Tencent Announces Chinese Nintendo Switch eShop Shut Down

Nintendo Switch eShop Shut Down: Nintendo and partner Tencent have announced the Chinese Nintendo Switch eShop and online services will be shutting down in 2026.

This move will only affect players who own the official Chinese version of the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch eShop Shut Down 

Tencent, which handles Nintendo’s sales in the country, made the announcement yesterday, while also announcing a “compensation plan” for WeChat users. 

Tencent also states that, despite this decision for which the reasons have not been disclosed, “we will continue to work hard to bring Chinese Nintendo Switch customers the fun of Nintendo games. Thank you for your continued support.”

According to 36Kr Games, the reason is an operational adjustment involving network services. This includes several key functions, like e-store data variation. 

Typically, a network service provider with a long-established relationship with Nintendo handles these tasks. 

Specifically, they connect the Chinese version of the Switch platform and Nintendo’s network.

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Tencent and Nintendo’s Plans For The Customers

Nintendo and Tencent promise that in the future, they “will continue to work hard to allow Chinese Nintendo Switch customers to enjoy the fun of Nintendo games.” 

Thanks to a partnership with Tencent, the Switch first debuted in China in 2019, two years after its worldwide launch. 

Given their eagerness to make Nintendo’s games available to the Chinese marketplace, it’s assumed that this relationship will continue with the Switch’s successor.