Nintendo has revealed a significant alteration for the Switch console in China: The eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services will cease operations in early 2026. This decision is occurring in tandem with the Chinese government's enforcement of a regulation that restricts children to one hour of online gaming per day. However, Nintendo has not provided any specific rationale for the impending closure of the eShop and all network services for the Switch in China (as reported by Eurogamer). Regardless, the eShop in China will close its doors on April 1, 2026, meaning Nintendo will no longer offer game sales or demos. Beginning May 15, 2026, Nintendo will discontinue the redemption of online codes, effectively preventing users from redeeming DLC or other items for which they hold codes. May 15 will also mark the day when all network services for the Switch in China will be terminated. Chinese users who utilize WeChat will have the opportunity to claim up to four free Nintendo games as part of the shutdown process. The games included in this offer are: As previously mentioned, Nintendo has not disclosed any specific reasons for this substantial change in one of the world's largest gaming markets. It also remains uncertain what implications this might have for the Switch 2, or whatever the next Nintendo console will be named.
Source link: https://www.gamespot.com
