The eShop has finally launched, and we're ready to start enjoying a whole host of downloadable Nintendo goodness.
Of course, before we can do that, we need to empty out our pockets and slot that spare change into the coin dispenser on the side of the Nintendo 3DS.
OK, so that's obviously not how it works - or at least, it didn't work when we tried - but it may well be that you're struggling to put your hard-earned money into your eShop account.
Never fear!
Pocket Gamer has gone ahead and worked it all out for you, and it's pleasingly simple to do. Follow our step-by-step guide on how to add funds and start downloading titles straight away.
Nintendo has made it incredibly simple to put funds into your account - it's as if they want you to spend money or something.
On the main eShop menu, scroll all the way to the left, and you should see 'Add Funds' as the second option. Select that, and you're already a quarter of the way there.
Easy, huh?
There are two options for payment: Nintendo eShop cards and your bank card.
If you're in the US, you'll already be able to pick up eShop point cards from a variety of retailers, including BestBuy. But here in the UK, we're still waiting on these cards.
Note that old Nintendo Points cards for the Wii, DS, and DSi won't work, so don't go buying one of those accidentally.
If you are using a points cards, the process is easy as pie. Just select 'eShop Card', and bang your 16 digit number into the provided space. Wahey! You've got credit!
For now, however, you're most likely going to need a bank card to bag yourself some eShop store credit. If this is the case, simply select the option and follow the rest of the guide below.
Select amount, followed by card details. You can add £10, £20, or £30 to your account. We'd suggest it's best to add £10 for now, just so you can see how it works, and whether or not you think it's worth adding more.
Note that both credit and debit cards work, as long as you've got either a MasterCard or a Visa. Select your card type, and input the card details as you normally would.
Once you've inputted your card details and hit go, the credit will be added instantly and show up on the top screen.
That's it! You're done already. Wasn't that easy? Now take a visit to the Virtual Console and start reliving some of those old Nintendo classics.
I have an 3ds.. ( I buy it 2nd of greece!) I know this! I want to know how can I buy an Nintendo 3ds credit card form an shop! Normally sell in the shops or just through the 3ds can I buy? Ahhh...and if my english is not so good sorry...I'm 11 years old and form Grecce...
Thanks for understanding, Jim Pournaras
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Mar 2012
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CJ Obrien |03:14 - 9 March 2012
The fack-ass
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Jan 2012
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1
dnjds |00:06 - 25 January 2012
hi
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Jan 2012
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Kidawesome63 |00:26 - 7 January 2012
Fuck this now i cant buy the fukin prepaid card and i dont even have visa or mastercard. i only have discover card and american express
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Sep 2011
Post count:
2
francochan |07:03 - 9 September 2011
This sucks even more. You know why?
Foreign credit cards wont work anymore outside of your system's region (i.e. on a US 3DS, you have to use a US bank-issued credit card. UK 3DS, you have to use a UK-bank issued credit card. Regardless of Mastercard/VISA-affiliation, it won't work if it's not a local bank-issued credit card.
I learned the hard way. It worked last June. Then with the June 15 update, Nintendo pulled the plug. And with no points cards for sale online yet, my purchasing power on 3DS is effectively paralyzed. Thanks Nintendo.
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Sep 2011
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shokmunky |09:47 - 6 September 2011
whsmiths already sells eshop cards.
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Aug 2011
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8
JimmyPiranha |10:25 - 11 August 2011
I can tell you right now, Europe won't have those cards til the back end of 2012. I hate Nintendo sometimes.
Joined:
Jul 2011
Post count:
1
lee211 |17:39 - 15 July 2011
Its a shame that you cannot add exact amounts to your account, as more than likely you will leave some change there forever!!!! Cheap way for Nintendo to make more money. Espcially since everything on the shop has pence involved in the price.
Joined:
Jul 2011
Post count:
4
RPGpro |20:14 - 1 July 2011
Guess this'll be like the DSi...no shop within 10 miles of me sells the cards and I don't have a Visa or mastercard...
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