Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is a service on Nintendo 3DS, Wii U, and 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 Japan, Europe, and Oceania. The service launched on Wii U alongside the console's release, and on Nintendo Switch as well.

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 is capable of linking up to a 3DS or Wii U eShop account and combine balances between the three.

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.

On July 31, 2020, a limited variant of the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U closed in certain Latin America and the Caribbean markets, as well as for the Nintendo 3DS in certain Southeast Asia and the Middle East markets.

On February 15, 2022, Nintendo announced that it will no longer be possible to make purchases on the Nintendo eShop for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as of late March 2023.

Trivia

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