There’s not much time left to buy games and digital content for Nintendo’s 3DS/2DS and Wii U. Nintendo is closing digital stores for both platforms on March 27, which means you’ll need to act fast if you want new digital games to see their retail prices, and to get some Virtual Console titles.
If you haven’t used either console in a while, or if you’re buying a used model just as they fade further into obscurity (I fully support this decision), it can be confusing to know exactly How to give Nintendo your money in exchange for digital games.
Can’t I just use a credit card?
No, you can no longer add your credit card to these systems to purchase a game. That functionality was removed in May 2022. A little later in the year, Nintendo made it impossible to redeem eShop gift cards through these consoles. From now on you have two options for adding money to buy eShop games for 3DS and Wii U. One is over My Nintendo Storethe Nintendo website where you can redeem an eShop gift card to fund your account, or buy the exact game you want with that money, or with a credit card.
You can also redeem an eShop gift card or add digital money to your Nintendo Switch via the eShop. This assumes that your old Nintendo Network ID and your Nintendo Account have been merged (more on the merge process below).
OK, funds have been added. Time to download—
To wait. There is another hurdle which you may need to jump over unless you’ve already done it. That is merging your Nintendo Network ID with a Nintendo Account, the latter being what Nintendo introduced with the Switch in 2017 and still uses (both the 3DS systems and Wii U use NNID accounts). Your shared eShop balance, if you have a balance, will be reflected on these consoles once you’ve merged them with one Nintendo Account.
How can I buy digital 3DS games?
This one is easy. Once you’ve merged your accounts and armed yourself with some eShop credits, you can buy games directly through your 3DS or 2DS console. However, I suggest shopping on the My Nintendo Store website, which is much faster to navigate and checkout. You can easily search for 3DS games there, many of which are heavily discounted before the eShop closes.
How can I buy digital Wii U games?
This one is a bit more difficult. Wii U games and all Virtual Console games available for purchase through the Wii U eShop are not available through your browser in the My Nintendo Store. That’s too bad! To load games, you have to do so directly through the Wii U’s engaging, but very slow, interface.
Photo: Brian Crecente/Polygoon
What happens to my eShop balance after March 27?
Assuming you’ve merged accounts, the remaining balance on both devices will be available for use in Switch digital games. If you don’t merge your accounts before the close, you’re likely to lose your money.
Can I re-download games I’ve purchased?
Yes, and for the foreseeable future, according to Nintendo support article detailing of the closure. Similarly, Nintendo says the ability to play games online will remain after the eShop closure.
