Even as digital storefronts on older consoles face closure, the ability to re-download previously purchased games remains for many platforms, including Nintendo's Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, as well as the Xbox 360. While Sony's announcement of shutting down the PlayStation Store for PS3 and Vita has sparked concern, a promise to allow continued downloads of owned content offers some reassurance. This practice aligns with the ongoing availability of digital titles on other legacy systems, though the process for accessing them can be cumbersome.
Nintendo 3DS and DS
Despite the discontinuation of the 3DS in 2020, owners can still access and download digital titles purchased for the system, as well as original DS games. The process involves navigating the Nintendo eShop on the console:
From the 3DS home screen, tap the orange shopping bag icon to open the Nintendo eShop. Within the shop, select 'Settings / Other' to access a functions menu. Scroll down to find the 'History' section and tap 'Redownloadable Software.' This will display a list of your previously purchased games, which can be downloaded one at a time. Both 3DS and DS titles appear within the same interface.
Nintendo Wii U
Accessing digital games on the Wii U follows a similar, albeit distinct, path through its version of the eShop:
On the Wii U home screen, select the 'Nintendo eShop' from the bar at the bottom. Then, choose 'My Menu' on the left side of the screen, or press 'Y' to bring up similar options. Scroll down and select 'Your Downloads,' followed by 'Downloaded Software' to view a list of available titles for re-download.
It is important to note that the Wii U has a limit of 300 installable games per device. Players with libraries exceeding this number will need to manage their games across multiple storage devices.
Nintendo Wii
Original Wii games can still be accessed through the Wii U by installing them onto an SD card.
To redownload Wii games, access the Wii Menu on your Wii U and select the 'Wii Shop Channel.' Once inside, choose 'Start,' then 'Start Shopping,' and finally 'Titles You’ve Downloaded.' Be aware that older Wii consoles may have connectivity issues with newer routers due to incompatible security configurations. Adjusting router settings, using a wired connection, or a mobile hotspot may be necessary if connection errors occur.
Xbox 360
Many digital titles for the Xbox 360, including delisted Xbox Live Indie Games, are still available for download on both the original hardware and newer Xbox consoles.
Ensure you are signed into the Xbox Live account associated with your purchases on your Xbox 360. Then, navigate to 'Settings,' select 'Account,' and access 'Download History.' This list will contain all purchased content compatible with the Xbox 360. Similar to the Wii, newer routers can sometimes cause connection problems. If you experience issues, try a wired connection. Alternatively, deleting and re-downloading your Xbox Live profile on the console can resolve Wi-Fi connection problems, but remember your password, especially if new authentication methods are in use by Microsoft accounts.
While the landscape of digital ownership is evolving, and the convenience of physical media is changing, platform holders have largely maintained access to past digital purchases. For now, players can still recover and enjoy games they have bought, even on older systems.