Nintendo Switch online services are shutting down in China in 2026. Read on to learn more about this surprising announcement from Tencent.
China to Lose Nintendo Switch Online Services
Gradual Shut Down Scheduled from March to May 2026
Nintendo Switch consoles sold in China will gradually be unable to access the Nintendo eShop as it was reported that it will shut down its China-region branchand other online services in 2026. This includes purchasing digital games, their DLCs, and other network-related services. The announcement came from Nintendo Switch’s Chinese website on November 26, 2024.
There are two phases for the Nintendo Switch online services shutdown in China. First, Nintendo Switch eShop will not allow players to purchase games, other software, and free trial games on March 31, 2026. Next, redeeming codes, download services, and other network-related services will cease operating on May 15, 2026. Some affected games are Super Mario Odyssey’s Leaderboard and New Pokemon Snap’s Upload Photo features.
Games not included in the list like Yoshi’s Crafted World, must be downloaded before May 15, 2026 to play them. Players cannot download, redeem, or purchase any games from the Chinese eShop after the said date.
Services unaffected by this announcement are the sale of Nintendo Switch Consoles, accessories, game cartridges, warranties, and others. However, players can also contact Nintendo Switch China Customer Services for further clarification.
Rewarding Players Owning Chinese Switch Consoles
To thank players and to ease the impact of this news, players owning an activated region-locked Switch from China can download up to four games in eShop from November 27, 2024, to March 31, 2026. Games like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! are available for free.
However, it is important to remember that an "activated" console refers to a Switch bound to a WeChat account. With that being said, only one WeChat account per console is eligible for this program.
Nearly 4 Million Switch Users to Lose Access to NSO
This fruitful partnership started when Tencent announced that Guangdong, a province of China, permitted the company to distribute Nintendo Switch consoles with a "test version" of New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe back in April 2019. At the end of the same year, Nintendo shipped 1 million units to China, proving the demand for Switch consoles.
Since then, the Nintendo Switch has performed well in the Chinese market, competing strongly against Sony and Xbox consoles. According to a Bloomberg report from December 2020, Nintendo sold 3.95 million Switch units, while the PS4 sold 3.52 million and the Xbox One, 1.24 million.
Despite the strong post-launch sales performance of Switch in China, Tencent announced the end of Switch’s online services. Both companies have yet to disclose the reason behind this sudden announcement. However, players owning region-locked Switch consoles from China still have enough time to redeem four games for free and download other titles before May 2026.
Sources:
Tencent and Nintendo First Shared the Progress on Localizing Switch Games for China Market
China Is Nintendo’s Secret Weapon in War With PlayStation, Xbox
Nintendo stock leaps following Switch approval in China
Nintendo Switch Chinese Website Announcement
