Nintendo effectively shutting down the Switch eShop in Russia
An email recently sent to publishers reveals that Nintendo is effectively shutting down the Switch eShop in Russia.
The company intends to “wind down” its Russian subsidiary. Additionally, consumers will be unable to purchase content or use download codes as of May 31, 2023. Previously-purchased content will still be accessible.
Nintendo said in the email that the move is being done due to “the economic outlook”. You can read the more complete notice below.
“As a result of the economic outlook, Nintendo of Europe has decided to wind down operations of its Russian subsidiary. As part of our efforts to honor preceding commitments to our customers in the Russian market, the Russian version of Nintendo eShop will be set to offer limited service.
As of May 31, 2023, and for the foreseeable future, Russian customers with an existing Nintendo Account will be able to redownload digital content that they have previously purchased. It will not be possible to make any new purchases or use download codes within [the] Nintendo eShop in Russia.”
In order to protect security, payment information tied to Nintendo Accounts like credit card and PayPal details will be deleted.
Nintendo previously halted product shipments to Russia in March 2022 “following the suspension of transactions in Russian rubles by the payment provider.” The eShop also went into maintenance mode.
