Pretendo Network Prepares for Nintendo Network Shutdown: Open-Source Solution for Wii U and 3DS Online Revival

With Nintendo scheduled to discontinue online services for the Wii U and 3DS in April 2024, the gaming community faces the imminent loss of legacy online functionalities for many classic titles.

In response, Pretendo Network—a fan-driven initiative focused on preserving online play for these platforms—has begun publicly outlining its future plans to help bridge the gap left by the upcoming Nintendo Network shutdown. Pretendo Network was created by a group of enthusiasts determined to keep online capabilities alive for the Wii U and 3DS, even after official support ends.

The team achieves this by utilizing clean-room reverse engineering to recreate Nintendo’s network infrastructure without using proprietary code.

Their open-source approach allows them to develop replacement servers that can be accessed on modified hardware, extending the lifespan of online-focused titles for dedicated fans. In a recent message shared via social media, a spokesperson for Pretendo Network stated, "Internal discussions on our development roadmap are underway to accommodate the Nintendo Network closure." The team emphasized that they are working hard to factor in Nintendo’s timeline and ensure a smooth transition for users dependent on these services. Although the replacement servers are not yet ready for broad public deployment, Pretendo Network’s goal is clear: to provide a free solution that enables users to connect to online matches, leaderboards, and community features after the official servers go offline.

Players will eventually be able to use a homebrew patcher to connect their consoles to Pretendo’s servers, replicating much of the original Nintendo Network experience. The impact of the Nintendo Network shutdown extends beyond casual play.

Members of speedrunning communities for franchises like Mario and Sonic have noted that losing official server support threatens competitive leaderboards and historical game data.

According to Pretendo Network, preserving this valuable data and maintaining access for the speedrunning scene is a priority, with commitments to help carry over records and ensure continuity for fans relying on online competition. Nintendo’s gradual phase-out of legacy platforms began in March 2023, when the eShop for Wii U and 3DS was closed.

With the official online servers next in line for retirement, open-source projects like Pretendo Network have become vital for those wishing to keep classic titles playable in their original form—even as focus shifts toward the Nintendo Switch and future hardware. It is worth clarifying, as previously corrected, that Pretendo Network is distinct from the team behind Wiimmfi, another community-driven server project centered on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games. With continued support from the passionate Nintendo community, Pretendo Network’s ongoing efforts represent an important milestone in video game preservation, offering a lifeline to players determined to maintain access to iconic online multiplayer experiences long after regulatory support has ended.

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