Nintendo reportedly stops sale of digital download codes for EMEA retailers
Third-party digital titles, add-on content, and eshop funds will still be available in stores
Nintendo is reportedly ceasing sale of digital codes for its first-party titles through retailers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
As reported by Nintendo Life, Nintendo confirmed that this was true at least for European retailers:
"After careful examination of the evolving European marketplace in recent years, Nintendo has decided to end the availability of download codes for its own-published software via retailers, effective 1st July 2020," Nintendo's statement reads.
"Customers will still be able to purchase Nintendo eShop funds, Nintendo Switch Online memberships, and add-on content such as the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, at retailers across Europe. Download codes for Nintendo Switch software from other publishers will also still be available.
"We're always investigating new avenues, and will continue to work on new methods to bring Nintendo eShop content to as many players as possible."
However, a tweet today from UK online retailer ShopTo announcing the decision added that this decision affected the entire EMEA region.
GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Nintendo for comment and clarification as to which territories will be affected.