Earlier today, we reported that Nintendo would be discontinuing the DSi and DSi XL Shop in two phases over the next couple of years, one in September of this year, and the other in March of 2017. Other than that, not much information was given, and what was revealed was incredibly vague. Luckily, Nintendo has prepared a FAQ to answer a few of the questions you might of had after hearing the announcement. You can find the official FAQ page here, or check out all of the details below.
General Questions:
Why is the Nintendo DSi Shop closing?
Now that customers have shifted to the Nintendo 3DS family of systems and Nintendo eShop, we plan to focus our efforts in those areas. As such, the Nintendo DSi Shop will close in 2017 after eight years of operation. We sincerely thank our loyal customers for supporting the Nintendo DSi Shop on both Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems. Note that most Nintendo DSiWare will continue to be sold in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS family systems.
When will all Nintendo DSi Shop services (including the ability to re-download) be terminated?
The Nintendo DSi Shop will close in 2017. You can still add Nintendo DSi Points until September 30th 2016 and purchase content in the Nintendo DSi Shop until March 31st 2017. Please be aware that the ability to re-download Nintendo DSiWare games will stop at some point. More details will be available soon.
Nintendo DSiWare:
Will I still be able to purchase Nintendo DSiWare?
You can continue to purchase Nintendo DSiWare through the Nintendo DSi Shop until March 31st 2017. Some Nintendo DSiWare is also to available to purchase through Nintendo eShop, available on Nintendo 3DS family systems.
Can I still play the Nintendo DSiWare I’ve purchased?
You may continue to play the software you have downloaded as long as you do not delete your Nintendo DSi Shop Account.
You can also transfer your Nintendo DSi content to a Nintendo 3DS family system and continue playing it there. To learn more, click here.
Can I still re-download Nintendo DSiWare that I’ve purchased?
For now, you can continue to re-download purchased Nintendo DSiWare, but please be aware that this ability will stop at some point. More details will be available soon.
If you transfer your content to a newer system in the Nintendo 3DS family, you can continue to access and re-download it there as well. To learn more, click here.
Can I transfer Nintendo DSiWare to a Nintendo 3DS family system?`
To learn how to transfer your Nintendo DSi Shop content to a Nintendo 3DS family system, click here. Please be aware that the ability to transfer will stop at some point. More details will be available soon.
How many Nintendo DSiWare titles have been released so far?
We have released over 500 titles (games + applications) combined in Europe.
Nintendo DSi Points:
What do I do with the Nintendo DSi points I haven’t spent?
You may want to use any remaining Nintendo DSi points you might have before the purchase function in Nintendo DSi Shop is closed on March 31st 2017.
Can I get my unused Nintendo DSi points refunded?
For now you can continue to purchase and redeem Nintendo DSi points in the Nintendo DSi Shop as normal, but you may want to spend any unused Nintendo DSi points before the purchase function in Nintendo DSi Shop is closed on March 31st 2017. More details will be announced in the near future.
I still have an unused Nintendo Points Card. Can I still redeem it?
For now, it is still possible to redeem Nintendo Points Cards in the Nintendo DSi Shop until that functionality ends on September 30th 2016. You may also redeem them in the Wii Shop on either a Wiior Wii U console (in Wii mode).
Can I use my Nintendo DSi points to fund my Nintendo eShop account?
Not at this time.
I never spent much (time or money) on DSiWare, but I found a few gems like, and I know I’m the only person who even looked at this, Escapee GO!
Shame to hear it’s going the way of the dodo soon…
I know this is the wrong topic but I just gotta say that Miitomo commercial is so damn cringe worthy. It was seriously hard to watch. I know Nintendo has to be kid friendly, but holy hell….. how tone deaf can you be.. haha.. Ok back to DSi shop that I thought closed down three years ago.
Back up your DSIware games onto your computer or a different SD Card in case your SD Card dies in the future if you haven’t transferred them yet to a 2DS or 3DS.
now i know why it’s taken so long to get near the western market. wow. so primitive. and yet i still support them.
I haven’t purchased many games myself, but Shantae: Risky’s Revenge and Dark Void Zero were two of the BEST DSiWare games I’ve played (especially the latter; that game was VERY difficult to beat and something that Capcom should have made more of).
Let’s give Nintendo a round of applause for proving that buying digital is the stupidest idea that’s ever been created. While the DSiWare isn’t a vast or extremely popular catalog the fact that you eventually won’t be able to re-download the games you PAID for is a bit ridiculous. Sure you can transfer but what if you don’t have a 3DS? You shouldn’t be forced to buy a new system to play old games you paid for. This is what I feared would happen with digital games and Nintendo is proving this true. I’m certainly not buying anymore Nintendo games digitally if they’re available on disc. Thanks Nintendo, now I know why I only have a select few games digitally on Wii U and 3DS. Hoping Sony doesn’t do the same thing with the PS3. They sort of did with PSP but you can still get your PSP games downloaded, just not through the built-in shop. As long as there’s a way to re-download them, even if through a computer or PS3 console, it’s better than closing it out altogether. Really hoping we don’t see a lot of companies doing that with their previous generation shops. Keep these things available, you wanted the money for it so you should continue to have it accessible. It’s certainly understandable to close off purchases but not downloads that have been paid for.
Being able to transfer DSi games to my 3DS is certainly an interesting development. I think my ex left her DSi somewhere in my house, I might have to check out that shop. I’ve already taken note of the games you guys have mentioned in this thread, any other good recommendations?
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