More Than 200 Days Post-Shutdown, Final User of Nintendo Network’s 3DS Servers Disconnects Due to System Crash

It’s finally happened after quite the wait! As of November 3, 209 days have passed since Nintendo closed the doors on its Nintendo Network servers for the Wii U and 3DS. And now, the final holdout, an avid user known by the handle Fishguy6564, has been disconnected. His Nintendo 3DS eventually gave out after an impressive stretch of near-continuous gameplay on Mario Kart 7. Nonetheless, the dream isn’t entirely lost.

For those still holding onto these beloved but unsupported devices, there’s a silver lining. Custom firmware opens up a path to a treasure trove of Homebrew software. Plus, Pretendo offers a way to connect to player-run servers, bringing online life back to games that would otherwise be left in the past on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Although the list of Pretendo-compatible games isn’t exhaustive, it certainly helps keep the legacy—and enjoyment—alive.

In what became a bit of a community legend, Fishguy6564 kept his 3DS going against all odds. To dodge the official shutdown, he modified his system to host a lobby with bots, maintaining the online experience until his console could handle no more. Speaking to GamesRadar during this remarkable gaming journey, he admitted, “I didn’t think we would even survive the official shutdown. From that point on, it was just a test to see how long we could keep this going.”

However, a limit was bound to be reached. Fortunately, even as the original servers fade away, Pretendo remains a beacon for fans of these systems. Enthusiasts with modified hardware can dive back into some of their favorites. On the 3DS, this includes titles like Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Mario Maker 3DS. Meanwhile, the Wii U sees a revival with games such as Mario Kart 8, Mario Maker, Splatoon, and Pokkén Tournament. Depending on the game, Pretendo can restore anything from basic online play to more sophisticated server functions.

Regrettably, countless eShop exclusives for the 3DS and Wii U have vanished from legitimate avenues, unless already downloaded. While not headline games, the loss of these titles leaves a significant gap for history enthusiasts and gamers alike. This shift to offline gaming underscores a harsh reality: the permanent closure of official game servers and the loss of availability. The mantle of game preservation inevitably falls to historians, dedicated modders, and, perhaps reluctantly, pirates.