No—not to buy software or DLC. Nintendo ended Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases on March 27, 2023, and custom firmware (CFW) cannot restore the storefront or make unpurchased content available. Nintendo’s support guidance says redownloading eligible past purchases and downloading software updates remain possible for the foreseeable future; those functions are separate from buying games and from online play.
What the eShop can and cannot do now
| Function | Status | What it means for a CFW 3DS |
|---|---|---|
| Buy software or DLC | Ended March 27, 2023 | CFW does not reopen purchases. |
| Download free content, including demos | New downloads ended with purchases. Nintendo says demos cannot be redownloaded. | Free content is not an exception to the shutdown. |
| Redownload previously purchased games or DLC | Nintendo says this remains available for the foreseeable future. | Only content previously purchased may qualify; availability is not guaranteed indefinitely. |
| Download software updates | Nintendo says updates remain available for the foreseeable future. | Updates are not new purchases and do not imply that every online feature still works. |
| Online play and other features using online communication | Ended April 8, 2024. | This is a separate service from the eShop’s retained redownload guidance. |
Nintendo’s official Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop discontinuation Q&A says purchases stopped at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on March 27, 2023. Nintendo also ended download-code redemption on April 3, 2023. Credit-card funding had ended earlier, on May 23, 2022, followed by Nintendo eShop Card funding on August 29, 2022.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $219.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $215.15 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-PdNCkdfL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black [video game] | $179.15 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $275.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $220.10 | Buy on Amazon |
What CFW changes—and what it does not
CFW enables system modifications and homebrew, but it does not change Nintendo’s server-side decision to stop sales. The community-maintained 3DS Hacks Guide FAQ says CFW installation and modding methods are not affected by Nintendo’s online shutdown. That is guidance about modding and console functionality, not a promise that every Nintendo service will remain available.
Keep three things distinct: using homebrew, accessing the eShop’s limited remaining functions, and using online communication features such as online play. CFW does not turn the first into permission or technical access to buy new eShop content, and the end of online play does not by itself erase Nintendo’s separate guidance on redownloads and updates.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
How to redownload eligible past purchases
Nintendo lists a broadband internet connection and an SD card with enough free space among the requirements for eShop use. Its instructions for redownloading are:
- Open Nintendo 3DS eShop on the console.
- Open Settings / Other.
- Select Redownloadable Software.
- Choose the previously purchased item and follow the on-screen prompts.
Nintendo says deleted eShop purchases can be redownloaded at no cost. This applies to items already purchased, not titles the account never acquired. The list may depend on account and regional circumstances, so do not assume every historical purchase will appear on every console. For current details, see Nintendo’s How to Download or Redownload Content in Nintendo 3DS eShop and Requirements to Use the Nintendo eShop.
Rank #2
- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
What changed, and when
- May 23, 2022: Credit-card funding ended for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops.
- August 29, 2022: Nintendo eShop Card funding ended for those platforms.
- March 27, 2023, 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time: Purchases and new downloads of free content ended.
- April 3, 2023: Download-code redemption ended.
- April 8, 2024, 5:00 p.m. PDT: Online play and other online-communication functionality for 3DS and Wii U software ended, according to Nintendo’s online services discontinuation notice.
Nintendo’s guidance describes redownloads of previously purchased games and DLC, and software updates, as available “for the foreseeable future.” That wording is not a guarantee of perpetual service; check Nintendo’s support pages for the latest status.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Rank #4
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Rank #3
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
