The closure of the two platforms’ digital storefronts is particularly noteworthy due to the rich, expansive catalogues — roughly $31,000 worth of games — that they possess. Naturally, then, there are a lot of games that people would like to purchase before Nintendo ceases to offer them, potentially indefinitely.
How to get started
However, that’s easier said than done. As MobileSyrup‘s Brad Bennett outlined earlier this year, you can’t actually use a credit card to buy games from the Wii U and 3DS eShops on the systems themselves. Last year, Nintendo removed that functionality, as well as the option to use a prepaid eShop gift card. This means that you’ll have to go to the My Nintendo Store website and add funds using a credit or gift card.
But there’s a catch. Your old Nintendo Network ID, which was used for the Wii U and 3DS, must be linked to your Nintendo Account. Nintendo introduced the latter system in 2017 with the Switch, and it’s been used ever since.
To link the two accounts, you’ll have to:
Go to the Nintendo Account site and sign into your Nintendo Account
3DS games can be purchased from either a 3DS/2DS system or the My Nintendo Store website. Wii U games, however, can only be purchased from the tablet-esque device itself.
As long as you buy any desired games by March 27th, Nintendo says you’ll be able to re-download them “for the foreseeable future.”
What should you buy?
Of course, with so many games available across a bunch of platforms, there’s a lot to play. That said, some worth checking out include:
Wii U: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Twilight Princess HD, Xenoblade Chronicles X, Star Fox Guard 3DS: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Majora’s Mask 3D, Fire Emblem Awakening (and Fates and Echoes), Pokémon X and Y (and Sun and Moon, etc), Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Metroid: Samus Returns, Mario & Luigi (Dream Team, etc)
There were few reasons to own a Wii U back when I bought my original unit in 2013 and even fewer to own one now, but alas, it’s the best way to get access to the Wii’s catalogue in 2023, and Zelda fans know that HD Wind Waker and Twilight Princess are the best way to play both those games.
You may laugh at my quest to recapture the nostalgia of the Wii era, but as someone born in 1996, the Wii was a staple of every household I knew growing up, meaning I was never far away from a match of Wii Sports or some other weird motion controlled game. I also never had a PlayStation 2, so all of my elementary school gaming was done via Nintendo consoles and handhelds until I finally got an Xbox 360 to play Halo 3 on in 2010.
My fondness for the Wii U doesn’t hold as much nostalgia, but I still have some good reasons for why I decided to buy one in 2023.
Where it all began
This journey started a few weeks ago when the golf update finally hit Switch Sports. My friends and I started playing it more and, by proxy, the rest of the Switch Sports games. This made me start to feel nostalgia for Wii SportsResort. A spin-off of Wii Sports with tons of other games like archery, frisbee and even a plane-flying minigame.
If I wanted to get the sports from Wii Sports Resort into my next local multiplayer match, I’d need to get a Wii, four Wii remotes (with Wii Motion Plus built-in) and four nunchucks. Wii Motion Plus is needed for the extra sports games in Wii Sports Resort since it adds extra gyroscopes to give the remote more precision. This originally started as an attachment that slotted into the bottom of the remote, but newer controllers called the ‘Wii RemotePlus’ built it all into the simple Wiimote form factor.
After digging through my basement, I found a Luigi-themed Wii RemotePlus and my old homebrewed Wii, but no cables. Since the Wii is homebrewed, you need a GameCube controller to access the menu too, so it’s more or less out of commission. The remote still works, but the batteries inside had corroded so it did need a lot of cleaning.
From there, I went to Facebook Marketplace, and much to my surprise, Wii U consoles were fairly cheap. “Do I dare?” I asked myself. It would be cheaper to get a Wii, but having access to the HD remakes of Twilight Princess and Wind Waker is very appealing. After a bit of searching online, I discovered I could also buy the Metroid Prime Trilogy on the Wii U eShop, and I was sold.
After a few days scouring the used market in Toronto, I stumbled across a 32GB unit that a videogame shop was selling for $170. That felt like a good deal to me, and since these small shops generally offer small warranties, I jumped at the chance. After work, Alex and I jumped in my car and drove over there to catch them before closing, but when we got there, they only had a white 8GB model, which they sold to me for $150.
The unit came with a Wii RemotePlus, Nunchuck and all the other necessary cables you’d need for a Wii U. To top it off, I bought another RemotePlus/Nunchuck combo, and the store threw in a copy of Wii Sports Resort for free since they weren’t sure if they’d work (it did). All this also came with a two-week store credit warranty, which I was happy with. If I had been willing to drive further or wait longer, I think I could have found a better deal on the used market.
When I got home, I plugged the console in, and much to my surprise, it spit out a copy of Wii Play, another mini-game-focused Wii title from my childhood.
Then I needed to factory reset the system and log in with my own Nintendo Network ID, notably a different login system than the Switch. This is where things got complicated. I kept trying to input my password, and it wouldn’t work for some reason. Then I discovered that the 3DS uses the same login info, so I dug my 2DS out of storage. I found my login info there, but it still wouldn’t work.
After even more research deep in Reddit forums, I discovered that the Wii U suffered a hack a few years ago, which kneecapped a lot of the safety on the console. Therefore I would need to call Nintendo to recover my account. The other alternative would be to make a new account, so I just did that instead, sacrificing my online copy of Pikmin 3 linked to my old username.
This is now two hours after I initially started setting up the console. From there, I hopped into the Wii U eShop and attempt to buy Wind Waker HD. Luckily for me, the game is only $30, which is cheaper than a lot of resellers online. I add it to my cart and went to add my credit card to the console, and I learned that you can’t add credit cards to the Wii U post-hack. Bummer, but I can buy a $35 eShop card on Amazon, which should cover the game and taxes. I try to load that into the Wii U, and I’m again stopped.
Ok, Back to Google to find out how to solve this.
It turns out I can merge my Nintendo Network ID and my Switch Nintendo account, add the funds to that, combine the two wallets and then buy my Wii U game. My first attempt at this is through my phone, and unsurprisingly at this point, it errors out. Whenever I input the code, it sent me to a blank Nintendo website page. I grab my Switch, and it finally accepts the eShop code. I go back to my phone, log into my Nintendo account again, and merge the two accounts and wallets. I’ll mention that these are two specific ‘merging’ steps, not something that happens automatically when you link accounts.
There’s a lot jammed into the back of my Wii U, but it looks great on the big screen!
Three hours later, after a simple Wii U reset, I finally had enough money on the console to buy the game. I hit download only to realize that the 8GB of storage is unusable for downloading games. After a bit more digging around in my house, I found a 4GB USB stick that was big enough to hold Wind Waker HD.
It was a hassle, but I’ve got a smaller 32GB stick on order from Amazon that only cost me $13, and so far I’ve been having a blast reliving my childhood Wii and Wii U games. I even plugged in the MClassic that I reviewed a long time ago, and it’s really helpful for making Wind Waker look extra crisp.
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If you have any Wii or Wii U game recommendations, let me know in the comments. I’ve already got my eye on Battalion Wars 2 and Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn for Wii, but I’m looking for other recommendations before March 27th!
Why change a formula that wasn’t broken to begin with?
This is the crucial fact to note about Splatoon 3, Nintendo’s very familiar sequel to Splatoon 2. While the inventive third-person shooter is a clear step above 2017’s entry in the series and 2015’s Splatoon on the Wii U, it’s also not that different. You’re still a squid kid, and your ultimate goal remains splatting brightly coloured ink across the map.
First, let’s take a look at Splatoon 3‘s single-player mode, a feature I was equally impressed and disappointed with. My dream of an open-world Splatoon based on early teasers was quickly dashed as I realized the title’s campaign is very similar to Splatoon’s and Splatoon 2’s. There’s a gated overworld where you progressively unlock new areas by removing the ooze covering the map, alongside the familiar, traditional level structure and upgrade system I’ve come to expect from the series.
Without giving anything away, there’s a substantial story focused on the world Alterna, but if the series’ narrative hasn’t clicked with you in the past, don’t expect Splatoon 3 to change that. Still, it’s compellingly weird, and its new characters are memorable. This time around, boss battles feel more inventive (and difficult) than the big baddie foes in Splatoon and Splatoon 2. You also get access to a new “Smallfry” fish-like companion that helps you ink hard-to-reach areas on the map and take out certain enemies. While a welcome twist on Splatoon 3‘s core gameplay, the new Smallfry doesn’t do much to shake up the series’ formula.
For better or worse, there are also several features borrowed from Splatoon 2‘s substantial Octo Expansion, like taking levels on with less powerful weapons for higher rewards. Speaking of level goals, I found Splatoon 3‘s tasks to be more varied and challenging than what I’ve encountered in past Splatoon titles. There’s genuinely genius-level design in Splatoon 3, and I even managed to find myself stuck on several stages, only to encounter the coveted “ah ha!” moment after a dozen or so minutes of experimentation (usually, this involved falling through a grate I didn’t initially notice).
It’s worth noting single-player mode still works as a great intro to Splatoon 3‘s core mechanics, including getting the hang of new weapons like the extremely fun ‘Splatana,’ an ink-covered katana that flails paint around and the ‘Tri-Stringer,’ a timed weapon that shoots out three projectiles (echoing what Brad Shankar said in his hands-on, the Tri-Stringer will likely become my favourite multiplayer weapon). Overall, Splatoon 3‘s single-player is lengthier and more substantial than what’s been offered in past entries in the series, but it still feels like an elaborate training exercise designed to prepare you for the game’s main multiplayer attraction.
I need to spend far more time with Splatoon 3‘s multiplayer mode. While I have logged a few hours in ‘Turf War,’ the game type that tasks you with painting the map in your team’s colour, and played around with ‘Salmon Run,’ the title’s horde mode that returns from Splatoon 2, Nintendo’s press multiplayer play sessions were limited. What I can say is that I’m fond of the ability to select where you want to spawn in your starting area since it helps prevent base camping, a frequent issue in the first two Splatoon titles.
I’ll add more to this story when Splatoon 3 is publically available and I can get into more multiplayer matches. That said, the groundwork for an excellent multiplayer title seems to be present, although you’ll still be forced to deal with Nintendo’s archaic online service to get in on the splatting action. It’s also unclear if Splatoon 3 builds meaningfully on Splatoon 2‘s multiplayer.
On the same note, I also haven’t spent time with Splatoon 3‘s ‘Table Turb Battle,’ a Tetris-inspired card game, but I will add my thoughts on the feature alongside my multiplayer impressions in the coming days.
There are a few notable missteps in Splatoon 3, unfortunately. The game doesn’t feature local co-op or multiplayer, though you can play locally across two different Switch consoles if you both own a copy of the game. This, once again, has killed my dream of playing the game with my partner. I understand not adding local co-op/multiplayer is likely tied to the Switch’s hardware limitations, but it still doesn’t make the feature not making it into Splatoon 3 any easier to swallow. More so than ever before, Splatoon 3 feels like a game designed to be played locally with friends.
On the plus side, the third entry in the Splatoon series is one of the best-looking titles on the Switch. Everything from its bright-coloured ink to its inventive maps looks incredible, and at times, it’s difficult to believe Splatoon 3 is running on the rapidly aging Switch.
Splatoon 3 often feels like elaborate Splatoon 2 DLC, but is that such a bad thing? The series’ core swimming, inking and splatting mechanics work so well for a reason, and in an industry full of very similar shooters, its simple yet deceptively deep and competitive gameplay manages to stand out.
Despite Splatoon 3‘s shortcomings, the third entry in the series cements the franchise as one of Nintendo’s best recent original franchises.
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Nintendo has confirmed that the eShop for both the 3DS and Wii U will be shutting down on March 27th, 2023. Owners of the handheld and the console are able to continue making digital purchases until that day.
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 19, 2022
Players are still able to redeem download codes and can continue to do so until March 27th, 2023. Following that date, any previously purchased game or DLC can be redownloaded “for the foreseeable future,” Nintendo clarifies.
Nintendo’s online services on both platforms will not be affected, despite the closures. However, it’s worth noting that Fire Emblem Fates is the outlier. As of February 28th, 2023, the game is being delisted. Though, its DLC will remain on the eShop until the wider shut down in March.
In addition to affecting purchases and code redemptions, the closure of the eShop will see the ability to download demos vanish. A number of free themes from the Theme Shop are also set to disappear.
Upon Nintendo’s initial announcement regarding the closure, the company stated that they “have no plans to offer classic content in other ways”. Fans were quite upset as the closure of the eShop put a dent in game preservation. However, Nintendo quickly deleted that section in its FAQ section.
As of now, Nintendo’s only method of accessing classic games is via the rather limited Switch Online service. This subscription offers a selection of NES, SNES, and N64 games. Though, none are available for purchase. Therefore, a valid subscription is required to access each title. Nintendo hasn’t made any notion as to whether 3DS and Wii U games will ever be available on Switch. There are a few exceptions, including ports of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Captain Toad, and Super Mario 3D World (which now includes the Bowser’s Fury DLC).
Today marks the last day to add funds to your account on the Wii U and 3DS eShops. Nintendo announced in February that the two storefronts would close down in March 2023. This closure is coming in phases, with May 23, 2022 marking the last day customers can make credit card purchases.
Coming from the official Nintendo Q&A page, the gaming giant writes “As of May 23, 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a credit card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.” The site also notes that gamers can add funds by way of Nintendo eShop cards until August 29. And Wii U/3DS game codes will be valid ts right up until March 2023.
You can now easily transition your Network Nintendo ID (Wii U/3DS) to your Nintendo Account Wallet (Nintendo Switch). Making this move allows the remaining funds from these storefronts to be used on Nintendo Switch purchases after their official closure.
The closing of these two stores comes after more than a decade online. Nintendo faced backlash after making the announcement back in February as some deemed it anti-game preservation.
Confirming what many have assumed for months, the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been delayed.
Zelda series producer Eiji Aonuma says the still-untitled Breath of the Wild sequel won’t release until spring 2023. The game was previously scheduled to release in 2022, but wasn’t given a specific date.
Nintendo first announced Breath of the Wild 2 in June 2019 with a brief trailer. The Japanese gaming giant also released a new trailer for the title at E3 2021, but beyond that, has been relatively quiet about the next entry in the Zelda series.
“For those of you who have been looking forward to a release this year, we apologize,” said Aonuma. “As previously announced, the adventure in this sequel will take place not just on the ground as in the previous game, but also in the skies above. However, the expanded world goes beyond that, and there will be an even wider variety of features you can enjoy, including new encounters and gameplay elements. In order to make this game’s experience something special, the entire development team is continuing to work diligently on this game, so please wait a while longer.”
Alongside the delay announcement, a brief new clip of the anticipated game was also shown, revealing Link unsheathing a very different-looking Master Sword.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild released back in 2017 for the Switch and the Wii U. Though the game didn’t necessarily reinvent the open-world genre, it marked a significant change in direction for the typically streamlined Zelda series and remains one of my favourite games ever.
Nintendo has confirmed that it will be shutting down its Wii U and 3DS eShops in late March 2023.
This means that you won’t be able to make any digital purchases — including downloads of free titles and demos — on these systems after that period. However, Nintendo says previously purchased content will remain available to redownload.
While it’s not exactly surprising that digital storefronts for old, discontinued hardware are being closed, the bigger issue here relates to game preservation. That’s because these eShops offered large catalogues of older titles from the likes of the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy and DS eras — not to mention actual Wii U and 3DS titles.
With these stores shutting down, Nintendo’s only solution is its Switch Online, which offers a selection of titles from the NES, SNES and N64. However, these catalogues are far smaller; they lack Game Boy and DS titles and miss such classics as Final Fantasy VI and Super Mario RPG (SNES).
Further, they’re locked behind a subscription service, so there’s no way to actually own the games. (To be sure, one may argue the legitimacy of “ownership” of a digitally purchased title, but regardless, the Switch offers no option to buy individual NES, SNES or N64 titles.)
Making this even worse is that Nintendo says it “currently [has] no plans to offer classic content in other ways.” The closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShops wouldn’t be as much of an issue if Nintendo was going to make those older titles available on the Switch, but evidently, that’s not in the cards. This is despite the fact that the Switch has a user base that’s now larger than the 3DS and Wii U’s combined.
The company even addressed the issue of game preservation in a since-deleted, decidedly tone-deaf FAQ:
“Once it is no longer possible to purchase software in Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, many classic games for past platforms will cease to be available for purchase anywhere. Will you make classic games available to own some other way? If not, then why? Doesn’t Nintendo have an obligation to preserve its classic games by continually making them available for purchase?
Across our Nintendo Switch Online membership plans, over 130 classic games are currently available in growing libraries for various legacy systems. The games are often enhanced with new features such as online play.
We think this is an effective way to make classic content easily available to a broad range of players. Within these libraries, new and longtime players can not only find games they remember or have heard about, but other fun games they might not have thought to seek out otherwise.
We currently have no plans to offer classic content in other ways.”
It’s another failure on Nintendo’s part to ensure game preservation, an issue with which the industry as a whole already struggles. While many classic films and TV shows remain accessible on home media and streaming services, it’s regularly harder to play older video games. This has led fans to turn to piracy to play games that companies like Nintendo are otherwise not making available through any modern platform.
Nintendo’s stance looks even worse when compared to main competitors Xbox and PlayStation. The Microsoft-owned gaming label has been the biggest proponent for game preservation as of late, making many popular original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles available on Xbox One and Series X/S.
While PlayStation’s offerings aren’t quite as flexible, the company does still offer some PS2 titles for purchase alongside a larger PS3 catalogue through its PlayStation Now streaming service. The company is also reportedly planning an expanded subscription service, codenamed Spartacus, for early 2022 that will offer PS1, PS2 and PSP titles. This is all on top of continuing to operate its PS3 and PS Vita storefronts following fan outcry over plans to shut them down.
