Goodbye to Nintendo 3DS and Wii U: Nintendo Ends Online Support for Older Consoles
It’s been seven years since the release of the Nintendo Switch, and rumors are swirling that its successor may be on the horizon. However, the current flagship console still has a lot to offer.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for its older siblings, the 3DS and Wii U. Nintendo has announced the exact date when online services for both devices will be discontinued.
In October, a representative from the Japanese video game developer announced that online services for these systems would be shut down within six months. In an updated statement released on Wednesday, Nintendo provided the specific dates. In Japan, online services for the 3DS and Wii U will be disabled on April 9th at 9:00 a.m., while in North America, the shutdown will occur on April 8th at 4:00 p.m.
However, even after the servers are turned off, the StreetPass feature on the 3DS will still function by using local connectivity between two consoles. Unfortunately, all other forms of online multiplayer gaming, including SpotPass, will be disabled.
In today’s age, when companies involved in video game production limit online services, there is a risk of losing access to titles that are no longer available physically or digitally. This is especially true with Nintendo, which traditionally offers fewer classic titles compared to its competitors. In March 2023, Nintendo ended support for digital purchases of 3DS and Wii U games on the Nintendo eShop, so the opportunity to acquire new games has already passed. Fortunately, even after online services for the 3DS and Wii U are discontinued in April, Nintendo assures that previously purchased games and updates can be redownloaded “for the foreseeable future.”
It is worth noting that Nintendo’s announcement includes a warning that “if a situation arises where it becomes difficult to continue the online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, we may terminate the service earlier.” So, if you want to play online with old friends and revisit classic games, time is ticking.
FAQ:
- When will online services be disabled for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles?
Online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles will be disabled in Japan on April 9th at 9:00 a.m., and in North America on April 8th at 4:00 p.m. - What features will still work after online services are disabled?
After online services are disabled for the 3DS and Wii U consoles, the StreetPass feature on the 3DS will continue to work through local connectivity between two consoles. However, all other forms of online multiplayer gaming will be disabled. - Can previously purchased games and updates still be downloaded?
Yes, even after online services are disabled for the 3DS and Wii U consoles, Nintendo assures that previously purchased games and updates can be redownloaded “for the foreseeable future.” - Is there a risk of losing access to titles that are no longer available physically or digitally?
Yes, limiting online services can come with the risk of losing access to titles that are no longer available physically or digitally. - Is there a possibility of early termination of the service?
Yes, Nintendo warns that if a situation arises where it becomes difficult to continue online services, they may be forced to terminate the service earlier.
Definitions:
- Nintendo Switch – a video game console produced by Nintendo that allows for both handheld and TV mode gaming.
- 3DS – a video game console by Nintendo, released in 2011, that enables 3D gameplay.
- Wii U – a video game console by Nintendo, released in 2012, which introduced innovative touchscreen control.
- StreetPass – a feature on the 3DS console that allows for data exchange with other users when devices are within range.
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The source of the article is from the blog mivalle.net.ar