Nintendo to Discontinue Switch Online Services in China by 2026

Nintendo has revealed plans to gradually shut down its Switch online store and services in China, with a projected completion date of May 2026. The process will commence with the termination of eShop digital game sales on March 31, 2026, and will also mark the end of free trial offerings. As of May 15, Chinese Switch users will lose access to code redemption, software downloads, and all network-related services. Although Nintendo has not disclosed the reasoning behind this decision, the company is providing Chinese Switch owners with the opportunity to claim up to four free games from a selection of 12 titles, including Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, between November 27, 2024, and March 31, 2026.