Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop Closures Inspire Heartfelt Tributes from the Gaming Community
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Published on: March 28, 2023
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Nintendo’s digital storefronts on the 3DS and Wii U have officially closed their doors to new purchases, marking the end of an era for countless fans and gamers.
While re-downloads of previously purchased games remain available for now, the final chance to legally purchase many 3DS and Wii U eShop exclusives has ended, prompting a wave of nostalgia and tribute across the gaming community.
For years, the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops were unique digital marketplaces, offering users not just a way to purchase and download titles, but a distinctly Nintendo-flavored experience.
Players fondly recall the signature orange eShop bag mascot, which would briefly appear before colorful animated cubes heralded a new download—an iconic feature that set Nintendo’s digital stores apart from contemporaries.
Neither the straightforward interface of the PlayStation Store nor the minimalism of other digital fronts quite captured the same charm, and this connection is evident in fan remembrances flooding social media since the eShop shutdowns.
Popular gaming outlet Press Start highlighted a selection of particularly imaginative eShop tributes that showcase the community’s affection for these platforms.
Among the artwork circulating online is a touching depiction of Kirby, saddened by the closure, from artist @benmrhall.
Illustrators @eto2d and @graylure both envisioned the orange eShop bag ascending with angelic wings, symbolizing the platform’s departure as a fond farewell.
Meanwhile, @DumbBubbers offered a more optimistic, celebratory take, showcasing an in-progress piece that brings together multiple beloved eShop characters.
Others, including @starozoa, focused on the memorable data cubes tied to the eShop’s download process, recreating them in a visually striking tribute.
Artists like @bozosart, @datenshiluka, @DingityDingus, and @Shamaboy11 captured the grateful spirit of the community through thank-you themed illustrations.
Even musical talent joined in, with the team at Vooks and user @MasterSwordRemix producing moving ‘in memoriam’ arrangements that accentuate the emotional resonance of the closures.
Speaking to the sentimentality evoked by the end of these services, many gamers drew parallels to the loss of brick-and-mortar stores that once defined a generation’s gaming discoveries and cherished memories.
While the closure of a digital storefront may seem inconsequential to some, the shared experiences and unique character of Nintendo’s ecosystem are deeply meaningful to those who frequented these online spaces.
Though newer platforms like the Nintendo Switch and its eShop have continued Nintendo’s commitment to digital distribution—including memorable announcements via Nintendo Direct—the discontinuation of the 3DS and Wii U eShops represents a significant milestone.
The legacy of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops will live on in the creative tributes and fond memories of fans, testament to the vital role these platforms played in shaping a digital era for Nintendo enthusiasts.
As the community continues to honor these beloved storefronts, one thing is certain: the cheerful orange eShop bag and its legacy will not be forgotten.
