In a shocking bit of news this morning, Nintendo has announced that the Chinese Switch eShop will be ending all services in 2026. On March 31st, 2026, the digital storefront will cease selling games and distributing free software and nothing will be available to purchase or claim. On May 15th, 2026, Nintendo Switch owners will lose the ability to download or redeem games and all DLC will be removed. Owners will also not be able to redownload any games they may have purchased.
To make up for this sudden decision, Nintendo will be offering up to four free games to all Switch owners who also have a WeChat account associated with their Switch (WeChat is a Chinese social media app similar to WhatsApp). From November 27th, 2024, until March 31st, 2026, players can redeem games from a list of first-party titles that they’ll then be able to keep following the eShop closure. These games include the following:
- New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
- Super Mario Odyssey
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Super Mario Party
- Mario Tennis Aces
- Yoshi’s Crafted World
- Flexible Brain School
- Dr Kawashima’s Brain Exercises
- Kirby Star Allies
- New Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Go! Pikachu
- Pokémon Let’s Go! Eevee
Why is the Nintendo Switch eShop closing in China?
It’s uncertain why this is happening, though there are many potential reasons. The history of video game consoles in China is tumultuous, but a ban was put in place in 2000 over fears of gaming addiction and excessive play by children. It was eventually lifted in 2015 and while Nintendo didn’t bring the Wii U over, it eventually released a version of the Switch in 2019 with a partnership through Tencent. As many will know, Tencent is possibly the biggest tech company in the world and some new laws or regulations may be preventing Nintendo from operating in the country.
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Written by Peter Glagowski
Peter has been a freelance gaming and film critic for over seven years. His passion for Nintendo is only matched by the size of his collection.
