Nintendo is now finally calling it quits. In just a few days, users of the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U will have to face the harsh reality. This marks the end of an era.
Nintendo announced a few months ago that they wanted to cut off the online service for their older consoles. What seemed like a short eternity has become reality in just a few days. The weekend now offers the perfect opportunity for both the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U to play online together one last time. So if you still have a few bills outstanding or other matters to clarify, this is your last chance.
Although Nintendo’s current flagship is no longer the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U, they still play a significant role in Nintendo’s past. In addition, for many gamers, these consoles were an essential part of their youth. The consoles paved the way for the current console, the Nintendo Switch. From April 8th, the online services of both consoles will be terminated. Games like Monster Hunter, Splatoon, Mario Kart 7 and Animal Crossing New Leaf will still be able to be played in the future, but it will no longer be possible to experience them together with other players worldwide. SpotPass, which previously allowed you to receive various data via network connections, will also be discontinued.
Nintendo commented on X as follows:
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
The Pokémon Bank and the PokéMover will remain intact for the time being. StreetPass can still be used as it only requires local device communication. With regard to third-party software, Nintendo refers to information from the relevant publishers. Capcom, for example, has already indicated that DLC for their Monster Hunter series must be downloaded before the end of online services. The weekend is perfect to indulge in a bit of nostalgia.