This article was first published on TurkishNY Radio.
Magic Eden shutdown plans are set to reshape the NFT marketplace landscape. The company is preparing to close its Bitcoin and Ethereum Virtual Machine marketplaces in early March 2026. It will also discontinue its multi-chain wallet weeks later.
The company will continue operating on Solana while winding down other chains. The Magic Eden shutdown marks one of the most significant strategic shifts in the NFT sector this year.
Magic Eden Shutdown Timeline Confirms March Closures
The Bitcoin and EVM marketplaces are expected to close during the first week of March 2026. The wallet will move into export-only mode in mid-March. Users will be able to withdraw assets, but will not be able to use regular features.
Full wallet discontinuation is scheduled for early April. Solana-based assets and NFTs will remain supported. The Magic Eden shutdown shows a clear retreat from cross-chain expansion.
From Solana Dominance to Multi-Chain Expansion
Magic Eden was founded in September 2021 as a Solana-focused marketplace. Within months, it controlled more than 90% of Solana NFT trading volume.
The platform expanded into Bitcoin in early 2023 after the launch of the Ordinals protocol. It quickly captured over half of Ordinals trading within a week.
At its peak, Magic Eden handled around 80% of Bitcoin Ordinals and Runes trading. About 70% of total platform volume came from Bitcoin-based assets. The Magic Eden shutdown now reverses much of that expansion.
Multi-Chain Wallet Discontinued
In January 2024, the company launched its multi-chain wallet. It was available for Solana, Bitcoin, Ethereum and Polygon. The wallet also received over 100,000 Android downloads in no time.
The wallet will initially enable exports only under the Magic Eden shutdown plan. It will then be completely phased out. It marks a shift towards less reliance on cross-chain infrastructure.
How to Transition From Market Leader to Strategic Reboot
Magic Eden finally dethroned Blur and OpenSea in monthly NFT trading volume by mid-2024. Only in the month of March 2024 did the platform facilitate $734 million in transactions.
The company has secured $157 million in funding. It closed a $130 million Series B round in June 2022 that valued it at $1.6 billion. Investors included Paradigm, Sequoia Capital, Greylock, Electric Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Renewed Focus on Solana
Solana remains central to the company’s future plans. Magic Eden built its brand on Solana NFTs and retains strong user recognition there.
By narrowing its focus, the company may reduce costs and operational complexity. The Magic Eden shutdown reinforces that Solana will remain the platform’s core marketplace.
Pivot Toward Crypto Entertainment
Chief executive Jack Lu has outlined a shift toward crypto entertainment. The company plans to explore prediction markets and token-based offerings.
This pivot signals diversification beyond traditional NFT trading. The Magic Eden shutdown appears tied to this broader transformation strategy.
Conclusion
Magic Eden Shutdown: A Paradigm Shift for the NFT Marketplace The firm is shutting down its Bitcoin and EVM operations, as well as winding down its multi-chain wallet.
At the same time, it is returning to its Solana roots and trying out new product lines. This restructuring reflects the need for focus in an evolving NFT sector, as well as adaptability during a bear market.
Appendix: Glossary of Key Terms
Ordinals Protocol: An irregular inscription actuator on the Bitcoin blockchain, like an NFT
EVM Marketplace: Marketplaces for blockchains admitting the Ethereum Virtual Machine
Multi-Chain Wallet: A crypto wallet that is capable of holding assets across multiple blockchain platforms.
Solana NFT Market: The market related to NFTs that function on the Solana blockchain.
Runes: Market activity with Ordinals creates a Bitcoin-based token standard.
Series B Financing: This funding is for expanding the business from previous rounds.
FAQs About Magic Eden Shutdown
1- What is the Magic Eden shutdown?
The Magic Eden shutdown refers to the closure of its Bitcoin and EVM marketplaces and the discontinuation of its multi-chain wallet.
2- When will the marketplaces close?
The Bitcoin and EVM marketplaces are expected to close in early March 2026.
3- What happens to the multi-chain wallet?
The wallet will enter export-only mode in mid-March before full discontinuation in early April.
4- Will Solana NFTs still be supported?
Yes. Magic Eden will continue operating its Solana marketplace.
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