In a perfect world, we’d never lose access to the functionality of older systems. You could play them decades later with no differences. But we’re not in a perfect world, are we, especially if you’re a Nintendo 3DS fan. Nintendo announced on X, formerly Twitter that they’re officially sunsetting online play and “other functionalities that use online communication” for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U in early April 2024. Back in March 2023, Nintendo officially put the Nintendo eShop functionality out to pasture for both previous generation systems. This meant you could no longer make any purchases on the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U systems. The only good news is that you’ll still be able to redownload already purchased content and games “for the foreseeable future.” Servers for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U are going away Image: KnowTechie This is not unlike the way that Nintendo handled the previous generation’s end nearly a decade ago. In May 2014, the original Nintendo DS and Wii both took their final breaths, officially. However, not long after that, programmers figured out a workaround using specific Wi-Fi settings and set up a server to be able to play Mario Kart Wii. This led to additional implementation that allowed people to use the online functionality of Nintendo DS-era Pokémon games, including all of the Mystery Gifts. The unfortunate reality of going digital with nearly any software is that it eventually loses support, and servers will eventually be shut down. The good news is that…Nintendo kills Nintendo 3DS and Wii U online functionality