Benjamin Bartlett
Nintendo Announces End of Online Play and Other Functionality for 3DS and Wii U in 2024
In a long-awaited announcement, Nintendo has confirmed that it will be ending online play and other functionality for both the 3DS and Wii U consoles as of early April 2024. This news comes as a blow to fans of these consoles who have enjoyed online gaming and other online features for years.
Official Confirmation from Nintendo
Nintendo released an official statement regarding the discontinuation of online services for the 3DS and Wii U:
Nintendo: “In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.”
While an exact date has not been provided, Nintendo has stated that it will announce a specific end date and time at a later date. However, the company also mentioned that services could be discontinued earlier than planned if any events occur that would make it difficult to continue online services for these consoles.
Exceptions and Pokémon Bank
Nintendo has clarified that certain online services will still be available even after the discontinuation. Pokémon Bank for the 3DS will continue to be accessible, although it may also end at some point in the future. Additionally, online services for software from other publishers will have some exceptions, although specific details have not been provided.
Impact on Nintendo Badge Arcade and StreetPass
With the end of online services, Nintendo Badge Arcade will display an error screen when launched, and it will no longer be possible to place badges in the badge box. This marks the end of an era for fans of this popular game.
While online play and other functionality will cease, 3DS and Wii U users will still be able to download update data and redownload purchased software and DLC from the eShop for the foreseeable future. However, SpotPass support will be ending, although 3DS StreetPass will still be available.
Previous Closure of 3DS and Wii U eShops
Earlier this year, Nintendo officially closed the 3DS and Wii U eShops, making it no longer possible to make new purchases. However, users can still redownload all previously purchased games and DLC.
Overall, this announcement marks the end of an era for the 3DS and Wii U consoles. Fans will need to make the most of the remaining online services before they are discontinued in early April 2024. Nintendo has promised to provide further updates and specific end dates as they become available.
We’ll let you know if there are any updates.
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