Nintendo Ends 3DS and 2DS Repairs in Japan As Replacement Parts Run Out

Nintendo Officially Halts Repairs for New Nintendo 3DS LL and 2DS in Japan After years of gradual phase-outs, Nintendo has formally discontinued hardware repair services for both the New Nintendo 3DS LL (known as the XL model in Western markets) and the Nintendo 2DS in Japan.

This announcement comes following a steady reduction in official support for legacy Nintendo handheld systems, as replacement parts have become increasingly unavailable. The company’s latest update from its Japanese customer support team confirms that as of March 4, 2025, they have exhausted the inventory of components necessary to fix these classic handheld consoles.

As stated by Nintendo, "Due to a lack of necessary replacement parts, we are no longer accepting repairs for the New Nintendo 3DS LL and Nintendo 2DS systems." The update also reiterates that repair services for the standard New Nintendo 3DS models had already ceased on August 28, 2024. This development is the culmination of several stages of sunsetting support for the 3DS family.

Throughout 2024, Nintendo provided public notifications regarding the diminishing availability of spare parts for the New Nintendo 3DS and related hardware.

Additionally, repair services for the Wii U, another iconic platform, were discontinued in Japan last July, after replacement parts had also run out.

In the same year, Nintendo ended online services, including multiplayer and digital store access, for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U globally. The Nintendo 3DS, first released in 2011, marked a significant innovation in handheld gaming with its glasses-free 3D display and robust library of exclusive titles, amassing over 75 million units sold worldwide.

The New Nintendo 3DS LL/XL, launched in 2014, introduced enhanced processing power and improved user experience, solidifying the 3DS family's place as one of Nintendo's most successful handheld lines.

The Nintendo 2DS, an entry-level revision, further broadened the reach of the franchise by offering an accessible and affordable model. With the 3DS and Wii U platforms now relegated firmly to the annals of gaming history, Nintendo’s focus continues to shift entirely to the Nintendo Switch ecosystem.

The Switch has seen continued success since its debut in 2017, serving as the company's flagship hardware and offering support for legacy content via the eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services. For players and collectors, the end of official repair services in Japan underscores the importance of preserving well-maintained consoles and considering third-party options for maintenance.

Those with legacy Nintendo hardware are encouraged to consult official sources for any available details on alternative support. For further announcements on Nintendo hardware and support, stay tuned to updates from official Nintendo channels. Sources: support.nintendo.com, gonintendo.com, bsky.app

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