit card to add funds from either system.
- From August 29, 2022, users will not be able to use Nintendo eShop cards to adds funds on either system.
- It will still be possible to redeem download codes until March 27, 2023.
- Nintendo’s Japanese and European branches also announced that sales for Fire Emblem Fates will end on Febaury 28, 2023, though DLC for story paths available after chapter 6 will be available to purchase until March 27, 2023. It is not confirmed if that applies for North America.
Those who have linked their Wii U or 3DS Nintendo Network ID wallet with their Switch Nintendo Account wallet will still able to use the shared funds to make purchases on the Wii U or 3DS eShop until March 27, 2023. After March 27, 2023, users will still be able to download previously purchased or redeemed content as well as software updates.
So, just Fire Emblem Fates will stop being sold early, but not Awakening and FE: Echoes? Maybe it’s because Fates is really three separate games, but that’s still odd.