Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is a service on Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and upcoming Nintendo Switch that allows players to purchase games digitally on their systems with Nintendo eShop cards and credit cards. It was launched on Nintendo 3DS on June 6, 2011 in North America, and one day later in other regions including Japan, Europe, and Australia. The service launched on Wii U alongside the console's release.

On the eShop, users are also able to purchase downloadable content for their games. As of the December 9, 2013 update, a Nintendo Network ID is required to download free and demo software from the Nintendo 3DS eShop. In addition, the player can link their Nintendo Network ID to their 3DS and vice versa to combine eShop funds on both systems into one. The Nintendo Switch will be able to link up to a 3DS or Wii U eShop account and be able to download all previously downloaded titles to the Nintendo Switch for no cost at all, being Nintendo's first system to do so.

Other than purchasing games, users can view information on current and upcoming titles and watch the latest trailers, Nintendo Direct presentations and episodes of The Cat Mario Show. Players are also able to pre-load some games and are able to play them after a small update on the release.

Trivia

 * The title theme from Mario Kart: Double Dash!! can be found in the 3DS eShop's files.