Nintendo is discontinuing online services for 3DS and Wii U

Nintendo announced they will be ending online services for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U starting in early 2024.  Online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for both of the platform’s software. That would include online co-op play, internet rankings, and data distribution.

Online services for Pokemon Bank will continue, but Nintendo shared that will be ending in the future with no specific date given.

What does this mean for StreetPass?

Nintendo said it uses local communication between 3DS family systems meaning it will still be available even after online services shut down. SpotPass will no longer be available since that uses online communication.

You will still be able to use StreetPass in StreetPass Mii Plaza which is pre-installed on the handheld, but you will no longer be able to use features that use online communication.

Even though online services will end for the Wii U and 3DS you will still be able to play offline and be able to use features that don’t require online connectivity.

A specific date for the online service discontinuation has not been given for both platforms, but expect it some time in the early parts of 2024.

Source: Nintendo via Gematsu