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You can no longer buy new digital games or DLC from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. Nintendo ended purchases on March 27, 2023. If you already bought a game, you can still redownload it under Nintendo’s current policy, and existing software updates remain available for the foreseeable future. You can also play compatible physical Nintendo 3DS Game Cards.
What you can still get on a Nintendo 3DS
| Content or activity | Available now? | What that means |
|---|---|---|
| New digital games and DLC | No | Nintendo ended eShop purchases on March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. This also covered purchases made inside affected software, including StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop, Nintendo Badge Arcade, and Pokémon Bank. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A explains the change. |
| Previously purchased games and DLC | Yes, for the foreseeable future | You can redownload eligible prior purchases at no cost and download existing software updates. Nintendo does not give a fixed end date for this availability. Nintendo’s redownload instructions explain how. |
| Demos and newly downloaded free-to-start software | No | New downloads of free content, including demos, ended with eShop downloads on March 27, 2023. Download-code redemption ended April 3, 2023. Nintendo says a small number of free themes remain available through Theme Shop. Nintendo’s Q&A lists the exceptions and dates. |
| Physical Nintendo 3DS Game Cards | Compatible cards can be played | The console supports Nintendo 3DS Game Cards. The official New Nintendo 3DS operations manual describes inserting and launching a card. It does not establish whether a particular seller has stock. |
| Online play and other online-communication features | No | Nintendo ended these services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software on April 8, 2024. This did not end redownloads or existing software updates. |
How to redownload a game you already bought
- Open Nintendo eShop on the 3DS.
- Select Settings / Other.
- Scroll to Redownloadable Software.
- Select Redownload beside the title you own.
- Select Download, then choose Download Now or Download Later.
If the system was formatted, Nintendo says you may need the Nintendo Network ID that was previously associated with it to access those purchases. See Nintendo’s redownload support page for its current instructions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $220.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41tNSwjTXUL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game] | $212.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $215.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $280.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Can you still add money to the 3DS eShop?
No. Nintendo’s North American support information says credit-card fund additions ended May 23, 2022, and Nintendo eShop Card fund additions ended August 29, 2022. Combining a Nintendo Network ID balance with a Nintendo Account balance ended March 11, 2024. Any unmerged 3DS eShop balance can no longer be used or combined, according to Nintendo Support. These wallet dates are from North American support; terminology and dates may differ by region.
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Buying physical 3DS games
Physical Game Cards are separate from eShop purchases: the console can play compatible Nintendo 3DS cards even though the digital storefront no longer sells new games. Availability, condition, and price depend on the individual seller; Nintendo’s manual documents the format and console operation, not current retail inventory. Check region compatibility before buying: Nintendo warns that software from a different region may not function on the system.
#1 Best Overall
- Features: 3D Depth Slider, Wi-Fi Capability, Nintendo 3DS Sound, Mii Maker, 3D Camera, Front & Rear Camera, Touch Screen
- Includes: AC Power Adapter, Stylus
- Wired Connectivity: Wireless
- Model Compatibility: Nintendo 3DS
Does the online-service shutdown prevent redownloading?
No. The shutdown on April 8, 2024 affected online play and other functions that rely on online communication. Nintendo separately says owners can redownload previously purchased games and DLC and download existing updates for the foreseeable future. That is Nintendo’s stated current policy, not a promise of permanent service; its eShop discontinuation Q&A does not specify an end date for redownloads or updates.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The resulting product includes all relevant accessories, comes
- 3D Entertainment Without Glasses- Nintendo 3DS games have incredible graphics, and you can turn down the 3D effect to any level, or turn it off completely at any time with the build-in 3D depth slider to play games in crisp, clear 2D
- Two Screens- A widescreen display on the top screen shows 800x240 pixel resolution, allocating 400*pixles for each eye to create the 3D effect. The bottom LCD touch screen operates at a resolution of 320*240
- 3D Photos, Plus More- Nintendo 3DS comes built-in with the ability to take photos in 3D. Capture eye popping images of your friends and family, have fun with filters like the Merge lens, or even use the system's AR technology and included AR Cards
Rank #4
- Item Package Dimension- 8.49999999133L x 6.099999993778W x 2.399999997552H inches
- Item Package Weight - 0.9499999992033387 Pounds
- Item Package Quantity - 1
- Product Type - VIDEO GAME CONSOLE
Rank #3
- Nintendo 3DS offers a new way to play, 3D without the need for special glasses. The 3D Depth Slider lets your determine how much 3D you want to see.
- Play 3D games and take 3D pictures with Nintendo 3DS. One inner camera and two outer cameras. Resolutions are 640 x 480 for each camera. Lens are single focus and uses the CMOS capture element.
- Connect to a deeper wireless experience with SpotPass and StreetPass, giving you more exclusive content and connecting you with other Nintendo 3DS users.
- Complete with an adjustable stylus, 6 AR cards, and fun built-in software such as Face Raiders, Nintendo 3DS Sound, and the Mii Maker application.
- Use Parental Controls to restrict 3D mode for children 6 and under.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
