Nintendo gamers who have funds in their 3DS and Wii U eShop accounts have been alerted to the fact that they could lose that money as the company prepares to close the online services for both consoles. Players have until 11 March at 6am GMT / 10pm PT to transfer any remaining funds to a Nintendo Account in order to avoid losing it. After that date, online play for 3DS and Wii U will be shut down on 8 April 2024, at 12pm GMT / 4pm PT.
Nintendo Account transfer deadline
Players have until 11 March to transfer any remaining funds from their 3DS and Wii U eShop accounts to a Nintendo Account. Failure to do so will result in the loss of that money.
Online play shutdown
The online play for 3DS and Wii U will be shut down on 8 April 2024. Players in Japan will experience the shutdown on the morning of 9 April, at 9AM.
How to navigate the transition
Nintendo has provided a help page on its website that offers guidance on how players can successfully transfer their funds from their 3DS and Wii U accounts to a Nintendo Account. It is crucial for players to follow these instructions in order to safeguard their money.
Consoles affected
The closure of online services will impact the following consoles:
- New Nintendo 3DS
- New Nintendo 3DS XL
- New Nintendo 2DS XL
- Nintendo 3DS
- Nintendo 3DS XL
- Nintendo 2DS
- Wii U Deluxe
- Wii U Basic
Reason for closure
Nintendo states that the decision to cease online services for 3DS and Wii U consoles is part of the natural lifecycle of technology, as these devices are being used less by consumers over time. The 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued in September 2020, and the Wii U consoles went out of production in January 2017.
