A Nintendo 3DS can still play compatible physical game cards, run offline game modes, and use local features such as StreetPass. What changed is access to new eShop content and internet-dependent services: the eShop stopped selling and offering most new downloads in March 2023, and Nintendo ended online play and other online functions in April 2024. Nintendo still allows redownloads of eligible purchases and existing updates “for the foreseeable future,” with no announced final date.
What changed, and when?
| Date | What ended |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time | Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases and most new downloads, including demos and free-to-start software, ended. A small number of free themes remain available through Theme Shop. Nintendo Support |
| April 3, 2023 | Redemption of Nintendo 3DS eShop download codes ended. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A |
| April 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PDT | Online play and other functions using internet communication ended for Nintendo 3DS software in Nintendo’s North American notice. Examples include online co-op, internet rankings, and data distribution. Nintendo’s online-service notice |
The eShop closure and online-service shutdown were separate changes. A game may still launch and work offline even though its online multiplayer, rankings, or other internet-dependent features no longer do. Nintendo advises checking with the publisher for third-party software, since its status may vary.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $220.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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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)
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Nintendo 3DS - Cosmo Black (Renewed) [video game] | $212.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Cosmo Black (Renewed) | $217.75 | 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] | $275.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What can you still do on a 3DS?
Play compatible physical game cards
A compatible game card does not require a new eShop download to play. Nintendo’s operations manual describes using game cards, and Nintendo says game modes that do not require online communication remain usable. A card does not restore a game’s discontinued online features; what remains depends on the title. Nintendo 3DS XL Operations Manual Nintendo online-service notice
Play offline modes
Single-player campaigns and other modes that do not need online communication remain usable where the game supports them. Nintendo’s guidance is not a guarantee that every game or every feature will work: online co-op, internet rankings, and data distribution are examples of functions affected by the shutdown.
#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
Use StreetPass
StreetPass uses local communication between nearby 3DS-family systems, so it remains available. Nintendo specifically says StreetPass in the preinstalled StreetPass Mii Plaza can still be used. Features that depended on internet communication are different: for example, new Puzzle Swap panels can no longer be received through the discontinued online function.
Redownload eligible purchases and updates
Nintendo says users can redownload games and DLC they already own and receive software updates “for the foreseeable future.” It has not announced a final cutoff date, so this is not a permanent-service guarantee. Previously downloaded demos are not included in the redownload exception.
Download a limited selection of free themes
A small number of free themes remain downloadable through Theme Shop. This exception does not reopen eShop downloads generally.
What no longer works?
- Buying new eShop games or DLC: purchases ended in March 2023.
- Getting most new free downloads: demos and free-to-start downloads are no longer available.
- Redeeming eShop download codes: code redemption ended on April 3, 2023.
- Using internet-dependent game features: online play and other online-communication functions ended in April 2024. Specific effects vary by game and publisher.
- Using SpotPass functions that rely on online communication: SpotPass is not the same as StreetPass; Nintendo identifies the latter as local communication, while online-dependent functions are no longer available.
Unmerged eShop balances also have a separate history: they could no longer be used or merged after March 11, 2024 unless the Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account wallets had been linked and merged by then. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
Recommended Free Tools
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.
How to redownload a game you already own
- Connect the 3DS to the internet and open Nintendo eShop.
- Go to the eShop’s redownloadable-software area and select the eligible game or DLC you want to download again.
- Confirm that the SD card has enough free space. Nintendo lists sufficient SD-card space as a requirement for eShop use and redownloads. Nintendo Support: Requirements to Use the Nintendo eShop
- If the system was formatted, use the Nintendo Network ID that was associated with the system when the content was purchased. Nintendo requires that ID for applicable redownloads. Nintendo Support: How to Download or Redownload Content
Eligible previously purchased items can be redownloaded at no cost while Nintendo continues the service. Adding eShop funds or redeeming a code will not let you acquire new content now; redownloads recover eligible content already owned.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Pokémon Bank has a separate end date
Nintendo says Pokémon Bank service will end on February 25, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. PST. Transfers from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME will end at that time as well. Nintendo’s notice says the Bank app is not currently available for download, so the announced end date does not mean a new user can obtain it now. Nintendo Support: Pokémon Bank End of Service
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
Choosing between a physical card and an owned digital copy
| Option | What you need | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Physical game card | A compatible game card and 3DS system | Can avoid obtaining the game from the closed eShop, but does not restore online features that have ended. |
| Owned digital copy | An eligible prior purchase, access to its associated Nintendo Network ID when required, and sufficient SD-card space | Redownloads are offered for the foreseeable future, with no published final date; new purchases are unavailable. |
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.
