By Jon Donnis
Nintendo has set the final countdown for the disconnection of online services for its 3DS and Wii U systems. Gamers who have been enjoying online play on these platforms must mark their calendars for April 8th, 2024, at midnight UK time for the termination of these services. For users in Japan, the shutdown will occur on the morning of April 9th at 9AM.
The announcement comes after Nintendo's earlier declaration of the spring shutdown, revealing that while some services like StreetPass, Pokémon Bank, and Poké Transporter will persist, SpotPass services and the beloved Nintendo Badge Arcade will vanish permanently.
In a recent press release, Nintendo reminded users of the urgency to take action regarding any unused eShop balance tied to a Nintendo Network ID. Time has already run out for users to link their wallet with a Nintendo Account which would have ensured the funds can still be utilized for purchases, even on the Nintendo Switch platform.
Despite the cessation of online play, leaderboards, and other online features, Nintendo has assured players that they will still have access to download update data and redownload purchased software and downloadable content from Nintendo eShop for the foreseeable future.
The decision to shut down online services for the 3DS and Wii U consoles aligns with Nintendo's strategy to focus on its newer platforms. The Wii U, which struggled in sales, amassed approximately 13 million units sold, while the 3DS enjoyed a more successful run, reaching around 75 million sales from its launch in 2010 until its discontinuation in 2020.
As the sun sets on online services for the 3DS and Wii U, Nintendo bids farewell to an era of gaming while emphasizing its commitment to evolving gaming experiences on newer platforms. Gamers are encouraged to make necessary arrangements before the shutdown date to avoid any disruption in their gaming experiences.
