Topic: Q: Can you still download purchased digital games after 3DS eshop is cancelled?

Hello,
I don't have a 3DS but who knows what the future brings. I read about 3DS/WII U eshop purchasing will end in early 2022. So I was thinking to buy the 3DS Zelda's before they shut it down.

But how does Nintendo handle purchased digital downloads? Can I still download them from Nintendo's eShop, even when they end the 3DS/WII U store? I'm used to Steam where you get to keep download access to the purchased game even when it's removed from the store.

Regards,
Grampybone

No.

As the shop is how you access your downloads in the first place, once it's gone, so are your purchases.

@Silly_G Wii Shop games are still downloadable, so probably not. Nintendo will likely delist all games, but keep the my downloads tab available to redownload previously purchased games.

@Grampybone Also purchasing won't end, you'll still be able to use eShop cards for awhile longer, but probably that too will end before the end of 2023.

@TowaHerschel7 : I just checked and... I stand corrected! I had no idea.

I transferred my Wii U to a fresh console prematurely, then.

Nintendo have stated on their support page that the Wii Shop will eventually be terminated entirely, but they haven’t given a window yet.