Over 200 Days Post Closure, Final Nintendo Network User Logs Off After 3DS System Crash

It finally happened! After 209 days, as of November 3, the last dedicated user of Nintendo’s now-offline Nintendo Network servers for Wii U and 3DS has been disconnected. Fishguy6564, a gamer tirelessly keeping Mario Kart 7 alive on his Nintendo 3DS, saw his console crash after almost seven months of uninterrupted connection, signaling the end of a unique era [h/t GamesRadar]. Although this chapter has closed, the story isn’t entirely over.

For fans of these old yet beloved systems, there’s a glimmer of hope. Custom system firmware opens the door to Homebrew software and Pretendo, a platform that resurrects Nintendo Network servers for the 3DS and Wii U through fan-operated alternatives. Though their catalog isn’t vast, Pretendo keeps the spirit of these consoles alive by preserving their playability and legacy.

In a fitting farewell, a tweet captured the moment: “It’s over. Rest in peace, Nintendo Network.”

Prior to this ending, Fishguy6564’s Nintendo 3DS was configured to sustain a lobby filled with bots, ensuring the server stayed active despite the official shutdown. Reflecting on the marathon journey in a GamesRadar interview, he shared, “I didn’t think we’d make it past the official shutdown. From then on, it was all about seeing how long we could keep the dream alive.”

Despite reaching the end of this incredible endeavor, Pretendo servers continue to breathe life into some fan favorites. For the Nintendo 3DS, this includes games like Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Mario Maker 3DS. Meanwhile, Wii U owners can relive the excitement of Mario Kart 8, Mario Maker, Splatoon, and Pokkén Tournament. Depending on the game, Pretendo can restore anything from basic online play to more intricate server functions.

Sadly, numerous eShop exclusives for the 3DS and Wii U are slipping away, becoming inaccessible unless previously installed. They might not have been the star attractions, but their absence still leaves a void. The enduring challenge of post-offline gaming lies in the irreversible loss of official servers and game availability, with the responsibility of preservation falling to dedicated enthusiasts, modders, and, sometimes, pirates.