Nintendo, while ushering in its new Switch 2 era, is simultaneously bidding farewell to its beloved 3DS handheld console line. For years, even after the consoles were officially discontinued, Nintendo continued to offer repair services for the 3DS and its various models in Japan. However, these operations have been gradually scaled back, and the company recently announced the cessation of repair support for the New Nintendo 2DS XL, which was the last model still receiving official service.
“As we have depleted the necessary parts for repairs, we have officially discontinued repair services for the New Nintendo 2DS XL as of September 4, 2025,” Nintendo stated (via VGC). The company further clarified, “Repair services for all other Nintendo 3DS series systems have also been halted.”
This decision effectively brings the Nintendo 3DS era to a definitive close, as Nintendo no longer possesses the components required to fix units sent to its Japanese facilities. Repair support for the original 3DS handheld had already concluded in August 2024, with parts for the Nintendo 2DS running out shortly thereafter.
It`s also worth noting that the digital storefronts (eShops) for both the 3DS and Wii U consoles were shut down in 2023, and Wii U repair support ended last year. Although the 3DS no longer offers online play functionality, it remains home to an extensive library of physical cartridge games.
The 3DS proved to be a significant success for Nintendo, selling an impressive 75.9 million units worldwide throughout its lifecycle. As an evolution of the highly popular Nintendo DS, it initially featured a unique 3D screen gimmick. However, subsequent models, rebranded as 2DS, eventually dropped this 3D feature entirely. Nintendo even released a 2DS version without the classic clamshell design, targeting younger players.
Meanwhile, Nintendo`s latest console, the Switch 2, appears to be off to a very strong start. Sales of the Switch 2 in the US are significantly outperforming those of the original Switch, with 2 million units sold by August 27. Globally, despite its relatively high price, the Switch 2 surpassed 6 million units sold within the first seven weeks of its launch.
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