DSi Store to close next year

Nintendo’s first foray into digital distribution on handhelds is to cease operation in 2017.

The DSi Shop open its virtual doors in 2008, to coincide with the release of the slimmed-down portable console.

Focused on indie developers, the shop introduced the DSiWare format, which reflected the Wii’s WiiWare selection of experimental and smaller-budget games.

Some games to have emerged through the store include acclaimed indie platformer Cave Story, free art and animation app Flipnote Studio and the Art Style franchise. As with any digital storefront, there were also plenty of less prominent and quality releases, too.

Nintendo has now announced that the DSi Shop will be shut down beginning on March 31st 2017. The Nintendo Points currency will similarly be taken offline from September 30th 2016.

Titles released on the DSi Shop will live on through its successor, the 3DS’ eShop, which is home to the DSiWare catalogue of games.

Nintendo is shutting down the best shop music on March 31, 2017. Oh yeah, and the DSi Shop. No points can be added after September 30,

— Daan Koopman (@NintenDaan) March 31, 2016