Nintendo Discontinuing Online Services for 3DS & Wii U

Nintendo has announced that online services for the 3DS and Wii U consoles will be discontinued in early April 2024. It’s worth noting that the Japanese company shut down the eShops for both consoles in March, but players could still use online services such as multiplayer and access rankings.

Starting in April 2024, online functionalities will be terminated, and players will only be able to play their titles offline. This decision will particularly affect games with a focus on online gameplay, such as the original Splatoon on the Wii U.

In their official statement, Nintendo mentioned that they will announce specific dates and times for the service shutdown. They emphasized that if any unforeseen events make it difficult to access online elements on the 3DS and Wii U, they may close the services earlier than expected.

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.

Find out more: https://t.co/nOyzBImHCE

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 4, 2023

Players will still be able to play their titles offline normally after the online services are deactivated. However, Nintendo emphasizes that Pokémon Bank will continue to maintain its online functionality, as it is a crucial element for its operation.

The company emphasized that the decision will only implicate over online functionalities, and players will continue to download games and DLCs purchased from the 3DS and Wii U eShops in the future.

Nintendo closed the eShops for the 3DS and Wii U at the end of March, preventing over 1,000 digital games from being purchased and potentially becoming inaccessible. This move also marked the end of the Virtual Console service.