has exactly when most remaining online services for the and will come to an end. After 7AM ET on April 8, it will no longer be possible to jump into a multiplayer match on the original or check out other players’ levels in . Online co-op play, leaderboards and data distribution are among the features that won’t be available on either console (unless you find an adequate homebrew solution). The Badge Arcade feature, which allows players to customize their Nintendo 3DS home menu, is going away too.
Nintendo previously said that online services on the systems , but hadn’t shared a specific date until now. It also warned that it may “have to discontinue services earlier than planned” — some players had .
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.
Find out more: https://t.co/VdIdewGmB5
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 24, 2024
Single-player games and modes will continue to work on both platforms. Nintendo said there will be some exceptions to the end of online services and suggests that players of third-party games contact publishers to check whether they’ll keep servers running. The company also notes that Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter features will remain available for now, and you’ll still be able to download updates and games you’ve previously purchased on either system for the foreseeable future. Nintendo the eShop on both 3DS and Wii U last March.
One other feature that will remain is StreetPass on 3DS, since that connects to other 3DS units over local communication. SpotPass will be discontinued, however, as that requires an internet connection.
Meanwhile, the company that 3DS and Wii U owners have until 1AM ET on March 12 to . If they do, they can spend any unused balance on either system’s eShop on Nintendo Switch games, DLC and other digital content.
