Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop Prepaid Card Functionality Ends Amidst Gradual Closure
Entry information
Published on: August 29, 2022
Description
Nintendo has officially ended support for redeeming prepaid cards directly on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop platforms as of August 29, 2022.
This milestone marks another significant phase in the company’s gradual discontinuation of online services for its beloved legacy consoles.
Originally launched in 2011 for the Nintendo 3DS and in 2012 for the Wii U, both digital storefronts have been instrumental in distributing a wide array of first-party and indie games, downloadable content, and classic titles to millions of players worldwide.
This transition follows an earlier announcement from Nintendo that both the 3DS and Wii U eShops will permanently close on March 27, 2023, with some content such as Fire Emblem Fates scheduled for removal one month prior.
As users approach the final months of these digital stores’ operational lifespans, the company has opted to phase out certain usability features before the full closure.
In accordance with this change, maintenance is scheduled to begin at 4:30am UTC on August 30, effectively removing the functionality for entering prepaid card codes directly on either console.
Nintendo is encouraging customers to link their Nintendo Network ID (used on the 3DS and Wii U) to a Nintendo Account, such as those used on the Nintendo Switch.
Players are still able to add funds to their overall Nintendo Account through the Switch eShop or online, and can apply those balances to purchases on all still-active eShops.
A Nintendo spokesperson clarified that, while direct code redemption is no longer available on 3DS and Wii U hardware, players can continue to add leftover eShop card balances by redeeming them through a Nintendo Account linked to those older consoles.
The company has provided detailed guides for users who need to link their Nintendo Network IDs to their Nintendo Accounts, a necessary step to retain access to any existing or transferred funds.
For game collectors and loyal fans of Nintendo’s legacy platforms, this is the last window of opportunity to purchase downloadable content and digital-only releases before these services retire permanently.
Since their respective launches, the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops have contributed thousands of titles to the Nintendo ecosystem, helping games like Fire Emblem Fates reach dedicated audiences around the world.
With the cessation of prepaid card support today and the eventual shutdown of the 3DS and Wii U eShops in March 2023, Nintendo signals a new era in its digital storefront strategy—one increasingly centered on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Direct presentations, and a unified account system.
Fans who wish to ensure their access to favorite games and DLC are encouraged to complete their purchases soon, taking full advantage of remaining functionality before the final closure.
