Nintendo Discontinues 3DS and Wii U Image Share Feature Ahead of eShop Closure
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Published on: October 26, 2022
Description
In a significant step marking the end of an era, Nintendo has officially discontinued the Image Share feature on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U platforms as of October 25, 2022.
This update follows a previous announcement regarding the phased retirement of several online services associated with Nintendo's legacy hardware.
The feature, which allowed users to easily post images from their consoles to various social media platforms, has now been completely shut down across all regions.
Nintendo, the prominent Japanese developer and publisher, shared an official statement through its communications channels to inform users of the change.
The company reiterated, "As of today at 4:00 pm Japan time, the image posting tool for the Nintendo 3DS family and Wii U has concluded.
Users are no longer able to post images from these systems." The company extended its gratitude to the community, emphasizing its appreciation for the long-term support and engagement with these features.
Additionally, Nintendo has implemented further changes to account integration, eliminating the option for users to sign into their Nintendo accounts via Facebook or Twitter credentials across all devices, including the Nintendo Switch.
This move underscores Nintendo’s focus on security and streamlining account management as it phases out older systems and transitions to new services on current-generation hardware.
Looking ahead, Nintendo also confirmed the complete closure of the eShop for both the Wii U and 3DS platforms, scheduled for March 27, 2023.
After this date, players will no longer be able to purchase or download additional games or content on these platforms.
Importantly, however, users will retain access to their previously purchased digital content and may redownload it if necessary, ensuring continued access to their game libraries.
The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, once the centerpiece of the company’s gaming ecosystem, have seen gradually reduced support since the launch of the Nintendo Switch.
The discontinuation of features such as Image Share is part of Nintendo’s ongoing evolution toward its newest hardware and online services, including the Nintendo Switch eShop and cloud backup features.
The company has consistently communicated these changes well in advance, allowing users to prepare for the upcoming milestones in the transition.
As Nintendo moves forward, the company continues to prioritize service quality and player security on current platforms, while acknowledging the lasting impact of the 3DS and Wii U generations.
For longtime fans, the retirement of these services marks a moment of reflection on the legacy of some of Nintendo's most beloved hardware.
