You can still download Nintendo 3DS games you bought previously, but you can no longer buy new digital games or DLC from the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo ended new purchases on March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. You can also play compatible physical 3DS Game Cards.
What you can still do on a Nintendo 3DS
| Option | Available now? | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Buy a new digital game or DLC | No | Nintendo closed purchases in the 3DS eShop and affected in-game stores on March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Redownload a game or DLC you previously purchased | Yes, for the foreseeable future | Nintendo says previously purchased games and DLC can still be redownloaded, and existing software updates remain available. This is its stated policy, not a guarantee of indefinite availability. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Download a demo or free-to-start title | Generally, no | New downloads of free content, including demos and free-to-start software, ended with eShop downloads. A small number of free themes remain downloadable through Theme Shop. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Redeem a download code | No | Nintendo ended download-code redemption for 3DS and Wii U eShop on April 3, 2023. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| Play a compatible physical 3DS Game Card | Yes | The 3DS supports compatible Nintendo 3DS Game Cards. Compatibility does not establish whether a particular shop currently has a title in stock; Nintendo also warns that software from another region may not function. Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual |
How to redownload a game you already own
- Open Nintendo eShop on the 3DS.
- Select Settings / Other.
- Scroll to Redownloadable Software.
- Select Redownload next to the title you want.
- Select Download, then choose Download Now or Download Later. Nintendo Support: How to Redownload Nintendo 3DS eShop Content
If the system was formatted, Nintendo says you may need the Nintendo Network ID that was previously associated with it to access those purchases. Redownloads apply to purchases tied to the account; they do not reopen sales of new titles.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $219.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tNSwjTXUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game] | $212.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $209.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![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] | $272.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Why the different eShop and online-service dates matter
The end of 3DS online play did not itself end redownloads. Nintendo ended online play and other functions that rely on online communication on April 8, 2024, but says redownloads of prior purchases and existing software updates remain available for the foreseeable future. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
In-game purchases were also affected by the eShop closure. Nintendo identifies services including StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade, and Pokémon Bank among the affected purchase routes. Free themes are a limited exception for downloads, not a way to buy games.
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- 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
Can you add or use money in the old 3DS eShop?
No. In Nintendo’s North American support information, adding funds by credit card ended May 23, 2022, and adding funds with Nintendo eShop Cards ended August 29, 2022. Combining a Nintendo Network ID balance with a Nintendo Account balance ended March 11, 2024. Nintendo says an unmerged 3DS eShop balance can no longer be used or combined. These dates and terms refer to the North American support information; regional details may differ. Nintendo Support: Nintendo eShop Discontinuation
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where to get more 3DS games
Physical Nintendo 3DS Game Cards are the remaining route for playing titles you do not already own digitally. Check that a card is compatible with your system’s region: Nintendo’s manual warns that software from different regions may not function. Current stock, condition, and prices depend on individual sellers and are not established by Nintendo’s compatibility information. Nintendo 3DS Operations Manual
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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 #4
- 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
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.
