Nintendo Ending Online Support For Wii U And 3DS in 2024

10 Comments | 3DS, nintendo, video games, Wii U | By Peter Paltridge | October 4, 2023 | 2 minutes of reading

Nintendo’s latest abrupt, out of nowhere announcement in a history of abrupt, out of nowhere announcements came in the middle of last night. A statement was released from them that said they now have plans to shut off the online support for the majority of Wii U and 3DS titles by next April. Or earlier: “If an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, we may have to discontinue services earlier than planned,” they said.

I know what you’re thinking: “The Wii U hasn’t been shut off already?” Most of it has: Miiverse died a long time ago, and the online shop was shuttered earlier this year. But it’s still possible to use the online multiplayer features of Wii U titles that supported it, namely Splatoon, the original Mario Kart 8, and Super Smash Bros For Wii U. Same thing for the 3DS, which has its own Mario Kart and Smash Bros games, as well as Pokemon and Animal Crossing.

Two things about the 3DS will remain functional: StreetPass, which is more dependent on the individual 3DS’s connection than anything, and Pokemon Bank, the subscription cloud storage utility for storing away Pokemon (which Nintendo already replaced with Pokemon Home, but if you still use Bank, it’s there). Beyond that, Nintendo said some third party games for both systems could remain online, depending on what those publishers decide.

The ability to re-download digital games you’ve already purchased on the Wii U and 3DS will remain functional.

Help Support PopGeeks

PopGeeks runs on reader support. We are not backed by corporate media, driven by algorithms, or overloaded with invasive ads. We are an independently run site created by fans, for fans, and we cover what we love: movies, TV, video games, comics, and tabletop RPGs.

Support PopGeeks for just $1/month and help keep our content free and ad-light. Your support covers hosting, pays our writers, and helps sustain independent coverage of movies, games, TV, and geek culture. Every dollar makes a difference.

This is a voluntary support payment. No physical goods or exclusive digital content are provided. PopGeeks content remains freely accessible to all. Sales tax does not apply.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you for helping PopGeeks stay fan-run, freely accessible, and fully independent.

10 replies

Join the discussion →

Loading new replies...

Calder

Rockstar

529 messages 0 likes

#1 Oct 05, 2023

Damn, this news hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, I know the Wii U and 3DS aren't exactly the latest and greatest, but they hold a special place in my gaming heart. It's sad to see Nintendo ending online support for them. I've spent countless hours battling it out in Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros For Wii U with friends online. Those were some epic gaming sessions. Now, it feels like the end of an era, you know?

Reply Like

Kitty-N

I will never ever runaway

333 messages 21 likes

#2 Oct 05, 2023

I'm a bit conflicted about this news. On one hand, I haven't touched my Wii U or 3DS in a while, so I understand Nintendo's decision to focus on newer platforms. But on the other hand, there's a sense of nostalgia tied to those consoles. I remember the excitement of StreetPass encounters and the fun of playing Pokémon with friends. It's the end of an era, but I guess it's time to embrace the future of Nintendo gaming.

Reply Like

NebulaDreamer42

New Member

550 messages 18 likes

#3 Oct 05, 2023

I can't believe this is happening, but part of me saw it coming. Nintendo's been gradually phasing out the Wii U and 3DS for a while now. Miiverse and the online shop were the first signs. Still, it's a bummer to hear that they're pulling the plug on the online support for most titles. I'll miss those late-night Splatoon matches with my buddies.

Reply Like

Tom23

Member

106 messages 27 likes

#4 Oct 05, 2023

You know, I've been a Nintendo fan for as long as I can remember, and this news feels like a punch in the gut. It's like they're saying goodbye to a part of their history. Sure, the Wii U and 3DS might not be their most successful consoles, but they had some amazing games. I can't help but feel nostalgic about all those hours I spent exploring Hyrule in A Link Between Worlds or catching Pokémon in Sun and Moon. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I guess all good things must come to an end eventually.

Reply Like

sonicthehedghog

New Member

59 messages 0 likes

#5 Oct 05, 2023

Well, this is a bummer, but I kind of saw it coming. Sad to see the online support for the Wii U and 3DS go.

Reply Like

NintendoRepairman87

Mushroom Kingdom Expert

78 messages 0 likes

#6 Oct 05, 2023

Wow, Nintendo's decision to end online support for the Wii U and 3DS in 2024 is a real shocker! I mean, most of us thought the Wii U's online features were already gone, but there were still some classics like Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 that we could enjoy. As for the 3DS, it's been a loyal companion for many years, and it's tough to say goodbye to online features for games like Pokemon and Animal Crossing. At least StreetPass and Pokemon Bank are sticking around, even though they're a bit niche. Let's hope some third-party games will still be available online.

Reply Like

Kurapikachu

Member

423 messages 5 likes

#7 Oct 05, 2023

I'm curious about those third-party games, though. Nintendo mentioned that some might stay online, depending on the publishers. It'll be interesting to see which ones stick around. All in all, it's a mix of nostalgia, sadness, and a bit of hope for the future. Nintendo sure knows how to keep us on our toes with their announcements!

Reply Like

Mokona1998

Hardcore CLAMP fan

89 messages 5 likes

#8 Oct 05, 2023

Oh, come on, Nintendo! This news is seriously frustrating. I mean, the Wii U and 3DS have been a part of my gaming life for years, and now they're pulling the online support? It's like they're erasing a piece of gaming history.

Reply Like

Kinetic_Hype_Train02

Member

216 messages 11 likes

#9 Oct 05, 2023

This really ticks me off, you know? Nintendo's decision to end online support for the Wii U and 3DS feels like they're disregarding the fans who still enjoy these consoles. It's disappointing and, frankly, a bit disrespectful to those of us who've stuck with them.

Reply Like

Join the full discussion at the PopGeeks.com Forum | Indie Games, Movies, TV & Comics →