Nintendo Wii U and 3DS online services bow out today

Today marks a bittersweet moment for Nintendo enthusiasts worldwide as the tech giant bids farewell to the online functionality of its beloved Wii U and Nintendo 3DS consoles. For gamers, this translates to a significant change in how they interact with their favorite titles. While offline gameplay remains unaffected, any games reliant on online features will no longer function as before. Super Mario Maker, for instance, will lose its online capabilities entirely. Searching, playing, or downloading user-created levels will become relics of the past.

Nintendo acknowledges this transition, stating, “Players will still be able to use features and game modes that do not require online communication.” However, online cooperative play, internet rankings, and data distribution will bid their final adieu. In a statement, Nintendo expressed gratitude to its loyal players: “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 caused.”

The official support page clarifies that while online services will cease for most Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, certain exceptions exist. Players can still contact individual publishers for information regarding online services for specific titles. Importantly, re-downloading previously purchased games and downloadable content from Nintendo eShop remains feasible for the foreseeable future. Nintendo assures that StreetPass, which utilizes local communication between Nintendo 3DS systems, will persist even after the online services conclude. However, features reliant on online communication, such as SpotPass, will bid their farewell.

In a glimmer of continuity, the Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Transporter services will remain active. This is especially good news for players who utilize the Bank to store and transfer Pokemon between different games. So, for those eager to relive Super Mario Maker’s magic or engage in one last race in Mario Kart 7 on the 3DS, today stands as a final opportunity before the curtains draw on these online experiences. As we bid adieu to these services, let’s cherish the memories and look forward to what the future holds for Nintendo’s ever-evolving landscape.


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