“In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software,” Nintendo said on its Support website.
“This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.”
“if an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, we may have to discontinue services earlier than planned.”
As for Pokémon Bank
Pokémon Bank will still retain its online functionality (presumably since it’s still used by players and uses online connectivity as its central mechanic).
Edit: Official Announcement with Q&A: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/~/announcement-of-discontinuation-of-online-services-for-nintendo-3ds-and-wii-u
Well, no matter how scaled down they make it, there is going to be a maintenance cost. They would have to keep the tech stack updated and keep up with latest security practices, otherwise it could be a security issue.
Not saying they can’t afford to do it, just sharing another perspective.
The PS3 and Xbox 360 are 17 and 18 years old. The 3DS and Wii U have just reached 12 and 10 years old.
Microsoft and Sony seem be able to keep the servers up without any issues. The stores are even online too (although the PS3 store might close soon). Additionally, Sony isn’t profiting off the PS3 as the servers are free.
Sure they have more money than Nintendo but it is very frustrating that the servers are already going down… hopefully Pretendo will be able to restore functionality.
I think the issue is that Nintendo Network was a completely different system, they changed it completely with Switch. That is why everyone had to create new accounts etc.
With PS and Xbox they may have updated a lot, but I think it’s still the same system.
Also, PS3 and Vita store were closing a while back, but there was a huge outcry and Sony changed the decision. Maybe there wasn’t such a huge outcry for 3DS?
But yeah, no matter the reason, it’s frustrating for the customers. Pretendo seeems to be the way forward, let’s hope they release something soon.
I agree. Nintendo made a bad decision when they designed 3 different online systems for 3 systems (Wii, 3DS/Wii U and Switch).
Pretendo is already functional if you pay for their Patreon. Not everything works but I’ve heard it’s in a pretty good state.
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Microsoft can keep it up because they own their CDN. They dont have to pay a 3rd party company for upkeep.