![To give Switch owners a better idea of what to expect in the months ahead, we've compiled this list of every Nintendo game* currently in development, ordered by release date.
*There’s some wiggle room when it comes to what is and isn’t a "nintendo game," and we’re not covering all Switch exclusives. Instead, we’ve included games that Nintendo itself considers to be Nintendo products according to their recent earnings material, covering new games Nintendo is developing, publishing, or licensing from third parties. (Technically, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is developed and published by Ubisoft, but it feels silly to leave a game with Mario in a starring role off the list. And though Triangle Strategy may come to other platforms like Octopath Traveler, for now Nintendo considers it a key property for Switch.) Anything that doesn’t quite fit those criteria (such as older games being re-released via Nintendo Switch Online) are not included.” src=”https://assets-prd.ignimgs.com/2022/02/11/nintendogamesindevelopment-slideshow-1644593927543.jpg?width=888&crop=16%3A9&quality=20&dpr=0.05″ class=”jsx-2920405963 progressive-image image jsx-294430442 rounded expand loading”/></div>
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<p>If you’re worried about your existing library of eShop games, the good news is that you will be able to redownload content you already own as well as existing software updates. However, it will be impossible to purchase new games. </p>
<p>The discontinuation of the Wii U/3DS eshop will remove access to 1799 titles currently available on the eShop. They include Virtual Console releases for the GBA as well as a host of other unique updates, such as the 3D Classics remakes. While many 3DS and Wii U games can be purchased physically, the eShop closure will put additional pressure on supply and raise prices across the board.</p>
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One element of Nintendo’s FAQ addresses the company’s obligation to classic game preservation. The statement — now deleted — directs fans to Nintendo Switch Online, saying that Nintendo “currently have no plans to offer classic content in other ways.”
“We think this is an effective way to make classic content easily available to a broad range of players,” the statement read. “Within these libraries, new and longtime players can not only find games they remember or have heard about, but other fun games they might not have thought to see out otherwise.”
The statement came under fire from Nintendo fans on Twitter and is currently unavailable on Nintendo’s website.
PlayStation fans faced a similar predicament in 2021 when Sony announced that it was discontinuing support for the PS3 and Vita stores. In a remarkable reversal, though, Sony ultimately decided to keep the stores open, with CEO Jim Ryan saying that it was “clear that we made the wrong decision here.”
Nintendo’s decision to shutdown the 3DS and Wii U follows the closure of the Wii Shop, which shuttered in 2019. The Wii U’s Miiverse, the system’s online social service, also closed in 2017.
Nintendo’s decision to remove access to digital releases once again raises questions about game preservation and other issues, which have become more persistent as physical releases have waned. For the most part, it’s been up to the fans to maintain digital services after they are abandoned by platform holders. The Nintendo Switch will no doubt suffer a similar fate at some point in the future.
In the meantime, if you’re feeling nostalgic, Nintendo is offering a service that allows you to see your Wii U and 3DS memories. You can also see our list of the 25 best Wii U games as well as the 25 best 3DS games. Use those lists to find the games that you want to download and keep, because they won’t be easily accessible for much longer.
Kat Bailey is a Senior News Editor at IGN
