No matter how you slice it, the Nintendo 3DS was a hot handheld. It was basically the culmination of all portable gaming smarts that the Mario masters had acquired over decades, resulting in a superb little system that we all still adore and remember fondly.
Then there is the Wii U, which is definitely one of the systems of all time.
Many moons ago, Nintendo made it clear that the shop fronts for these platforms were going to get their marching orders:
As of 27 March 2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases on Nintendo eShop for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos.
And that time is upon us – initially billed as Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:00PM PST (8:00PM EST, 7:00PM CST, 6:00PM MST) – which would mean (if my calculations are correct) around March 28, 11:00am AEDT for us. (Note: if I am wrong – it is become I am inept at timezones)
Of course the internet is abuzz with people discussing the tragic event, with many lamenting the loss of that cheeky little Shopping Bag mascot that fronted the 3DS store:
RIP 3DS/Wii U Store! pic.twitter.com/ENwn02mtBB
— Sam (@Sawolf151) March 26, 2023
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
I drew a Tibby.
Go get Rhythm Heaven: Megamix before the 3DS store closes. #RhythmHeaven #3dseshop pic.twitter.com/LRQYwBGQ7c— Dr. Draw (@DoctorofDraw) March 17, 2023
There are also magnificent support groups popping up, with many forming threads where recommendations are put forward for “must have” titles and “hidden gems” that should find a home in your library before they are gone for good – not to mention what utilities (Such as the Pokémon Bank) are essential downloads:
Okay people, I'm going to need to know your finest 3DS eshop game recommendations before the store closes on monday. I'm going on a frantic downloading spree, tell me what I shouldn't miss out on! pic.twitter.com/FyhWKrbd44
— shrimposaurus🦖 (@shrimposaurus) March 25, 2023
As far as recommendations go, there is a great deal of support for people grabbing Rhythm Heaven: Megamix – as it has been perfectly Venn-diagrammed as “basically e-store exclusive” and “unlikely to be seen again.”
There is also a strong argument for the original Pokémon game line up, particularly the magnificent Pokémon Crystal Version, a staple for all of us that are now in our 30’s and fondly remember chasing capricious legendary canines across the landscape. Stocking up on brilliant retro funsies seems like a solid bet for those with the coin to do so.
The initial statement is also quite clear in pointing out that your purchased games will remain downloadable “for the foreseeable future”:
Even after 27 March 2023 and for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U consoles and Nintendo 3DS systems.
Slightly ominous, if only because it has that “beyond that, who knows” vibe to the longevity of your games. All I can do is recommend filling your platform of choice with groovy software that doesn’t break the bank, and look after them.
Oh, and grab the Pushmo series (Pullblox in Australia) – those games are bombastically neat, and very cheap to pick up.
How bummed are you to see the 3DS and Wii U eShops shut down? What titles do you consider to be essential purchases? Let us know in the comments or on social media.
Known throughout the interwebs simply as M0D3Rn, Ash is bad at video games. An old guard gamer who suffers from being generally opinionated, it comes as no surprise that he is both brutally loyal and yet, fiercely whimsical about all things electronic. On occasion will make a youtube video that actually gets views. Follow him on YouTube @Bad at Video Games
