On September 22, 2016, Nintendo offered a Paper Mario: Color Splash pre-load on the Nintendo Wii U eShop. People were able to pre-purchase a digital copy, either via Nintendo’s website or the eShop storefront, download the about 9GB game, and have it ready for when the game unlocks on launch day. However, an issue with the pre-load has caused the option to be removed.
Normally, pre-loaded games unlock on launch day. However, people who had purchased and pre-loaded Paper Mario: Color Splash discovered they could immediately begin playing the game. This resulted in the pre-load removal. Nintendo has not made any announcements regarding its reinstatement.
Paper Mario: Color Splash will come to the Nintendo Wii U on October 7, 2016.