Published on: March 14, 2023
As the countdown continues toward the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop, Capcom has released an official notice reminding players about the final opportunity to purchase several classic Monster Hunter titles.
The digital storefronts for these legacy Nintendo platforms will permanently shut down on March 27, 2023, marking the end of an era for digital game availability on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
This announcement, delivered via Capcom’s official Monster Hunter social media channels, underscores that once the eShop services close, fans will no longer be able to make new digital purchases of Monster Hunter games on these systems.
However, players who have already purchased titles before the shutdown date will retain the ability to re-download them in the future, ensuring continued access to their existing libraries.
For the Nintendo 3DS, the following Monster Hunter games will be removed from sale:
- Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate
- Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate
- Monster Hunter Generations
On the Wii U, the digital version of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate will also be removed.
Additionally, Capcom has highlighted the importance of downloading associated save data transfer tools before the shutdown.
These include the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Save Data Transfer, the Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate Save Transfer App for the 3DS, and the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Packet Relay Tools for the Wii U.
In its advisory, Capcom emphasized, "Players who intend to use the save data transfer services in the future should ensure the necessary software is downloaded prior to the eShop closure."
Another notable title, Monster Hunter Stories, originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2017, will also be affected by the eShop shutdown, prompting fans to act quickly if they wish to add it to their digital collections.
In a gesture to support the community, Capcom has reduced the prices of its 3DS and Wii U eShop catalog in select regions, offering each title for just $2.99 USD ahead of the store’s closure.
This price cut provides an accessible opportunity for both dedicated fans and newcomers to secure these legacy games for their Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems.
Since its debut, the Monster Hunter franchise has stood as one of Capcom’s most successful and enduring series, with a passionate international fanbase and numerous sales milestones on platforms like the Nintendo Switch.
The removal of these titles from the 3DS and Wii U eShop is a notable moment in the franchise’s platform history and a reminder of the evolving digital landscape in video game preservation.
Players are strongly encouraged to act before March 27, 2023, to ensure continued access to these beloved Monster Hunter titles and their associated support software.
For further details or updates, visit Capcom’s official Monster Hunter channels or the Nintendo eShop while it remains active.
Nintendo 3DS Capcom Monster Hunter Nintendo eShop Wii Wii U 3DS Xbox Series X|S