Tencent has made headlines by revealing that the Nintendo Switch eShop and its accompanying online services will come to a standstill in China during the first half of 2026.
After forming a partnership with Nintendo in 2019, Tencent Holdings Ltd. has been the exclusive distributor of the Switch in mainland China, making this announcement particularly significant for local gamers.
According to the statement, the Chinese eShop will cease operations on March 31, 2026. Following that, all other online features—ranging from code redemption to game downloads—will be halted by May 15, 2026.
This move primarily impacts players who own the official Chinese version of the Switch. Gamers with consoles imported from other regions will remain unaffected and can continue enjoying their favorite titles.
Thanks to the Switch's region-free capabilities, many enthusiasts in China have opted to import devices from abroad, enabling them to connect with international Switch users and access a broader library of games beyond those available locally.
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