Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop Closure: How to Access My 3DS & Wii U Memories and Preserve Your Gaming Stats

Nintendo has formally announced the forthcoming closure of its Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShop services, marking a significant shift in the company's digital gaming landscape.

Scheduled to cease operations in March 2023, this decision affects the entire 3DS family of handheld consoles and all Wii U systems—impacting gamers and digital archivists worldwide by restricting access to a vast library of unique software offerings. The Nintendo 3DS, originally launched in 2011, and the Wii U, which debuted in 2012, have both played pivotal roles in Nintendo's hardware evolution.

Over the years, both platforms amassed extensive back catalogs, offering everything from blockbuster franchises to niche indie titles—many of which have not yet migrated to the Nintendo Switch or its Nintendo Switch Online service.

In an official statement released via the Nintendo of America Twitter page on February 16, 2022, the company expressed gratitude to its dedicated user base: “We thank you for supporting Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Additionally, you may also look back on your time with them via various play statistics.” Although the impending eShop closure poses challenges for video game preservation—particularly for titles exclusive to the 3DS and Wii U digital marketplaces—Nintendo is offering fans a means to reflect on their gaming experiences.

By visiting the My 3DS & Wii U Memories website, users can view a detailed breakdown of their individual play statistics, including total playtime, most-played titles, and milestones achieved throughout their console history.

This resource allows players to memorialize their years of engagement with both platforms before the digital storefronts are decommissioned. For those who wish to expand their collections or secure their favorite titles, there remains a limited window of opportunity.

All games and downloadable content available via the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops will become inaccessible after the March 2023 closure date.

This includes software that may not yet be available on the Nintendo Switch, underlining the importance for players and collectors to act swiftly. Nintendo’s transition of legacy content to its current system, the Nintendo Switch, largely relies on the Nintendo Switch Online subscription model, which offers access to select classic titles.

However, as not every game from the aging platforms has made the jump, the shuttering of the 3DS and Wii U eShops marks the end of an era for digital game ownership on Nintendo hardware.

Gamers are encouraged to visit the My 3DS & Wii U Memories site to commemorate their experiences and to make any final purchases ahead of the closure deadline. For ongoing updates regarding Nintendo’s digital service transitions, visit the official Nintendo website or follow Nintendo of America on social media.

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