Nintendo Switch eShop closing 2026 in China

Nintendo to close China eShop in 2026; offers free game rewards via WeChat.

: Nintendo will close its Switch eShop and network services in China by May 2026. After March 31, 2026, the store will cease game sales and free trials. By May 15, download and code redemption services will end. A reward program offers up to four free games for WeChat users until March 2026.

Nintendo will shut down its Switch eShop and network services in China in 2026. The digital store will stop selling games and offering free trials after March 31, with all download and code redemption services ending by May 15.

To mitigate the impact on their user base, a reward program is being launched that allows WeChat users to obtain up to four free Nintendo games. The games are redeemable from November 27, 2024, to March 31, 2026, including popular titles like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Super Mario Odyssey.

Factors affecting this decision have not been specified by Nintendo. While regulatory challenges in China's gaming industry are recognized, it remains unclear if these influenced the decision or if it relates to strategic interests concerning future products like Switch 2.

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