Nintendo eShop

The Nintendo eShop is a service on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS that allows players to purchase games digitally on their systems with Nintendo eShop cards and credit cards. It was released on Nintendo 3DS on June 6th, 2011 in North America and on June 7th in other regions such as Japan, Europe, and Australia. The service launched on Wii U alongside the consoles 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.

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.