The Evolution of Nintendo Gaming Consoles: A New Era

by Annabelle Stephenson
in *AR, *CH, *DE, *ES, *FR, *IT, *JP, *KO, *PT, *RU, *TR, *UA, Action, News, Release, xBG, xCS, xDA, xEL, xET, xFA, xFI, xHE, xHR, xHU, xLT, xLV, xNL, xNN, xRO, xRS, xSV
on 9 April 2024

Nintendo has officially announced the closure of online services for the Wii U and 3DS consoles as of April 8, 2024. This decision marks the end of an era for players who will no longer be able to connect to online gameplay in selected games or make use of remaining funds in the eShop.

With over a decade since the debut of the Wii U and 3DS consoles, Nintendo has now decided to conclude their online services, with no new titles released on these platforms since the emergence of the Nintendo Switch as the primary console of this generation.

It comes as no surprise to gamers as the company had already foreshadowed this move back in January, announcing the discontinuation of online gameplay and other connected experiences.

Games on the Wii U and 3DS will no longer have access to online features. Nintendo had given players ample time to enjoy these services, considering the 3DS was introduced in 2011 and the Wii U in 2012, alongside the onset of online experiences.

### FAQ

#### What is an eShop?
The eShop is an online marketplace provided by Nintendo where users can purchase and download digital content such as games, applications, and demos directly to their consoles.

#### What is online gameplay?
Online gameplay refers to the ability to play video games with other players over the internet, allowing for multiplayer experiences and interactions beyond local play.

#### Will I still be able to access offline gameplay on the Wii U and 3DS?
Yes, players can continue to enjoy offline gameplay on the Wii U and 3DS consoles even after the closure of online services. However, certain online features and multiplayer options will no longer be available.

According to a previous update from Nintendo’s website, players had until March 11 of this year to transfer any remaining funds from the eShop to their Switch Online accounts, where they could utilize them for other purchases. However, that option is no longer available as the deadline has passed, and the company has officially shut down the online servers.

The landscape of Nintendo’s gaming consoles has evolved significantly, with the Switch gaining immense popularity shortly after its release in 2017. This led Nintendo to shift its focus to the Switch as its primary platform, outshining the Wii U and 3DS which were still lingering in the market.

In March 2023, Nintendo closed access to the eShop for the Wii U and 3DS, signaling the end of purchasing new games through digital means. Players had time until the service closure to acquire physical copies from retro retailers.

The online gaming services were the last available experience for the Wii U and 3DS, but now it’s time for these consoles to retire from online gameplay. Nintendo’s decision to shut down the servers has extended the lifespan of these consoles for players to enjoy for over a decade.

The source of the article is from the blog lisboatv.pt