After a 7-year run, the eShops for Nintendo’s Wii U and 3DS are being discontinued today.
Considering this might be the end of an era for some Nintendo fans, here is a quick look back at how these eshops started.
The eShops for the two gaming systems were first released in 2011 and 2012 respectively. They served as online marketplaces where gamers could download new games, demos and other content. They also provided access to add-ons like gamer points, themes and the like.
The eShops stores weren’t just limited to games either. Both stores incorporated virtual storefronts where players could buy apparel from the Nintendo brand. Accessories and even physical games were made available there as well. Players were also able to buy game time cards for their favored games on the system.
When Nintendo added these stores to their systems, it was sort of a new way for them to interact and build relationships with their customers. And for that, it’s been successful.
However, today marks the end of the eshops for both gaming platforms. Nintendo has given various reasons, but none the less, there’s no more buying or downloading games from the Wii U or 3DS eshops.
Although Nintendo has officially ended the eShop’s stores, they are allowing players to download any remaining purchases they made, in case they wanted to switch consoles. Furthermore, all points purchased are still able to be used.
It’s sad to see that Nintendo’s eshops are shutting down, but this doesn’t mean the end of Nintendo. After all, on November 18th Nintendo is launching the Nintendo Switch Online featuring the NES and SNES. perhaps this will be the new leader in the gaming world.