Nintendo will stop supporting online functions for 3DS and Wii U in April 2024
Nintendo will stop supporting all online functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U from sometime in April 2024. This means that gamers will no longer have access to multiplayer modes, online leaderboards and data exchange on the relevant consoles from then on.
The gaming company lights in a blog post admits that there are some exceptions to this development. For example, cloud storage of Pokémon in the Pokémon Bank is still possible after online support has ended, but “this service may also end at some point in the future,” Nintendo writes. In addition, third parties can keep the servers available for their Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, but the company does not mention any examples. Players are directed to the developers of these games for more information.
An exact date and time has not yet been announced for the discontinuation of the relevant services. In fact, Nintendo is being tight-lipped about its April 2024 forecast: “Please note that if it becomes difficult to keep online service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software available, we may release services even sooner.” stop than planned.”
Although online services for the consoles will soon no longer be available, purchased games, DLC and updates can still be downloaded via Nintendo eShop for the time being. Since earlier this year, it has no longer been possible to purchase games for the relevant platforms via the eShop. Furthermore, the StreetPass function for the 3DS remains available, as it concerns a local exchange of data. The comparable SpotPass uses an online connection and will therefore no longer be available. StreetPass has also been released for the Wii U, but Nintendo says nothing about that. As far as we know, this service also works for the Wii successor.
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