The popular Nintendo 3DS app Pokémon Bank will become free-to-use once Nintendo halts eShop support on the 3DS. Pokémon Bank, which is a program that allows players to store their digital Pokémon and seamlessly transfer them between games, currently requires an annual fee to use.
Many were left disappointed when it was announced Nintendo would be shutting down the digital storefronts for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, essentially meaning the end of support for these devices. After March 2023, players will no longer be able to purchase or download games for the 3DS or Wii U. This is, of course, upsetting to many gamers who still use these consoles, as they will now have no other choice than to buy their games physically. The eShop will still be up and running on the Nintendo Switch, but beloved titles like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D will not be available digitally on any device following this change, though in this particular instance, a version of the original Majora's Mask is coming to Switch Online.
Every cloud has a silver lining, though, as Nintendo 3DS users will be able to use Pokémon Bank without paying the subscription fee once the eShop closes for Wii U and 3DS. The news comes by way of a tweet from the massive Pokémon website Serebii.net, later confirmed by Pokémon, which states that: "Pokémon Bank is to become free to use when the Nintendo 3DS eShop goes offline in March 2023". This means that players will still be able to take advantage of this handy app's features without having to shell out for the $5 annual subscription. The official website confirms:
"You will still be able to transfer the Pokémon you've deposited in Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME even after the paid service is discontinued, and you'll still be able to bring Pokémon into Pokémon Bank from compatible titles. However, you'll need to be enrolled in a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to do so."
While something free will almost always be preferred over something that costs money, this news is probably going to be small comfort to anyone who feels let down by the upcoming eShop closure, especially those who already use more modern transfer apps like Pokémon Home. Many are saddened to hear news of the eShop's closure, but Nintendo has put a positive spin on the news by celebrating both the Nintendo DS and Wii U across social media, with a new website offering players a breakdown of their play hours and most-played games on each console.
The eShop being shut down on the 3DS and Wii U was inevitable, but fans would likely be less upset if Nintendo made more of its classic games available on its modern console. As it stands, emulation through Nintendo Switch Online and its newly-expanded tier are the only way for Switch owners to play classics like Zelda: Ocarina of Time - which is arguably a step down from the remastered 3DS version of the game. The elimination of a $5 fee for Pokémon Bank is nice, but it will likely be a mere blip in the overall discussion surrounding the eShop on these consoles.
Source: Serebii.net/Twitter, Pokémon