Nintendo to End Online Services for 3DS and Wii U in April 2024: What Players Need to Know

Nintendo Announces Shutdown of 3DS and Wii U Online Services in Early April 2024 In a significant step towards sunsetting legacy platforms, Nintendo has officially confirmed that all online play and communication services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will be discontinued in early April 2024.

This marks a crucial milestone in the lifecycle of both systems, following the closures of the 3DS and Wii U eShops earlier this year.

While both handheld and home console made lasting impacts on the gaming landscape, their online capabilities will soon be consigned to history. The upcoming shutdown means that players will no longer be able to enjoy online multiplayer or communication features in popular titles such as Super Smash Bros.

for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, Mario Kart 7, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

Despite the end of online functionalities, Nintendo has clarified that offline single-player and local multiplayer modes will remain fully supported after the online services are retired.

Additionally, users will still be able to download available updates and redownload their existing purchases, including software and DLC, for the foreseeable future. Nintendo also emphasized the importance of completing certain activities before the shutdown.

Players are encouraged to claim any badges in Nintendo Badge Arcade and finish collecting all available StreetPass puzzle panels, as both features will become inaccessible after the servers go offline.

While StreetPass local connectivity will continue to function, online-dependent features tied to the service will be lost. There is, however, a notable exception to the widespread closure.

Pokémon Bank—Nintendo's cloud storage and transfer service for Pokémon games—will remain accessible for the time being.

The service is essential for transferring Pokémon from classic Game Boy Advance titles up to modern games via Pokémon Home.

According to Nintendo's official Q&A, there are currently no plans to discontinue Pokémon Bank yet, but the company acknowledges that its online features may eventually be retired at a future date. An exact shutdown date for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online services will be provided by the company closer to April 2024.

Nintendo's decision underscores the industry's ongoing shift toward newer platforms such as the Nintendo Switch, which continues to be supported with regular updates and a thriving Nintendo eShop. For Nintendo enthusiasts, this is a final reminder to revisit favorite games and make the most of online features before the servers go dark.

Stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and future Nintendo Direct presentations for the latest information regarding the transition and continued support for legacy content.

Nintendo Wii Wii U 3DS Xbox Series X|S Mario Kart Super Smash Bros Mario Smash Bros Mario Kart 7 Kart