NoA Facebook message

We sincerely apologize 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 4 p.m. - 4 a.m. ET. Thank you so much for your continued patience. We will keep you updated.

We apologise for the eShop connection problems. We know this is taking longer than expected, but finding a solution is our top priority.

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) 27 december 2013

To improve your experience, we are temporarily taking the Nintendo eShop services offline between the hours of 10 p.m. and 10 a.m. CET.

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) 27 december 2013

.@Nintendo For the time being, the #3DS #eShop will only be available to Japan between 6 am and 6 pm in order to alleviate the server load.

— Cheesemeister (@Cheesemeister3k) 27 december 2013

Source: NoE/NoA/Cheesemeister