As Nintendo enters a new chapter with the launch of its Switch 2, the company simultaneously bids farewell to its cherished 3DS family of portable gaming systems. For many years, Nintendo provided crucial repair services for the 3DS and its various iterations specifically in Japan, even after these handhelds were officially discontinued. However, these vital services have been gradually scaled back over time, culminating in the announcement that repair support for the New Nintendo 2DS XL, the final console in the series to be officially maintained, is coming to an end.
Nintendo has confirmed the definitive cessation of these operations. In an official statement, the company declared, “As we have run out of parts needed for repairs, we have discontinued repair services for the New Nintendo 2DS XL as of September 4, 2025.” The statement further clarified that “Repairs for all other Nintendo 3DS series systems have also been discontinued,” signaling the complete closure of this support avenue.
This announcement effectively marks the definitive end of the Nintendo 3DS era. Nintendo no longer possesses the necessary components to perform repairs on any units submitted to its service centers in Japan. Repair support for the original 3DS handheld concluded in August 2024, with the Nintendo 2DS following suit shortly thereafter, both due to an exhaustion of spare parts.
It is also worth noting that the digital storefronts (eShops) for both the 3DS and Wii U consoles were shut down by Nintendo in 2023, with repair services for the Wii U having ceased last year. While online multiplayer functionality is no longer available for the 3DS, the system still boasts a vast and beloved collection of games that remain accessible through their physical cartridge format, preserving its extensive library for players and collectors.
The 3DS proved to be a remarkable success for Nintendo, achieving global sales of 75.9 million units throughout its operational lifespan. Evolving from the immensely popular Nintendo DS, it introduced an innovative 3D screen feature that did not require special glasses. Nevertheless, subsequent models, re-branded as 2DS, eventually omitted this 3D functionality entirely. Nintendo even released a distinct 2DS model without the classic clamshell design, specifically targeting younger members of the gaming community.
Meanwhile, Nintendo`s latest console, the Switch 2, appears to be off to a significantly strong start. Early sales figures indicate that the Switch 2 is considerably outpacing its predecessor in the US market, with an impressive 2 million units sold by August 27. Globally, the console achieved sales exceeding 6 million units within just seven weeks of its launch, despite its comparatively higher price point.