Some developers have shared codes to download their games for free on the Nintendo 3DS and Wi U eShops before these digital storefronts prevent players from accessing new games. Those interested in these free games should act fast as there is only a limited quantity of redeemable codes before the 3DS and Wii U eShops will close their doors permanently on April 3, 2023.Earlier this week, Nintendo officially closed down the 3DS and Wii U eShops. Both these systems have been available for over a decade, providing Nintendo fans with new ways to play games thanks to the stereoscopic 3D effects on the dual screen of the 3DS and the controversial Wii U GamePad and its touchscreen. While the 3DS and Wii U eShops shut down and players can no longer purchase games or themes on these consoles, Nintendo hasn’t yet disabled the feature to redeem codes on the 3DS and Wii U.To celebrate the years spent developing games on the 3DS and Wii U, some indie developers are giving away free codes for players to redeem their games on Nintendo’s past consoles. Ultra Dolphin Revolution shared codes to download its last Wii U title, Captain U, and the developers behind the Silver Falls series gave away 3DS and Wii U codes of past games to celebrate the launch of their upcoming Switch title. These codes can be redeemed until April 3, as Nintendo will disable the ability to claim codes on the 3DS and Wii U after this date.
While Nintendo shut down the 3DS and Wii U eShops, some players are not yet ready to say goodbye to these platforms. A Nintendo fan refused to close the 3DS and Wii U eShops, keeping his consoles on the store apps two days after they closed. Since Nintendo deactivated these eShops, closing the apps would make these pages disappear forever and turn them into their current barren state.
As the 3DS and Wii U are both discontinued and their eShops are closing down permanently, players have no way to purchase new games. One of them spent over $20,000 to purchase all 3DS and Wii U games, a total of 1,547 and 866 games on the two consoles, respectively. Game preservation has been a hot topic for a few years now, as players tend to purchase more digital games at the risk of losing them when consoles eShops and servers close their doors.