Nintendo Network Officially Shuts Down as Last 3DS Mario Kart 7 Player Logs Off

The era of the Nintendo Network has officially concluded, marking a significant milestone in Nintendo's online history.

Originally launched in 2012, the Nintendo Network enabled online play, digital storefronts, and social features for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS families of systems.

These online services, which included the Nintendo eShop for both platforms, became foundational in delivering digital gaming experiences to millions worldwide. On April 8, 2024, Nintendo implemented the planned shutdown of the Nintendo Network servers, bringing an end to official online play, community features, and digital purchases for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS users.

Despite the closure, a handful of dedicated fans continued to maintain a connection by keeping their devices online, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in the waning days of the platform. By July 2024, online activity on the Wii U had disappeared entirely, while the Nintendo 3DS saw just one determined user holding on: @fishguy6564.

For nearly seven months after the Nintendo Network's closure, this player continued to log into online Mario Kart 7 lobbies, a testament to the passion and dedication of Nintendo's fan community. On November 4, 2024, the final chapter was written when @fishguy6564 reported on Twitter that a 3DS system crash had forced them to disconnect, effectively ending all user connections to the Nintendo Network servers.

The user succinctly stated, "It's over.

Rest in peace, Nintendo Network," signaling the final sign-off for over a decade of beloved online services. This unique final countdown has been chronicled by community figures like @GaffsNotLaffs, co-founder of the 'Nintendo Network After Hours' Discord group, who tracked the progress of the last players still online.

According to community updates, there are no remaining users—making the shutdown complete and leaving a lasting legacy for one of Nintendo's most formative online platforms. Nintendo 3DS and Wii U titles like Mario Kart 7 were instrumental in popularizing handheld and console multiplayer experiences in the era before the Nintendo Switch.

The tenacity of remaining players highlights the enduring connection fans share with Nintendo's classic hardware and online environments—an era now immortalized with the servers' official closure. As the industry continues to shift towards new hardware and online ecosystems such as the Nintendo Switch, the legacy of the Nintendo Network will remain an important chapter in Nintendo history.

For many, the memories created with friends and global competitors through the Wii U and 3DS will never be forgotten even as the digital doors close for good.

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