Some of the saddest gaming news of 2022 so far was the March announcement of the Nintendo eShop closing on 3DS and Wii U. While we’re still a way off that happening in March 2023, Nintendo is already taking steps to shut down certain features. That begins today, as it is the cut-off to top up your eShop account using credit or debit cards on the aforementioned systems. As such, this is a PSA: If you want to purchase games on those systems, today is your last chance to top up using your card.
Nintendo Closing 3DS and Wii U eShop Top-Up Today
Yes, if you planned on adding some funds to your 3DS or Wii U eShop account prior to the stores’ closures, today is your final day to do so. Well, unless you plan on purchasing a bunch of eShop vouchers down the line.
As confirmed on a Nintendo FAQ, May 23, 2022 is the final day to add funds to your 3DS or Wii U wallet via credit card. After that, the only option is to top up using first-party Nintendo eShop vouchers. It’s possible, but no doubt less convenient. That utility closes on August 19, 2022, giving digital collectors a few more months to grab the last of the games they want for those legacy systems.
While today’s closure doesn’t come as a surprise, it’s no doubt still sad news for people actively playing on 3DS or Wii U. We’ve known about the proposed shutdown for months now, but when card top-ups end today, it’ll feel like the first step towards their inevitable closure. Of course, if you’ve already added funds to your account with a card before the closure, you’ll still be able to spend it after today. The only thing that changes is the inability to add any further money. However, with several months still left in terms of using gift cards, it’s not the end quite yet.
As the final goodbye to the 3DS and Wii U eShop draws closer, today is Nintendo’s first step towards the end. It’s sad news for sure, so make sure you grab any games you may want before time runs out.
Luke Hinton is a freelance culture journalist living in Cardiff, Wales. He graduated from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism, Media and Communications, and currently balances his freelancing work with postgraduate studies. He specialises in film, TV and entertainment writing.
