Is 3DS Still Supported? A Complete Guide
In early April 2024, Nintendo will be discontinuing online services for its 3DS and Wii U consoles. This means that several features, including online play, co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution, will no longer be available on these systems. But is that all there is to it? In this article, we’ll delve into the latest information about Nintendo 3DS support, so you can decide if your device is still worth keeping around.
Can I Still Play 3DS Online?
The answer to this question is yes, but for now, only until March 2023. After this date, Nintendo will stop updating the online servers for these consoles, effectively disabling most online features. So, if you haven’t upgraded to the latest versions yet, do so now. After the shutdown, some online games will continue to work for a while longer, but don’t worry, as they won’t be impacted significantly. But, remember that it is always possible for them to stop working, at some point, when no online support will be provided anymore.
What Features Are Ending?
By March 2023, you can expect the following online services to stop functioning on the 3DS:
- Online co-operative play in games
- Internet rankings for certain games
- Data distribution and uploading through the eShop
Here’s a more detailed look at the ending dates:
| Ending Dates
| Online Services | Last Access
| 3DS Software | 28/03/2023 |
| 3DS eShop | 28/09/2019 |
Please take note of the respective timelines for these online services before they come to an end.
Are New 3DS Games Being Released?
Sadly, it’s a no-go when it comes to brand new 3DS game releases. By 28/03/2023, Nintendo will officially halt all new 3DS game development, marking an end to new title production for this platform.
You can, however, find and download available titles up until then.
Additional Information for Users with MODDED Consoles
There’s an exception worth considering: those who use mods on their consoles won’t be impacted in terms of the eShop availability until June 2024.
• In-store Game Trading: Trading physical 3DS games, if necessary, won’t change
• Cloud Storage Integration: Still applicable on any 3DS systems regardless of its original owner/ user or status, as it works using unique game profiles on their My Nintendo Account. But, to transfer downloaded Cloud Saved Games. You might encounter challenges once the Nintendo Servers get out of use after their End-of-Service, potentially ending the accessibility.
The rest of your question (i.e., in which eShop sections we won’t be able to use?) is currently already non-supported, in both areas with the ‘Update Now/Download Update/More details’ message from an ongoing update cycle will never provide an "End Update Progress" since an essential section of data transfer doesn’t work any more from.