Nintendo’s eShop went offline overnight meaning that users were unable to transfer or upload software data while the company attempted to fix network problems. The online marketplace, which allows owners of its handheld consoles, Wii U and Nintendo 3DS to update and share data, was taken down for an initial 12-hour-period to allow Nintendo to fix the issues experienced by its users in recent days. A statement released by Nintendo, said: “We sincerely apologise for the connection problems in the Nintendo eShop. We understand this is taking longer than expected, but we can assure you that providing a solution is our top priority. We are determined to make sure everyone can enjoy all that Wii U and Nintendo 3DS have to offer. In an effort to manage the high volume of traffic and ultimately improve your experience, we are temporarily taking the Nintendo eShop services offline between the hours of 9p.m. and 9a.m. GMT. Thank you so much for your continued patience. We will keep you updated."Please be aware that during this time period you will be unable to transfer data between different Nintendo 3DS hardware as well as being unable to download update data for your Nintendo 3DS software," it added.

The Nintendo eShop will be offline at different times around the world to manage traffic volume until full operation is restored. — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) December 27, 2013

At the time of writing it was not clear whether the eStore had been restored to full operation.