Home / Tech News / Featured Tech News / Nintendo shuts off online access for 3DS and Wii U today

Nintendo shuts off online access for 3DS and Wii U today

Just as announced in the final months of 2023, the online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles are shutting down. As of today, online services for both systems will be shut off for good. 

With online services coming to an end, Wii U and 3DS players will no longer have access to things like online multiplayer and games will only be playable in offline mode. On the 3DS side, this applies to all versions of the handheld, including the 2DS, the 3DS XL and the ‘New 3DS', which had slightly more powerful hardware than the base model.

While online functionality is coming to an end, players will still be able to download patches for games, and redownload purchased DLCs for titles. However, this is only in place for the “foreseeable future”, so users could lose access eventually, but it won't be anytime soon.

This news arrives as the Nintendo's latest console, the Nintendo Switch, enters its final years, with a new console set to replace the Switch either in late 2024 or early 2025.

Discuss on our Facebook page, HERE.

KitGuru Says: The 3DS line-up didn't have a lot of multiplayer games but there were a few gems in there. Unfortunately, those games will no longer be accessible after today, or at least, their online modes won't be. 

Become a Patron!

Check Also

The Game Awards 2025 breaks records again with 171 million live views

This year's Game Awards has once again proven its dominance in the gaming calendar, setting a new viewership record for its 2025 broadcast. According to data reported by the organization, The Game Awards secured an estimated 171 million global livestreams, marking an 11% increase over the 154 million figure recorded in 2024.