Nintendo has officially confirmed the cessation of online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, scheduled for April 8 at 4 pm PT/ 7 pm ET/ 12 am (April 9) GMT. Originally slated for early April 2024, the termination marks the end of an era for these gaming platforms, highlighting Nintendo’s focus on newer systems and services.
The closure of the eShops for 3DS and Wii U in March 2023 allowed continued in-game online experiences until now, impacting functionalities like online multiplayer and rankings. Despite these changes, some specific services such as Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will retain online functionality even post-service termination.
This move by Nintendo represents an ongoing phase-out of legacy systems, emphasizing the end of in-game online functionality for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software on April 8.
While the eShops for these platforms closed in March 2023, permitting continued in-game online experiences, the upcoming termination will affect features like online multiplayer and rankings. Games heavily reliant on online play, such as the original Splatoon on Wii U, will transition to offline-only gameplay.
Update: as of 4/8, 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/VdIdewGmB5
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 24, 2024
However, specific services like Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will retain online functionality post-service termination.
Users can still download update data and redownload purchased software and DLC from the 3DS and Wii U eShops “for the foreseeable future.”
The closure of the eShops on March 27 concluded support for around 1000 digital-only eShop games, marking the end of the Virtual Console service. Nintendo Switch Online’s various apps now serve as the exclusive source for retro games.
