If you want to digitally purchase games like Pokémon X and Y on your Nintendo 3DS, you should do so soon, as it will no longer be possible in a few weeks.
Why can’t you buy the games anymore? On March 27, 2023, Nintendo will shut down the eShop on the 3DS and Wii U.
The eShop is the place to purchase games digitally on Nintendo consoles, similar to the PS Store on PlayStation consoles.
With the shutdown of the eShop on 3DS and Wii U, it will no longer be possible to make purchases on the affected platforms. This also means that games that are only playable on the 3DS, for example, will no longer be available digitally.
74% of all Pokémon games will no longer be available digitally
Which Pokémon games will no longer be available for purchase? The shutdown of the eShop on 3DS and Wii U affects some games in the Pokémon series. This includes some titles from the main series as well as some spin-off titles:
- Pokémon X and Y
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Pokémon Sun and Moon
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Detective Pikachu
- Pokémon Rumble World
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Portals to Infinity
- Super Pokémon Rumble
- Pokémon Rumble U
Additionally, the “Gen 1” and “Gen 2” classics Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal will be removed, as well as the “Nintendo DS” games Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky and Pokémon Ranger.
The 3DS trailer for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is on YouTube the most viewed trailer of a Pokémon game, with 76 million views:
The games Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, LeafGreen, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Black, White, Black 2, White 2, all of which were part of the main series, are already not available for digital purchase.
As Twitter user Phil Salvador points out, after the shutdown of the eShop on 3DS and Wii U, a total of 74% of all Pokémon games will no longer be available.
Pokémon GO and Switch games remain available
Which games can Pokémon fans still buy? Pokémon fans who want to buy their games digitally will only have a very limited selection of titles available starting March 27.
About 25% of all Pokémon games will still be available digitally. These mainly include the most recent titles on the Nintendo Switch:
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Pokémon Shining Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
- Pokémon Tekken DX
- New Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Unite
The mobile hit Pokémon GO is still available and regularly brings events and updates. In March, there are again 4 dates that players should not miss.
Pokémon GO: 4 must-attend dates in March 2023 that you must not miss
