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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A Nintendo 3DS can still play compatible physical game cards and run offline modes. StreetPass also still works because it uses local communication. What you can no longer do is buy new eShop games or use most online features: purchases stopped in March 2023, and Nintendo ended online play and other internet-dependent services in April 2024. Nintendo says you can redownload eligible games and DLC you already own, and download existing updates, “for the foreseeable future”—but it has not announced a final end date.
What changed, and when?
The eShop closure and the later online-service shutdown were separate changes. The first ended sales and most new downloads; the second ended online play and other internet-dependent features.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nintendo 3DS - Flame Red (Renewed) | $224.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Nintendo 3DS Handheld System - Aqua Blue (Renewed) | $219.95 | 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) | $220.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/316whGNkIZL._SL160_.jpg)
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Nintendo 3DS XL Handheld System - Black/Blue (Renewed) [Nintendo DS] | $298.96 | Buy on Amazon |
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| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| March 27, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time | Nintendo 3DS eShop purchases and most new downloads ended. This included games, DLC, demos, free-to-start software, and other free content. A small number of free themes remain available through Theme Shop. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation notice |
| 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 | Nintendo ended online play and other internet-communication functions for 3DS software, including New Nintendo 3DS-exclusive software. Nintendo’s online-service notice |
Unmerged eShop balances could no longer be used or merged after March 11, 2024, unless the Nintendo Network ID (NNID) and Nintendo Account wallets had been linked and merged by then. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
What can you still do on a 3DS?
Play compatible games offline
Nintendo says features and game modes that do not require online communication remain usable. A game can still launch and work offline while losing online multiplayer, rankings, trading, or content distribution. Which parts remain depends on the individual title.
#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
Play compatible physical game cards
A compatible game card remains a way to play without obtaining a digital copy from the closed eShop. Nintendo’s 3DS XL operations manual describes using game cards. A card does not restore a game’s discontinued online features.
Use StreetPass
StreetPass uses local communication between 3DS-family systems, so it remains available. Nintendo specifically says StreetPass in the preinstalled StreetPass Mii Plaza can still be used. Some content that relied on online communication is gone—for example, you can no longer receive new Puzzle Swap panels through online data distribution. Nintendo’s online-service notice
Redownload eligible purchases and updates
Nintendo says previously purchased games and DLC, along with existing software updates, can be redownloaded “for the foreseeable future.” Nintendo has not published a final cutoff date, so this is not a guarantee of permanent availability. There is one important exception: demos cannot be redownloaded after the eShop closure, even if you downloaded them before. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation notice
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDownload a limited number of free themes
A small number of free themes remain available through Theme Shop. This exception does not mean free eShop downloads or the eShop itself have reopened. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation notice
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.
What no longer works?
- New eShop acquisitions: You cannot buy 3DS games or DLC, download demos or free-to-start software, or redeem download codes. You also cannot add funds to the 3DS eShop. Nintendo’s eShop discontinuation Q&A
- Online play and internet-dependent features: Online co-op, internet rankings, data distribution, and other functions using internet communication ended in April 2024. For third-party games, Nintendo advises checking with the publisher because service status can differ. Nintendo’s online-service notice
- SpotPass functions: SpotPass uses online communication, so its functions are no longer available. This differs from StreetPass, which uses local communication. Nintendo’s online-service notice
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 restore.
- Check that the SD card has enough free space, then start the download. Nintendo lists free SD-card space as a requirement for downloading content. Nintendo’s eShop requirements
If you formatted the system, content bought while an NNID was associated with it requires that NNID to redownload. Previously purchased eligible content can be redownloaded at no cost, subject to Nintendo’s ongoing availability. Nintendo’s redownload instructions
Redownloading restores eligible content already owned; it does not let you acquire new games, demos, or free-to-start downloads. An eShop card or download code cannot be used to get around the closure.
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
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 then as well. Nintendo also says the Pokémon Bank app is not currently available for download, so this end date does not mean new users can obtain it now. Nintendo’s Pokémon Bank end-of-service notice
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
Choosing between physical and digital games
| Option | What it means now |
|---|---|
| Physical game card | Lets you play a compatible card without a new eShop download. Internet-dependent features remain affected by the online shutdown. |
| Owned digital copy | Can be redownloaded for the foreseeable future if eligible and still available from Nintendo; no final cutoff date has been announced. |
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.
