Nintendo has announced a temporary adjustment for its Russian market, outlining how the Nintendo eShop in Russia will operate with limited capacity beginning May 31. The official notification from Nintendo details the scope and timing of this change, providing clarity for players and families who rely on digital services in the region. The company’s message emphasizes that the modification is a controlled measure designed to manage availability while aligning with ongoing regional considerations.
Nintendo explains that shipments of new items to the Russian Federation were paused early in 2022. This disruption pushed the eShop into a maintenance-like state, since purchases could not be completed in rubles, which affected normal storefront operations and the ability to introduce fresh content for Russian players. The situation prompted the company to adopt a measured approach that preserves access for existing digital assets while avoiding gaps in entitlement status for current users.
In a public statement, Nintendo outlined a plan that respects existing commitments. The Russian version of the Nintendo eShop will remain accessible in a restricted form, ensuring continued service for those with previously purchased digital content. Beginning May 31, 2023, Russian Nintendo Account holders will be able to re-download digital content they already own, maintaining uninterrupted access to owned titles. This approach prioritizes user continuity and safeguards previously acquired investments in the platform.
For users, this means that previously paid games can be downloaded again through their existing accounts. Creating new Nintendo Accounts with Russia as the country of use will not be possible, and when seeking new purchases or downloads, registration must select a different region. This policy helps prevent disruption while preserving the integrity of regional licensing and entitlement management across Nintendo’s ecosystem.
Looking at the broader context, after the 3DS digital store closed, Nintendo issued a software update to the platform to prevent unauthorized changes that would enable pirated games. This landscape reflects Nintendo’s ongoing strategy to regulate regional access and protect content across its systems. The approach balances consumer needs with security and policy considerations across different regions, aiming to maintain a stable, legitimate gaming experience for players in Canada, the United States, and other supported markets.