Nintendo has announced the end of online support for 3DS and Wii U, with both platforms going offline in early April 2024. An exact date was not provided.
This is another nail in the coffin for both platforms following the closure of the eShops. Back in March, the 3DS and Wii U stores ended purchases and downloads of content such as demos.
Here’s the full notice from Nintendo:
Thank you very much for supporting our products.
In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS* and Wii U software. This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.
You can find more information about badges for decorating the Nintendo 3DS HOME Menu using Nintendo Badge Arcade here.
We will announce a specific end date and time at a later date.
Please note that if an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, we may have to discontinue services earlier than planned.
We sincerely thank players for using the online services of Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software over a long period of time and apologize for any inconvenience.
* This includes software exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS.
Nintendo did clarify some other points as well. Pokemon Bank will still be active, but that could end at some point as well. Also, this should essentially impact all games, but there may be some exceptions from third-party publishers. It was additionally clarified that SpotPass features will no longer be available.
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