Nintendo has confirmed that it is shutting down its online services for its 3DS handheld and Wii U console. On April 8th, 2024, both devices will cease to support online play and features, according to a support page.
As reported by Engadget, news of Nintendo’s plans comes after the company had announced it would be shuttering 3D and Wii U online services in April 2024. At the time, the company had not specified a date. This is a part of Nintendo’s extended roadmap to stop support of both the 3DS and Wii U after 13 and 12 years, respectively.
As of April 8th, online co-op, internet rankings, and data distribution will no longer be supported. However, Nintendo does note that the exceptions will be the Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter. Both services will continue for the foreseeable future. However, the company states either “may also end at some point in the future.” Online services specific to games not published by Nintendo may also be omitted from this round of closures. However, Nintendo says contacting that game’s publisher is best for more details.
Similarly, players can still enjoy all their games offline after the plug is pulled on the online services. Nintendo confirms that update data will still be downloadable after April 8th.
On March 27th of last year, the eShops on both devices were closed. While players could still install and play games that were previously purchased, players are now unable to make new digital purchases on games and DLC. The support page states this support will continue “for the foreseeable future.”
Nintendo closes its latest message by writing, “We sincerely thank players for using the online services of Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software over a long period of time and apologise for any inconvenience.”
