Millions of players will lose access to online switching in 2026

Tencent has announced that it is pulling the plug Nintendo Switch online services in China throughout 2026. The move will leave millions of Chinese players unable to access Nintendo Switch Online, with the shutdown coming in different phases.

As of 2019, Tencent distributes the Nintendo Switch in China. It turned out to be a successful partnership for both – Nintendo was the video game market leader in China for a while, with the Switch proving popular in the Chinese market. This is despite regional locks that have ensured that any console sold in the country can only play games approved by Chinese regulators.

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In an official announcement, Tencent Nintendo Switch confirmed its plans to end all Switch Online operations in China during 2026, leaving millions of players unable to use the service. The first shutdown will come on March 31, 2026, when China's Nintendo eShop will stop selling games and software. Nintendo Switch Online free trials will no longer be available from this point on. However, redeeming codes will work until May 15th, after which the Nintendo eShop will stop it and game downloads. May 15, 2026 will also be the last day for all other online services, marking the end of Switch Online in the region.

Nintendo Switch Online is shutting down in China in 2026

Tencent Nintendo Switch did not clarify the reason for the shutdown. However, from November 27, 2024 to March 31, 2026, owners of an activated Switch console sold in China can use a WeChat account to get free redemption codes for four Nintendo games. This softens the blow a bit and gives affected players a chance to get some of the best Nintendo Switch games for nothing. Available titles include Super Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart 8 Deluxeand Pokemon Let's Go! Eeveeamong others.

Nintendo has yet to officially reveal its successor to the Switch. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential release date for the platform, though nothing is confirmed at this time. Earlier this month, Nintendo reaffirmed its plans to reveal the Switch 2 in the current fiscal year, which ends in March 2025. It's an exciting time for Nintendo fans, especially considering all the rumors surrounding the upcoming console. As with the release date, very little is known about the release lineup for the Nintendo Switch successor, though hopefully Nintendo brings in the heavy hitters to ensure the platform hits the ground running.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console launched in 2017 that can be played in handheld mode or connected to a television. The Switch Lite, a manual-only model, followed in 2019, with an OLED refresh in 2021.