Key Takeaways
- Nintendo Switch online services in China shutting down on May 15, 2026
- Digital purchases must be downloaded by then, or be lost for good.
- Switch owners in China can download four free games as compensation.
Nintendo Switch’s online services will shut down in China on May 15, 2026.
While this shutdown is planned over a year in advance, it is still a surprise to many users. It is currently unclear if this shutdown will extend to other regions beyond China.
Nintendo Switch Servers Going Offline In China
Any digital purchases will have to be downloaded by May 15, or be lost forever
As reported by ResetEra user Ceerious, Nintendo has announced the shutdown of online services for the Chinese version of the Switch starting in March 2026.
By March 31, users will no longer be able to make new eShop purchases, and by May 15, all digital purchases must be downloaded to avoid losing them forever.
Additionally, online gameplay will be unavailable from May 15 onwards for Switch users in China.
As compensation, Chinese Switch owners can download four free games, starting tomorrow, including titles like New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe and Super Mario Odyssey.
The future of online services for Nintendo Switch in other regions remains uncertain. Previous Nintendo consoles have seen online services discontinued, such as the Wii in 2014 and the Wii U in 2022. Despite this, the Switch, being the most recent Nintendo console, is likely to remain active for some time.
