The Nintendo Switch Chinese eShop is set to shut down. Starting March 31, 2026, it will no longer be possible to purchase new games or enjoy free trials through the eShop. A few weeks later, starting May 15, 2026, all network-related functions will be disabled. This includes downloading software, using game codes, and accessing additional content or online multiplayer services.
A two-stage shutdown
In concrete terms, Chinese players will have to turn to games already installed on their console, provided that they do not require a connection to Nintendo's servers. This change marks a turning point for a console that was launched late in China, in 2019, thanks to a partnership with Tencent. Unlike the rest of the world, where the Switch has a vast catalog, the Chinese eShop is limited to: only about sixty titles.
To compensate for this shutdown, Nintendo is offering a unique deal: up to four free games for users with an active WeChat account. These games can be chosen from a selection of twelve iconic titles from the console, such as Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee and Super Mario Party. This offer will be available until March 31, 2026.
Although generous, this initiative is not enough to dispel questions about the closure of the eShop. Nintendo has not provided any official explanation for this decision. Some analysts cite the recent restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on online gaming. These rules aim to reduce excessive spending and combat video game addiction, particularly among young people. Others believe that the Switch's commercial performance in China could be to blame.
This announcement comes at a time when rumors about the future Switch 2 are multiplying. Nintendo's next console will be unveiled before the end of March 2025, with marketing planned a few weeks or months later. While the Japanese firm remains silent on its plans for the market Chinese, the closure of the current eShop could be part of a broader strategy to prepare the ground for this next generation. Or maybe not...
Because there is no guarantee that the Switch 2 will be released in China, where console manufacturers must deal with complex regulations and obtain authorizations from local authorities. Nor is there a guarantee that a new dedicated online platform will be set up for this specific market.
For players outside of China, this closure will have no impact: the eShop remains fully operational in the Americas, Europe and elsewhere. In China, however, this announcement marks the end of a chapter for Nintendo. While the future of the brand remains to be written, it is clear that this decision is a game-changer in a crucial but demanding market.
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