Nintendo plans to shut down online services for 3DS and Wii U in April 2024

Next spring, Nintendo will end online services for most 3DS and Wii U games. This affects multiplayer modes and other networked features, including online co-op, leaderboards and data distribution. An exact shutdown date has yet to be announced, and it could be shut down early if problems arise.

 

Some services, such as Pokémon Bank, will remain for the time being. Playing offline and downloading patches and already purchased games from the eShop will remain possible. However, sales of Wii U and 3DS games in the eShop have already been discontinued.

SpotPass functions will also be terminated, but StreetPass connections between 3DS systems will continue to work. The planned shutdown comes about ten years after the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service was shut down in 2014.

Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa stressed the importance of the current Nintendo Account system for a smooth transition to a new hardware generation after the Switch.

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