Nintendo warns against using “unauthorized services” such as online Wii U replacement

A statement was posted on social media today in which Nintendo is cautioning fans against using “unauthorized services”. Specifics weren’t shared, but the company acknowledged that there are ways to continue playing Wii U games online. Nintendo claims that using these services “may pose unexpected security risks.”

Online support for Wii U – as well as 3DS – was discontinued last April. But there are ways to circumvent that. The open-source project Pretendo was previously established for this very reason, offering online functionality via custom servers and “clean-room reverse engineering.” Users need to hack their device in order to use the service.

Nintendo’s full statement reads:

“We have confirmed the existence of unauthorized services that replace functions such as online play for the Wii U, which ended service on April 9, 2024. Please refrain from using such services as they may pose unexpected security risks.”

Nintendo’s post does come at an interesting time. Pretendo, which is the biggest option when it comes to replacing online play for Wii U and 3DS, is far from new – it’s been known since the official shut down last year. It’s anyone’s guess why the company decided to share this statement now.