We already knew it for a few months, but Nintendo has just sent us a press release in which it details the process of closing the eShop on Wii U and 3DS. "From August 29, 2022, it will no longer be possible to fund your account using a Nintendo eShop Card in the Nintendo eShop of Wii U or that of Nintendo 3DS, we learn. It will however be possible to save download codes until the end of March 2023."
Precisely, from the end of March 2023, "it will no longer be possible to make purchases in the Nintendo eShop on the Wii U console or on the Nintendo 3DS console. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including including demo versions." However, we are told that after March 2023, for a time, there will still be a way to redownload games and downloadable content, receive updates and use online gaming features on Wii U and 3DS.
Note that "users who have merged their Nintendo Network ID balance (used in Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) with their Nintendo Account balance (used in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch ) can use this pooled amount to purchase content on any of these consoles until the end of March 2023. Thereafter, the balance can only be used to purchase content on Nintendo Switch."
In addition, Nintendo specifies that Fire Emblem Fates will be withdrawn from sale from February 28, 2023. Regarding its DLC, including the paths that can be followed after completing Chapter 6 of the game, they will be available until March 27, 2023. “We advise owners of a European and downloadable version of Fire Emblem Fates to ensure that they complete Chapter 6 and download the game data of the path they wish to follow before March 27, 2023, is indicated. Players also wishing to purchase additional lanes are invited to do so before the end of March 2023.
