Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services Shutdown: What Monster Hunter Fans Need to Know

Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services Shutdown: What Monster Hunter Fans Need to Know Nintendo is set to end online services for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U platforms on April 8, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the lifecycle of two consoles that have played a crucial role in the company's hardware history.

The shutdown will impact a wide array of first- and third-party games that have relied on online functionality, with Capcom's popular Monster Hunter series among the most affected. Capcom, the renowned Japanese developer and publisher, has issued an official statement in anticipation of the shutdown.

The company highlighted several Monster Hunter titles that will lose online multiplayer support and access to downloadable content (DLC) after the services come to an end.

According to the notice, the affected games on Nintendo 3DS include Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, Monster Hunter Generations, and Monster Hunter Stories.

On the Wii U, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate and the Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Packet Relay Tools will also lose online functionality.

In clear terms, Capcom reiterated that "online services and functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will end on Monday, April 8, at 4:00pm PDT." The company underscored that once the shutdown occurs, players will no longer be able to engage in online play or redownload DLC for these Monster Hunter titles.

However, any DLC that has been downloaded before the cutoff will remain accessible offline, ensuring players retain previously acquired content for future play sessions. While the end of online services will be felt most by fans who enjoyed global multiplayer hunts, Capcom explained that local multiplayer—known as 'Local Play'—will remain available.

This means that players can still team up with friends nearby through local wireless connections, even after the shutdown date.

The company strongly advised fans to download any desired DLC ahead of April 8th, to avoid losing access to additional quests or expansion content. This move comes after Nintendo previously closed the 3DS and Wii U eShops, halting new digital purchases and the ability to merge unused eShop funds to Nintendo Accounts as of March 2024.

The decision reflects Nintendo's ongoing shift towards newer platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, which continues to receive robust support through the Nintendo Direct announcements and eShop updates. For long-time players and completionists, the shutdown serves as a reminder to finalize any online activities and secure DLC before the deadline.

Capcom and Nintendo have urged users to act quickly, as no further extensions will be granted. As the clock winds down on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U era, the legacy of Monster Hunter and other beloved series on these platforms stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of online and local play within the Nintendo ecosystem.

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