3DS and Wii U online play ends on April 8
January 23: Nintendo has provided an official shutdown date for 3DS and Wii U online play. This will go into effect on April 8, 2024 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET. Users are warned “that if an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, Nintendo may have to discontinue services earlier than planned.”
This news doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Nintendo already gave fans a heads up back in October that it would be pulling the plug on 3DS / Wii U online support. April was already confirmed – we just didn’t have a specific date.
Anything involving online functionality is fair game here. Aside from online play, things like internet rankings and data distribution will no longer be available. Note that it will be possible to merge unused eShop balance to your Nintendo Account so that it can be used on Switch until March 11.
It goes without saying, but everyone will still be able to use both pieces of hardware offline. Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter will also remain active, “but that may also end at some point in the future.” There may also be some exceptions from third-parties. Also, it will still be possible to download update data and redownload purchased software and downloadable content from the eShop for the time being.
April 8: The time has come and both platforms are now offline. You’ll receive an error code when attempting to access online features.
