Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services Set for Official Shutdown on April 9, 2024
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Published on: March 28, 2024
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Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services Set for Official Shutdown on April 9, 2024
In a significant chapter for legacy console gaming, Nintendo has confirmed that online play and associated network features for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will officially end on April 9, 2024.
This milestone marks the final sunset of online support for two of Nintendo’s most storied platforms, signaling the end of an era for many devoted fans and collectors.
The Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, both pivotal consoles in the company’s hardware history, have collectively sold tens of millions of units worldwide.
Renowned for expanding portable and home gaming, these systems saw critically acclaimed franchises like Animal Crossing, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Kart evolve across handheld and console experiences.
However, with the continued global success of the Nintendo Switch and the company’s focus on the Nintendo Switch Online ecosystem, legacy network services are being retired to streamline resources for current and future platforms.
Official communications from Nintendo, including an announcement on their Japanese social media accounts earlier this week, reaffirmed the upcoming discontinuation of online services for both the 3DS and Wii U.
According to the statement, "The online play service for Nintendo 3DS software and Wii U software will conclude at 9 a.m.
(JST) on Tuesday, April 9, 2024." For players in North America, this translates to the evening of April 8th.
This news follows a series of shutdown milestones in recent years.
In March 2023, the eShop digital storefronts for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U were closed, ending new game purchases and content downloads.
Earlier this month, Nintendo removed the function to merge unspent eShop balances from these platforms into users’ main Nintendo Accounts, further signaling the transition away from these older systems.
Users are being encouraged to complete any final online activities—such as multiplayer sessions or software updates—before the shutdown date.
Once services are discontinued, online modes in games like Mario Kart 7, Super Smash Bros.
for Nintendo 3DS, Splatoon for Wii U, and many others will become inaccessible, though offline play will remain unaffected.
Nintendo’s phased approach to winding down 3DS and Wii U services is part of its ongoing focus on servicing the Nintendo Switch and its vibrant community.
The company continues to innovate with regular Nintendo Direct presentations and a robust eShop catalogue.
As of April 9, 2024, a piece of Nintendo history will officially come to a close, underscoring the importance of digital preservation and the lifecycle of modern gaming hardware.
Fans who wish to relive classic moments or participate in online features have only a short window left to do so before these beloved services say farewell.
