Nintendo's next console still lacks some concrete details, but there's one piece of news that seems like a sign of things to come.

NINTENDO’S latest console, the Switch, has been one of the company’s best-selling with huge popularity around the world. One of the biggest gaming markets is China, with a population of over a

Tencent Nintendo Switch has announced that online services for the Switch will come to an end in China in 2026.

Millions of gamers are set to lose access to the Nintendo Switch Online service in 2026, leaving them unable to play online among other things.

Nintendo has announced a major change for the Switch console in China: The eShop and Nintendo Switch Online services will close in early 2026. The move comes amid the Chinese government's implementation of a rule limiting children to one hour of online game time per day.

Tencent Nintendo Switch said on Tuesday that the Chinese eShop and other online services for the Nintendo Switch will gradually cease operations starting in 2026. According to the statement, the Chinese eShop will stop selling or offering paid and free games and software on March 31,

Nintendo will close its Switch eShop and all network services in China in 2026. After 31st March 2026, the digital store will no longer sell games, plus free trials will no longer be available. Then, from 15th May 2026, Nintendo will stop all download and code redemption services, meaning DLC will no longer be redeemable.

On March 31, 2026, the Chinese Nintendo eShop will stop selling games and any other software. After this date, all software, including paid and free titles, will no longer be available to purchase or claim. On May 15, 2026, players will no longer be able to download titles or redeem codes. DLC will also become unavailable at this time.

Nintendo has announced that it's closing the Switch eShop, as well as all network services for the console, in 2026, but only in China.

This morning, Nintendo announced the closure of its Chinese eShop and the discontinuation of its online services on its Chinese website. The Chinese Switch eShop will stop selling games after March 31, 2026, and all online services will cease after May 15, 2026.