Nintendo Switch eShop Online Services Will End in China in 2026

You might have seen the clickbait version of this story earlier in the week, where outlets were saying the Nintendo Switch eShop would be closing down in two years. Buried beneath that headline on many sites was that the closure is specifically coming to China. Nintendo will be closing down the eShop in the region on March 31, 2026. Then, on May 15, 2026, all online services, including the ability to redeem codes and download software, will be cut off, as well.

Nintendo hasn’t given a reason for this decision, but is trying to ease the pain for consumers by offering players in the region four free games from the selection of 12 listed below:

• New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
• Super Mario Odyssey
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• Super Mario Party
• Mario Tennis Aces
• Yoshi’s Crafted World
• Flexible Brain School
• Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Exercises
• Kirby Star Allies
• New Pokémon Snap
• Pokémon Go! Pikachu
• Pokémon Let’s Go! Eevee

Although one might assume this has to do with the impending arrival of the so-called Switch 2, it’s really anyone’s guess as to why Nintendo is opting to make this move. China is certainly a different beast than other countries when it comes to releasing games owing to its strict communist government. Is there an issue with regulations fueling this decision, perhaps? If we find out we’ll let you all know, but in the interim give us your theories down below.

Source: Nintendo of China