Reminder: the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop shut down soon – here's what you need to do

You've got until March 27 to nab the best Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop games

(Credit: Nintendo)

The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop will soon shut down for good, which means you’ve only got a few weeks left to purchase any digital games before they’re no longer accessible.

Nintendo announced that both digital storefronts would close on March 27, 2023. From that date, it will no longer be possible to make purchases on either console and you won’t be able to download free content, including game demos.

However, you’ll still be able to redownload any games you’ve purchased in the past, including DLC, and software updates will also be available when you play a game on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems.

➡️ The Shortcut Skinny: 3DS and Wii U eShop

• 😬 You’ll soon no longer be able to make purchases on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop

• 👋 The digital storefronts close on March 27, 2023

• ⏰ If you have any funds, you’ll need to spend them before this date

• 💳 Alternatively, you have until March 2024 to merge your accounts

If you have any funds in your Nintendo 3DS or Wii U Nintendo eShop balance, you’ll have until March 27 to spend them, otherwise, you’ll be left with nothing to purchase.

Alternatively, Nintendo also suggests merging your Nintendo Network ID funds (which are used on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Nintendo eShop) with the funds tied to your Nintendo Account (used for purchases on the Nintendo Switch eShop). You’ll have until March 2024 to merge your funds, which could give you some extra spending money to buy the best Nintendo Switch games.

With the closure of both eShops, there are countless games that will be gone for good. If you own either system and have some funds burning a hole in your account, here’s a quick selection of some eShop games you need to grab before they disappear.

Best Nintendo 3DS eShop games 🏆

• Attack of the Friday Monsters! A Tokyo Tale

• BoxBoy!

• Dillon’s Rolling Western

• Pullblox

• Pushmo

• Pocket Card Jockey

• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies

• Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice

• Nintendo Pocket Football Club

• Rhythm Paradise Megamix

Best Wii U eShop games 🥇

• Affordable Space Adventures

• Dr. Luigi

• Duck Hunt

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars

• Metroid Prime Trilogy

• Nano Assault Neo

• NES Remix

• NES Remix 2

• Pushmo World

• Star Fox Guard

If you’ve yet to make the leap to Nintendo’s latest console, the Nintendo Switch, you may be on the fence about which model to buy. Our Nintendo Switch vs Lite and Nintendo Switch vs Nintendo Switch OLED comparisons will help you make an informed decision, and don’t forget to check out the best Nintendo Switch accessories for ideas on how to deck out your new console.