For the foreseeable future, you will be able to download updates and games that you have already purchased.
Nintendo has disclosed the precise date on which the majority of the online services that are still available for the 3DS and Wii U will be discontinued. On April 8, at seven o’clock in the morning Eastern Time, it will no longer be allowed to enter a multiplayer match on the original Splatoon game or to take a look at the levels that other players have created in Super Mario Maker. A number of features, including online co-op play, leaderboards, and data dissemination, will not be accessible on either console (unless you find a homebrew solution that is sufficient). Additionally, the Badge Arcade feature, which offered users the opportunity to personalize the home menu of their Nintendo 3DS, will be discontinued.
Previously, Nintendo had stated that the internet services on the systems would be terminated at the beginning of April; however, they had not disclosed a particular date until now. Additionally, it issued a warning that it might “have to discontinue services earlier than planned” due to the fact that some players experienced problems accessing them toward the end of the previous year.
Update: as of 4/8, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end service for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Thank you very much for your continued support of our products.
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 24, 2024
Find out more: https://t.co/VdIdewGmB5
There will be no change to the functionality of single-player games and modes on either platform. There will be some exceptions to the closure of online services, according to Nintendo, and the company recommends that gamers of third-party games get in touch with publishers to inquire about whether or not they will continue to maintain servers operational. The business also mentions that the Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter capabilities will continue to be accessible for the time being, and that you will continue to be able to download updates and games that you have previously purchased on either system for the foreseeable future. In March of last year, Nintendo deactivated the eShop for both the 3DS and the Wii U.
StreetPass on the Nintendo 3DS will continue to be available, as it is able to establish connections with other Nintendo 3DS devices through the use of local communication. The SpotPass service, on the other hand, will be discontinued because it requires a connection to the internet.
While this is going on, the company has announced that owners of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U have until one o’clock Eastern Time on March 12 to combine their Nintendo Network ID and Nintendo Account. In that case, they are able to use any unused balance on the eShop of either system to purchase Nintendo Switch games, downloadable content, and other forms of digital material.