Nintendo announces the definitive closure of the eShop in Russia and the cessation of operations in its Russian subsidiary, due to the “economic outlook”, although “it will honor previous commitments with consumers in the Russian market.”
The presence of Nintendo in Russia It is already minimal, and today we have learned that they have definitively closed the eShop in that country. Through an email sent to companies, via Game Developer, we know that Nintendo no longer allows you to buy or redeem codes from Russia.
The final closure occurs today may 31: “From May 31, and for the foreseeable future, Russian users with a Nintendo Account will be able to re-download previously purchased digital content. It will not be possible to make any new purchases or use download codes on the Nintendo eShop in Russia2 “.
Nintendo alludes to “economic outlook“the reason why Nintendo of Europe has decided to cease operations at its Russian subsidiary, and they maintain the ability to continue downloading games to honor previous commitments to their consumers in the Russian market.
Nintendo already ceased its operations in Russia in March 2022
Nintendo was one of many companies that suspended the distribution of games and consoles to Russia in March 2022, following the outbreak of the Ukrainian War. That already meant the cessation of operations of the Russian subsidiaryand awarded its employees severance packages upon their dismissal.
But, in order to honor those prior commitments to consumers in the Russian market, Nintendo Russia maintained a “minimal presence” and worked with other providers that they can offer repair services and technical assistance of products that had been sold previously, and that caused a controversy.
One such provider was a certain “LLC Achivka”, a company he founded Yasha HaddazhiCEO of Nintendo Russia, and who was discovered to be importing and selling games like Metroid Prime Remastered in Russia, obviously without authorization from Nintendo.
That activity (importing and selling foreign products without the authorization of their creators) it’s not illegal in Russiabut Nintendo It is particularly strict with the circulation of its games through unofficial channels, and issued a statement disassociating itself from that company, although without much conviction.
