Nintendo has closed down its eShop in Russia starting May 31, 2023, according to a Nintendo of Europe email seen by Game Developer. In early 2022, Nintendo halted shipments of their products to Russia and put the eShop under maintenance after Russian rubles purchases were suspended by payment providers. According to the email, Nintendo is now closing the eShop permanently, preventing its Russian customers from making new purchases or downloading codes.
“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,” said Nintendo of Europe.
“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.”
Nintendo is one of many foreign companies that have made efforts to suspend operations in Russia due to its invasion in Ukraine. Other online game stores like Steam and Epic Games Store have previously made efforts to cease commerce in Russia due to the invasion, but most have continued to leave their communications open.