Nintendo has confirmed that both the 3DS and Wii U eShops will be taken offline for lengthy maintenance later this week.

On Thursday, both systems will have their online stores unavailable between the hours of 8pm to midnight (UK time). Nintendo has not given a specific reason for the required maintenance.

Thursday is also the day when most of the week's new downloads hit. This week, highlights are Pokémon Link: Battle on 3DS, and the Year of Luigi closing sale, which sees reduced prices for a limited time for the likes of Luigi's Mansion 2 (3DS), Dr Luigi (Wii U), and Super Mario Bros. 2 (3DS/Wii U).

Yoshi's New Island will also be coming to the 3DS eShop this Friday.