Will you still be able to update 3DS games after eShop closes?

Will you still be able to update 3DS games after eShop closes?

Nintedo’s decision to cease 3DS store (eShop) operations poses a crucial question for long-time Nintendo 3DS owners: will they be able to update their favorite games after the eShop closes? The answer might surprise you.

Current Status:

As revealed by Nintendo, the main eShop for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS will be discontinued later in February in different regions. Although the end of the eShop operations will undoubtedly affect the capabilities of the consoles, our research indicates that you might still be able to use certain features.

Answer:

Yes. After the eShop closes, you will be able to update your pre-existing 3DS and Wii U games. It’s crucial to note, however, that you would not be able to re-redownload apps on accounts migrated to the Nintendo Switch store.

Key Points

• Redownload pre-existing games: You are still allowed to redownload games you’ve already obtained from the eShop for the foreseeable future, as mentioned by Nintendo representatives.
• Software update: Your 3DS and Wii U consoles might still receive software updates when necessary.
• Not applicable for new games downloads: Once the eShop closes, you will be unable to download new game information such as special quests (DLCs) updates, and online play connectivity.

Other Important Issues:

• Physical games still work: Remember that your physical 3DS games will continue functioning as they always have – no change.
• Pokémon Bank and Pikachu Bank: Although the servers for Pokémon Bank and its related services will eventually shutter, they will continue functional until further notice.
• No compatibility upgrade: You will not lose access to your existing purchased games; however, newer games, including those offering compatibility upgrades, will never be compatible with the
old 3DS.

Table: Redownload Options for 3DS Games

| | Pre-existing Games | New Games Downloads |
|———|—–|—–|—–|}
| After eShop Shut Down | Yes. Redownload games for further use | Unavailable |

Understanding the End of eShop Operations

It’s noteworthy that Nintendo has explicitly disclosed that after the eShop closes, users will see a change in the platforms’ online capabilities. Despite this, it’s assured that pre-existing games installed on your 3DS and Wii U consoles may still be updated. Here’s what you need to know:

• Important: New games downloads

The closure of eShop will **prevent your current console from downloading new applications** and updates. Furthermore, if you're about to get a new version of an existing game featuring new quests, characters or other significant content, as mentioned by Nintendo, in the following weeks, understand that the game will run on your 3DS, but it will do so in the form used at the time of updating.

• No Additional Features for 3DS

Unfortunately, compatibility upgrades or other new downloadable content will not be granted for 3DS

New 3DS Games:

As mentioned, new games supporting the new 3DS will not work correctly on older 3DS systems. If unsure about the compatibility of existing games with your console make sure to check the developers’ website for more assistance.

**Conclusion: While the closure of the Nintedo eShop could have some implications for Nintedo 3DS owners, you will most likely be able to proceed with updates for your cherished games, and the service will still function as normally as it did before after the closure.