Nintendo has set an end date for shutting down online services on these consoles

If you have a Nintendo Wii or 3DS handheld console, you might know that the Japanese gaming giant announced that it is going to shut down online servers for these devices in April, 2024. But now, we have its exact date. Take up space. Nintendo’s official support announcement revealed that the disconnection is scheduled to occur on April 8, 2024 at 4pm PDT.

This means that users of these consoles only have a limited time, a few months, to continue experiencing online communication, cooperative play and rankings on these platforms.

This applies to the following variants of the console:

– New Nintendo 3DS

– New Nintendo 3DS XL

– New Nintendo 2DS XL

– Nintendo 3ds

– Nintendo 3DS XL

– Nintendo 2DS

– Wii U Deluxe

– Wii U Basic

Nintendo has also informed that they will need to complete the transfer of any remaining store balance to be linked to their Nintendo Account by March 11th at 10pm PT. Once linked, this balance can be used to get games on the Nintendo Switch. With respect to previous purchases, users will retain the ability to download purchased games and update data, as well as download DLC from the Nintendo eShop.

As stated, this change will affect not only the entire user base of 75 million Nintendo 3DS owners but also approximately 13 million Nintendo Wii U users. Although they can still use their console for offline enjoyment, online functionality will be disabled. As a result, engaging in activities like Pokémon battles with friends and purchasing new titles will no longer be possible.

Nintendo ceased production of the 3DS in 2020, now almost four years since its closure. The Nintendo Wii’s successor, the Nintendo Wii U, was also discontinued in 2017, coinciding with the launch year of the Nintendo Switch.