Nintendo has closed the doors to the eShop in Russia. In an email to all publishers, the company announced that sales ended on May 31, 2023. Therefore, it is no longer possible to purchase digital games or redeem download codes in Russia.
Why is the eShop being closed? Nintendo cites the “economic outlook” of its Russian subsidiary as the reason for the closure (via gamedeveloper.com).
Is the eShop completely closed? The eShop will remain partially operational. Players can still re-download their previous purchases. Nintendo aims to fulfill its “commitment to its customers in the Russian market.” Thus, at least a limited service will be offered as of May 31.
As compensation, Russian players can look forward to a new gaming event initiated by President Putin:
Nintendo’s announcement is even an improvement for Russia: The Russian eShop has been under maintenance since early 2022. The reason was the cessation of transactions in Russian rubles by payment providers.
Thus, it was no longer even possible to download previously purchased games from the eShop. Now, players in Russia at least have a claim to their digital titles.
As a result of the partial closure, all payment information linked to Nintendo accounts will be deleted. Should the Russian eShop ever become fully operational again, affected players will need to re-enter their PayPal and credit card information.
Therefore, it is now no longer possible to purchase new titles like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom digitally in Russia. They must look for alternatives.
In the trailer, you can see what players in Russia are now missing:
Duration of the closure in Russia is still unknown
How long will the use of the eShop be restricted? Nintendo stated in the email that the service will remain closed as of May 31, 2023, and “for the foreseeable future.” The statement is very vague, but it can be assumed that the closure will extend over several weeks and months. An end is thus not yet in sight.
– Ukraine Live Blog (via Zeit)
– War in Ukraine (via nzz)
– Solidarity with Ukraine (via auswärtiges-amt)
Important note: If you are plagued by dark thoughts due to the current situation: You are not alone. Please seek help. For example, at the telephonic counseling service at 0800/111 0 111 or the Online Counseling, where you can also use a chat. This is free and applies nationwide.
With this decision, Nintendo follows numerous other companies that have already halted their sales in Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This includes Sony, Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and many other gaming companies.
Wargaming and MyGames have even completely closed their offices to withdraw from the market. In Belarus, one of the founders of Wargaming is even considered a terrorist: One of the founders of World of Tanks is considered a terrorist in Belarus
