In the coming spring, Nintendo has announced its plans to shut down the online services for almost all of its 3DS and Wii U software. This move will impact multiplayer capabilities and various connected features, including online cooperative play, internet rankings, and data distribution, as confirmed by Nintendo. Notably, the shutdown will include SpotPass features.
However, the Pokémon Bank, a cloud storage service introduced in 2013, will remain operational. It’s recommended for users to consider transitioning their collection to the newer Pokémon Home setup. Offline gaming will still be possible, and players can download patches and redownload games purchased from the eShop for the foreseeable future, as clarified in Nintendo’s FAQ. The sales of Wii U and 3DS games on the eShop were already discontinued in March of the current year. Although no specific date is mentioned for the shutdown, Nintendo’s FAQ highlights the possibility of an earlier discontinuation if unforeseen events impact the online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Notably, eShop sales for Wii U and 3DS games ceased in March.
StreetPass links between 3DS family systems will continue to work even after the servers are shut down, provided users can find others with the same system. This planned shutdown, set for early April 2024, marks just over ten years since the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Service ended, terminating online services for Wii and DS titles in 2014. Ending online services also means the end of the Badge Arcade game, where players could adorn their 3DS home menus with virtual badges collected using a virtual crane arm. After April, data for virtual badges will be stored solely on users’ SD cards, underscoring the importance of backing up data to avoid losing acquired prizes that could potentially have real-world costs.
As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 4, 2023
Find out more: https://t.co/nOyzBImHCE
The decision to discontinue online services for 3DS and Wii U software comes in line with Nintendo’s strategy to transition smoothly to a new generation of hardware after the success of the Switch, emphasizing the importance of their current Nintendo Account system for building and maintaining customer relationships across evolving platforms.
