Online support for 3DS and Wii U ends in April 2024

Nintendo has announced the end of online support for the 3DS and Wii U, with both platforms going offline in early April 2024. An exact date was not given.

This is another nail in the coffin for both platforms after the closure of the eShops. Back in March, the 3DS and Wii U stores stopped purchasing and downloading content such as demos.

Here is the full announcement from Nintendo:

Thank you for supporting our products.

In early April 2024, online play and other features that utilize online communication will be discontinued for Nintendo 3DS* and Wii U software. This also includes online cooperation games, Internet rankings and data distribution.

For more information about badges to decorate the Nintendo 3DS HOME menu with Nintendo Badge Arcade, click here.

We will announce a specific end date and time at a later date.

Please note that we may have to suspend services earlier than planned if an event occurs that makes it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.

We sincerely thank players for their long-term use of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software online services and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

*This includes software exclusive to the new Nintendo 3DS.

Nintendo also clarified a few other points. The Pokemon Bank will still be active, but that too could end at some point. Also, this should essentially affect all games, but there may be some third-party exceptions. Additionally, it was made clear that SpotPass features will no longer be available.

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