Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop: Indie Developers Host Free Game Code Giveaways Ahead of Deadline

With the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop purchase functions now in effect, indie developers are ensuring a memorable send-off by distributing free game codes to fans.

This generous initiative follows Nintendo’s announcement to allow users to redeem previously acquired or promotional codes on both the 3DS and Wii U eShops until April 3, 2023. Renowned for their creative platformers, WayForward—the studio behind the Mighty Switch Force franchise—joined the celebration by sharing complimentary codes for Mighty Switch Force 2, available on both Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

These codes were provided through social media posts throughout the day, allowing a final wave of fans to enjoy one of the studio’s beloved titles before the platform’s redemption window closes. Similarly, acclaimed developer Yacht Club Games, famed for Shovel Knight, distributed codes for their hit game earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, Dahku, responsible for Rotund Takeoff on Nintendo Switch, supplied North American codes for its Wii U titles Chubbins and Soon Shine, further expanding the offerings for loyal Nintendo fans. Ultra Dolphin Revolution, another indie developer active on the Wii U scene, previously announced a giveaway of 128 copies of its title Captain U, as part of a larger community effort to mark the final days of the eShops.

Silver Falls developer Sungrand Studios also participated by offering free eShop codes for a suite of Silver Falls games on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.

To obtain a code, fans needed to direct message the developer on social media or share proof of installation, with codes available in limited quantities. The giveaway wave reached other studios as well.

Astrosaurus Games disclosed that it is distributing hundreds of free codes for its game Collateral Thinking on Wii U, via Twitter announcements.

These collective efforts underscore the close connection between indie developers and their communities—a relationship fostered on platforms like the Nintendo eShop. Redemption for free and promotional codes will remain open until April 3, 2023.

After this deadline, the ability to redeem codes for both 3DS and Wii U titles will cease, signaling a definitive end to a storied chapter in Nintendo’s digital distribution history.

Notably, the Nintendo Switch remains Nintendo’s ongoing platform for new releases and digital content through the Nintendo eShop. For players hoping to take advantage of these final giveaways, quick action is advisable due to the limited nature of the codes.

This closing period not only highlights the continued passion within the Nintendo indie scene but also offers dedicated fans a last opportunity to expand their libraries on these beloved legacy platforms.

Nintendo eShop Wii Wii U 3DS Xbox Series X|S WayForward Yacht Club Games Nintendo 3DS indie developers