In a recent announcement, Nintendo revealed that the online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will be closing in April 2024. This closure will have various implications for players, including the discontinuation of online multiplayer and communication for most games. However, certain features like Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will still be accessible. Join me as we delve into the details of this closure and what it means for Nintendo gamers.
The Closure Date: April 2024
Learn about the specific closure date for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online services and the possibility of earlier discontinuation.
The online services for both the Wii U and 3DS will close in April 2024. Nintendo has promised to reveal a more specific time and date closer to April. However, the company has also said that services may be discontinued earlier than this month “if an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software.”
Implications of the Closure
Explore the impact of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online services closure on internet rankings, multiplayer, communication, and more.
The discontinuation of online services will mean the end of internet rankings and data distribution as well as online multiplayer (both competitive and co-op) and communication for all games and apps with the exception of Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter.
Players will still be able to download game updates and redownload any software they’ve previously purchased beyond April 2024.
Offline features will also remain available. As such, players will still be able to get StreetPass on 3DS because that uses local communication. However, SpotPass features will be discontinued because these use online communication.
Nintendo Badge Arcade on the 3DS will also display an error message after April 2024, so Nintendo recommends players finish placing badges before the 3DS online services close completely. Any badge data after that point will be saved to the SD card, so players will still get access to a maximum of 100 categories and 1,000 badges that they have already placed in the badge box.
Finally, Nintendo ends with an apology by saying, “we sincerely thank players for using the online services of Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software over a long period of time and apologize for any inconvenience.”
Conclusion
In April 2024, the online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will come to a close. This means that internet rankings, online multiplayer, and communication features will no longer be available for most games and apps. However, players can still enjoy offline features and access game updates and previously purchased software. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will continue to have online services. Nintendo expresses gratitude to players for their support and apologizes for any inconvenience caused.
FQA
Will I still be able to play multiplayer games on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U after the online services close?
No, the closure of the online services means that online multiplayer for most games and apps will no longer be available. However, offline multiplayer options may still be accessible depending on the game.
What will happen to my game updates and previously purchased software?
You will still be able to download game updates and redownload any software you have previously purchased even after the online services close in April 2024.
Can I still use StreetPass on the Nintendo 3DS?
Yes, StreetPass, which uses local communication, will still be available on the Nintendo 3DS even after the online services close. However, SpotPass features that rely on online communication will be discontinued.
What should I do with my badges in Nintendo Badge Arcade?
It is recommended to finish placing your badges in Nintendo Badge Arcade before the online services close completely in April 2024. After that, the game will display an error message, but any badge data you have already placed will be saved to the SD card.