Nintendo Announces Entire Switch eShop, All Online Support Ending In China

Nintendo has announced a major change for the Switch console in China: The eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services will close in early 2026. The move comes amid the Chinese government’s implementation of a rule limiting children to one hour of online game time per day.

However, Nintendo did not cite any specific reason for the upcoming shutdown of the eShop and all network services for the Switch in China (via Eurogamer).

Whatever the case, the eShop will close in China on April 1, 2026. This means Nintendo will no longer sell games or offer demos. Starting May 15, 2026, Nintendo will block the redemption of online codes, which will prevent users from redeeming DLC or other items they have a code for. May 15 is also the day that Nintendo will shut down all network services for the Switch in China.

People in China who use WeChat can claim up to four free Nintendo games as part of the impending shutdown. These games include:

• 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 Pokemon Snap
• Pokemon Go! Pikachu
• Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee

As mentioned, Nintendo did not specify any reason for this drastic change in one of the world’s biggest gaming markets. Also unclear is what this might mean for the Switch 2, or whatever the next Nintendo console is called.