Tencent recently dropped some big news: by 2026, all Nintendo Switch Online services will gradually cease in China. This decision will impact millions of Chinese gamers who will lose access to the service. To provide a bit of backstory, since 2019, Tencent has been Nintendo’s partner in distributing the Switch within Chinese borders. It was a successful collaboration, making the Switch a favorite among Chinese gamers, even with the region locks that restricted the consoles to playing only government-approved games.
This announcement from Tencent Nintendo Switch details the specific timeline for the shutdown. On March 31, 2026, the Chinese Nintendo eShop will stop selling games and software, marking the first phase of this transition. After this date, free trials for Switch Online will become unavailable, though redemption codes and subsequent downloads will function until May 15, 2026. After that day, all related online services will come to a close.
Oddly, Tencent hasn’t stated why they’re wrapping things up like this. But from November 27, 2024, to March 31, 2026, those with an active Chinese Switch console can access some consolation offers. Through a WeChat account, users can snag redemption codes for four Nintendo games free of charge. It’s a small yet generous gesture amid the disappointing news, with titles like “Super Mario Odyssey,” “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,” and “Pokemon Let’s Go! Eevee” among the complimentary options.
Meanwhile, while Nintendo hasn’t officially disclosed details on the successor to the Switch, speculation about a next-gen console release continues to build. Earlier this month, Nintendo reiterated plans to unveil the Switch 2 within the current fiscal year ending March 2025, leading to a palpable buzz among fans. Though details about the release date and lineup remain under wraps, anticipation is high for Nintendo to usher in its new era with a bang.
And as a side note for those unfamiliar, the Nintendo Switch is a versatile gaming system introduced in 2017, allowing players to enjoy games handheld or on a TV. It saw further expansions with the Switch Lite in 2019 and an OLED model in 2021, reinforcing its place as a mainstay in the gaming world.
