Nintendo announces that online play services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will end in early April 2024

It has been announced that the online play service for Nintendo's portable game console ``

https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/information/2023/1004.html

Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS online services will shut down in April - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/4/23902615/wii-u-nintendo-3ds-online-shut-down

Nintendo 3DS is a portable game console released in February 2011, which features two displays, one above the other, and a stereoscopic (3D) function. Since its release, various models have appeared, including the Nintendo 3DS LL , Nintendo 2DS , and New Nintendo 2DS LL , with cumulative sales of 75.94 million Nintendo 3DS units and 391.59 million units of dedicated software sold. doing.

Wii U is a home game console developed as a successor to the Wii, which was released in November 2012 and has shipped over 100 million units. The Wii U GamePad controller is also equipped with a touch-compatible display, so you can play games not only on the connected TV screen but also on the Wii U GamePad. Cumulative sales of Wii U consoles are 13.56 million units, and cumulative sales of software are 103.6 million units.

It has been announced that various functions (online services) using internet communication, such as online play for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, will end in early April 2024. Since this applies to all Nintendo 3DS, online services for New Nintendo 3DS exclusive software will also not be available. In addition, eligible online services include online cooperative play, internet rankings, data distribution, etc.

However, according to Nintendo, if an event occurs that makes it difficult to continue the service, there is a possibility that the service for individual software or all software will be terminated earlier than planned (early April 2024). It is said that there is.

As of early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.

Find out more:

https://t.co/nOyzBImHCE

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 4, 2023

Even after online services end, you will still be able to play games offline, and some online services such as Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Mover will continue to be available. However, it seems that these online services may be discontinued in the future. Additionally, regarding the content of online services for non-Nintendo software, you will need to contact each software manufacturer. Additionally, you will still be able to download updated data and re-download purchased software and additional content.

'StreetPass', which can be used with Nintendo 3DS, is a function for local communication between Nintendo 3DS consoles, so it can be used even after the online service ends. However, 'Unexpected Communication' using online services will no longer be available due to the termination of online services. In addition, 'StreetPass communication' can also be used in 'StreetPass Mii Plaza' of the Nintendo 3DS built-in software, but functions that use Internet communication (such as distribution of new panels in 'Peace Collecting Journey') will no longer be available. .

Please note that the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will be discontinued in March 2023.

Nintendo announces end date of 'Nintendo eShop' service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U - GIGAZINE