Nintendo will put yet another nail in the coffins of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as it announced online play and other functions that use online communications will end in April 2024. According to the official website, this includes online multiplayer modes, internet rankings, and data distribution. More information on a specific date will come out closer to the shutdown.
The only online service that will be available after April 2024 will be Pokemon Bank. However, Nintendo warned that it may also end Pokemon Bank support sometime in the future. It also stated that there’s a chance it will end online functionality earlier than April 2024 if difficulties crop up between then and now. As a side note, you’ll still be able to use StreetPass (since it’s local communication) and access the Nintendo eShop to download purchased software and DLC.
The Nintendo 3DS first came out in 2010 and the Wii U came out in late 2012. The 3DS was massively popular (with Nintendo reporting over 75.77 million lifetime sales in 2020). Nintendo closed down the eShops for the 3DS and the Wii U in March 2023. While both the 3DS and the Wii U had its time in the sun, and with the Switch starting to head out as well, Nintendo seems like it’s preparing to take the next step towards the future.
Nintendo will close down online functionality for the 3DS and Wii U sometime in April 2024.
