Digital games are great, but for consoles, there comes a time when the entire store is shut down. Nintendo has given a one year notice on shutting down the Nintendo eShop for the Wii U and the 3DS.
As of March 2023, you will no longer be able to make purchased in the eShop for the Wii U and 3DS, including with an eShop gift card. It also means you’ll no longer be able to download free content, such as game demos, nor redeem codes. The shutdown will also affect games with in-game purchases, such as the StreetPass Mii Plaza or Nintendo Badge Arcade.
Even after March 2023, it will still be possible to redownload previously purchased games and DLC, as well as download patches and updates. Online play will also remain available.
If your Nintendo Network ID wallet (used for the Wii U/3DS generation) is linked to your Nintendo Account wallet (Switch), then the balance is shared, and you can continue using any funds in the wallet when using the Switch eShop.
Nintendo has compiled some frequently asked questions on the main support site. As a fun send-off, you can view your uploaded statistics and check out stats, including play time, for the Wii U and 3DS.
If you want to nab any new digital games for your Wii U and 3DS, you have exactly one year to do it! Or just wait for everything to inevitably come to Switch.
