Nintendo has announced that online services will officially shut down for Wii U and 3DS games in April 2024 (specific date TBA).
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
This comes almost exactly one year after the shuttering of the digital eShop for the two aging platforms.
“Online services” mainly includes online multiplayer and co-op, such as with Splatoon and Mario Kart, as well as any leaderboards and other data sharing systems.
Local multiplayer and any offline modes won’t be affected. The 3DS’ StreetPass will also still function, including Mii Plaza, as it’s entirely built on local communication (assuming you can find others still walking around with a 3DS! SpotPass, however, will no longer be available.
The Nintendo Badge Arcade app will also be discontinued. Earned badges will still be available, to a maximum of 1,000 badges, and data will be saved to the SD card. Badge data will no longer be saved online.
It’s the end of an era, but not an unexpected one. The Switch has proven incredibly successful, especially compared to the lackluster Wii U, and its portability has replaced the 3DS. The Switch will be seven years old next spring, with rumors of its successor building up every day.
