Nintendo has announced that 3DS and Wii U online services will discontinue in April 2024. In a post on the official support page, the publisher stated that the players will lose access to all in-game features that require online functionality. This includes online co-op, internet rankings, and data distribution.

“In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS* and Wii U software. This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.”

The only online service that will remain available after the discontinuation is Pokémon Bank, although it may also come to an end sometime in the future.

An important note about StreetPass and SpotPass has also been provided:

“StreetPass uses local communication between Nintendo 3DS family systems, meaning that it will still be available even after online services end. However, because SpotPass uses online communication, SpotPass features will no longer be available.

For example, you will be able to use StreetPass in StreetPass Mii Plaza, which is pre-installed on Nintendo 3DS family systems, but you will no longer be able to use features that use online communication (such as receiving new panels in Puzzle Swap).”

Nintendo also said that certain third-party games might maintain their online services, but no specific details were provided.

“With some exceptions, online services will end for all Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Please contact publishers for information about the online services for their software.”

The discontinuation of 3DS and Wii U online services was on the cards, as Nintendo has shifted its focus to the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, which is rumored to launch in 2024.

What do you think about this decision? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Nintendo