On April 8 at 4 PM PT / 7 PM ET, online play and communication functionality for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U will shut down. These online services include co-op, leaderboard rankings, and data distribution.
Back in October 2023, Nintendo announced that it would be shutting these down in early April, and now we have a definitive date. There are a few exceptions, such as Pokemon Bank and Poke Transporter, which will stay online for the foreseeable future, but Nintendo clarified that they still may end at some point.
SpotPass uses online communication, so it will not be available after the shutdown. However, StreetPass uses local communication, meaning that it’ll still function.
Nintendo has also clarified that 3DS and Wii U games can still be played offline as long as their features and game modes don’t require online services. Additionally, users will still be able to download update data and purchased software for the time being.
Nintendo already closed down the 3DS and Wii U eShops back in March 2023. The next digital storefront on the chopping block is the Xbox 360’s, which is schedule to shut down on July 29, 2024.
