3DS eShop Closing - Demise Is Near

There is some new information that is related to Pokémon just as much as it isn't. For those still hanging on to their Nintendo 3DS, it has been announced that its eShop (in addition to that of the Wii U) is closing in late March, which means that it will no longer be possible to purchase or download games or utilities from it. That's the general gist of things; the specific implication, and the way that the information becomes related to Pokémon, is that the situation applies for Pokémon games and utilities that are present on the eShop as well. It becomes somewhat of a concern, which is why I've elected to highlight the information in a post.

The affected games would include the main series games of the sixth and seventh generations, plus the third-generation remakes (X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon). Other affected games would be the spinoff games (including Super Mystery Dungeon, Shuffle, and even Detective Pikachu). As for utilities, the main one in this regard is Pokémon Bank, though despite being outdated, the Pokédex 3D might be of some novelty. All of these, including associated updates, would stand to become inaccessible, unless they're also the full-fledged games with a physical cartridge available.

A few of my friends have suggested to purchase and/or download as many items as possible from the eShop before it closes, including updates for all existing games and utilities if necessary (especially Pokémon Bank above). The advice is succinct and worthwhile, so it bears to be repeated in this post by me. The eShop closing down certainly doesn't mean that games - especially those in physical cartridges - will no longer be playable, but they'll likely function differently; the suggestion above remains something to regard nonetheless.

At any rate, the imminent closure of the eShop of the 3DS (and the Wii U) also means that the demise of both is also nearing, and this is one of the milestones on the way to that demise. And since Pokémon is majorly present on the 3DS, it also becomes a milestone to regard for anyone who plays the games on the platform. "Late March" is also not that very far away, considering today's date, so it becomes all the more important to take action now before the gameplay experience for Pokémon and other games is affected due to the eShop closure.

One year ago: More NPC Trainers in Pokémon Go?

Two years ago: Hobby as a Partner

Three years ago: Even More LINE Pokémon Stickers

Four years ago: Quirky Raids

Five years ago: Secret Garden