End of an era: Nintendo Wii U and 3DS online services shutting down today

Games like Splatoon, known for their lively online communities and multiplayer gameplay, will lose a significant aspect of their experience.
An undated image showcasing the logo of Nintendo. — Nintendo
An undated image showcasing the logo of Nintendo. — Nintendo

Today, April 8, marks a sad occasion for fans of Nintendo's Wii U and 3DS consoles as the company shuts down their online services. While many games on these consoles don't heavily rely on online multiplayer, titles like Splatoon will be profoundly affected by this shutdown.

Nintendo's decision to end online services for the Wii U and 3DS follows similar actions taken in the past for the Wii and DS consoles. This move leaves fans disappointed, as online features have become an integral part of modern gaming experiences.

The Wii U and 3DS online services provided various functionalities, including online multiplayer and digital storefronts for game purchases. Over time, however, Nintendo gradually phased out these services, with the final shutdown scheduled for today.

Games like Splatoon, known for their lively online communities and multiplayer gameplay, will lose a significant aspect of their experience. With the shutdown of online services, players will no longer be able to engage in online matches or access other online features.

While the majority of Wii U and 3DS games don't heavily rely on online multiplayer, the shutdown still marks the end of an era for these beloved consoles. Players who wish to experience the online features of these games one last time should seize the opportunity before it's too late.

In particular, Splatoon, a colourful and innovative multiplayer game, will be profoundly impacted by the shutdown. With its unique blend of action and strategy, a dedicated community of Splatoons formed, drawn to the game's competitive multiplayer modes.

Despite the disappointment of losing online services for the Wii U and 3DS, Nintendo fans can still find solace in the fact that newer titles like Splatoon 2 and Splatoon 3 offer similar multiplayer experiences on the Nintendo Switch. These newer iterations ensure that the spirit of Splatoon lives on, even as its predecessor bids farewell to its online community.