Nintendo Switch eShop and Online Services to End in China by 2026

Nintendo Switch players in China are facing the end of an era as the Nintendo eShop and online services in the country are set to close in 2026. According to a report from Video Games Chronicle, the shutdown will occur in phases, with key dates marking the gradual cessation of services.

Starting March 31, 2026, the Chinese Nintendo eShop will cease selling games and other software. After this date, both paid and free titles will no longer be available for purchase or claim. This marks the beginning of the end for Nintendo’s digital presence in the region.

Following this, on May 15, 2026, players will lose the ability to download previously purchased titles or redeem codes for games and DLC, effectively bringing Nintendo’s digital ecosystem in China to a complete halt.

A Collaborative Venture Comes to a Close

The Nintendo Switch launched in China in 2020 in partnership with Tencent, the tech giant known for its expansive influence in the gaming industry. The collaboration aimed to bring Nintendo’s signature franchises to Chinese gamers, though its offerings were initially limited. Upon release, the console came with just one first-party title—Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Over the years, more Nintendo Switch games were localized for Chinese audiences.

Free Games as a Parting Gesture

To ease the transition, Nintendo has announced a program allowing Chinese players to redeem up to four free games from a selection of popular titles. This initiative runs from November 27, 2024, to March 31, 2026. Eligible players must own a Chinese Nintendo Switch with an active WeChat account linked to their console.

Among the titles available for redemption are:

• 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: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
• Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!

Each WeChat account can redeem the free games once, and players with multiple consoles will need separate active accounts for additional claims.

What’s Next for Chinese Gamers?

As the Nintendo Switch enters its twilight in China, players may look to other gaming platforms or await future developments from Nintendo. For now, the closure marks a significant shift for a console that brought iconic franchises to a new audience under Tencent’s guidance.

Stay tuned for updates on how this decision might influence Nintendo’s future plans in China and beyond.