Are games still being made for 3DS?
Even after March 27, 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 and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
If you've never had a 3DS before, you may be wondering if it's worth getting one. I say it absolutely is worth it. With a large range of games (made even larger by its backward compatibility with the DS system's titles), there is no better time to grab one than right now.
3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020. Nintendo Network services remain active in most regions; the Nintendo eShop is slated to shut down on March 27, 2023. The option to add credits for the 3DS has been removed as of late August 2022.
"As of late March 2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos," wrote Nintendo in its initial announcement.
Nintendo will close the Wii U and 3DS eShops on March 27, 2023.
In March 2023.
In explaining the decision, Nintendo said(Opens in a new window), "This is part of the natural lifecycle for any product line as it becomes less used by consumers over time." Thankfully, there's still plenty of time left to pick up any eShop titles you missed, assuming you still own the hardware to play them on.
As things stand, existing 3DS titles see no performance bump when running on New 3DS hardware, even those with unlocked frame-rates. Unless the software asks for the additional power, the New 3DS simply runs at the old version's speed - though you do get loading time improvements from the larger pool of RAM.
Unfortunately, Nintendo is closing the 3DS eShop in March 2023. After this time, you won't be able to buy any 3DS games from the eShop. Your only way to legally obtain games will be through purchasing physical cartridges.
Nintendo Is Closing The 3DS & Wii U eShops And Has "No Plans To Offer Classic Content In Other Ways" Nintendo has announced the discontinuation of the 3DS eShop and the Wii U eShop as of "late March" 2023.
Was Nintendo 3DS a flop?
Early flop, then price drop
In fact, the 3DS ended up being the weakest console launch for Nintendo since 1995's Virtual Boy (coincidentally, an earlier attempt at 3D gaming). Less than six months later, Nintendo dropped the 3DS price by a staggering $80, to $169.
Themes for your Nintendo 3DS family system are not downloaded from the Nintendo eShop, but are instead purchased and downloaded through the Theme Shop . Once deleted, Nintendo eShop purchases can be redownloaded at no cost. Downloaded items appear as a gift on the HOME Menu.

The Switch as a Handheld Console
And while the Switch existed alongside the 3DS for a few years, Nintendo has seemingly poured all of its resources into the Switch now, making it the go-to console for both home and handheld gaming for many fans.
Broadly, it means that you won't be able to buy or download new games on the 3DS or Wii U eShop after 27th March 2023, and you also won't be able to purchase in-game content, download demos or free-to-play software, redeem download codes, or add funds to your account on 3DS or Wii U.
After many years of support, Nintendo is shutting down the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops in March 2023, meaning fans won't be able to buy any more digital copies of games for these systems. Understandably, this has drawn the ire of those who still enjoy the consoles.
This April, Fragrant Story — a cheekily titled strategy RPG — became the last 3DS game to be released both digitally and physically in North America. So there will be no more new 3DS boxes to pop on your shelves.
6 Galaxy Nintendo 3DS XL ($517)
This console is a really unique one because it's a limited edition console that has gotten pretty rare and expensive, but doesn't actually feature any iconic characters or games like others do. To pick up one of these consoles, you'll have to pay around $517.
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Nintendo 4DS (Jake1234789)
Nintendo 4DS | |
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4D in your hands | |
Successor | New Nintendo 4DS |
The New 3DS XL is still a perfectly capable console, though, and is arguably better for those with larger hands or anyone who tends to play more games at home or in the car, thanks to its more immersive screens and longer-lasting battery.
Purchase the game directly from Nintendo eShop
You can purchase the download version directly from Nintendo eShop and download the game. 1. To access Nintendo eShop on your Nintendo 3DS system, select this icon from the HOME Menu. 2.
Is Nintendo closing after 40 years?
KYOTO, Japan — Shigeru Miyamoto shocked fans today by announcing that, after over forty years of serving as a titan of the gaming industry, Nintendo would be shuttering its doors. When pressed for a reason why, Miyamoto cited that Mario had finally done everything.
- Barbie: Groom and Glam Pups: $470-$3400. ...
- Alien Chaos 3D: $135-$450. ...
- Yo-Kai Watch Blasters: Red Cat Corps: $190-$300 ($400 Sealed) ...
- Yo-Kai Watch 3: $140-$250 ($300 Sealed) ...
- Rhythm Thief & The Emperors Treasure: $130-$250. ...
- Professor Layton vs.
1/14 Soccer Shootout - New Nintendo 3DS, 2021
The last game to be exclusive to the New Nintendo 3DS released much more recently than players may expect. As of writing, Soccer Shootout is the final game to be released for the console on October 28, 2021.
In February, Pokémon fans around the world were surprised when Nintendo announced that it would be closing down the 3DS eShop sometime after March 2023.