Nintendo seems to be cutting off functionality on one of the3DS' free apps just a few days before the closure of the system’s eShop. Theannouncement of the closing of the 3DS and Wii U eShopswas made early last year and has had fans acting quickly to get as many of the system’s digital games while they still can.
The3DSeShop launched in 2011 as the handheld’s online distribution service and was home to tons of downloadable games and applications, many of which were exclusive to the service. These ranged from digital versions of first-party titles, smaller games sold at budget prices, and even a handful of free games and applications. When it was announced that the eShop would close on June 01, 2025, fans began digging into this well of software for games and apps worth grabbing before they could no longer be downloaded.
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One of the most popular free 3DS apps wasNintendo Badge Arcade, a digital claw machine game that allowed players to grab decorative badges to display on their 3DS home screen. The app normally gave users two free plays a day with the option to buy more with real money, but 3DS owners opened the app today to find that these free plays seem to have been discontinued. Reddit users MaskMaster99 and Mechagouki1971 brought this to the attention of the 3DS subreddit, expressing their disappointment. Other 3DS owners reflected these feelings in the replies to both posts asmany hoped the app would become fully free similar toPokemon Bankwhich will be available for freestarting March 28.
Players are still able to buy more plays onNintendo Badge Arcadebut have lost access to the app’s exclusive themes and “Thank-you” badges, both of which were only accessible through paying real money. Some publishers have hosted final sales on the 3DS eShop such asCapcom which is offering discounts of up to 90% on its 3DS games, so fans hoped that Nintendo would begin offering something similar. Today’s news shows that Nintendo has already begun to cut functionality forNintendo Badge Arcade, indicating that other services and games are unlikely to go free anytime soon.
With the 3DS and Wii U eShops only a few days away from being closed, fans of these systems have been hoping in vain that these systems may get more continued support. Nintendo has not backed off and has carried on with thediscontinuation of 3DS and Wii U featuressuch as image sharing and the ability to add funds through credit cards. While this closure is disheartening for many, both of these systems had huge fanbases and will be fondly remembered by millions.
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