Farewell! The Nintendo and Wii Online servers are scheduled to shut down

This move follows the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops earlier this year in March. Nintendo has been pretty upfront about its plans to wind down support for these older consoles, with announcements made as early as 2022.
So, if you've got some unfinished business on your Wii U or 3DS, it's time to wrap it up before spring 2024! Nintendo's shifting its focus to newer horizons.

Nintendo is taking another step toward closing the chapter on the Wii U and 3DS era. Starting in early April 2024, most of the remaining online services for these consoles will be discontinued. 
This means that online multiplayer gaming, data sharing, leaderboards, and other related features will no longer be available. It's like saying goodbye to an old friend, but Nintendo is making room for new adventures!
Nintendo is gradually closing the chapter on the Wii U and 3DS, but they're doing it in a somewhat considerate way. While most online services for these consoles will be discontinued in early April 2024, users can still download games and DLC they already own. Plus, Pokemon Bank will remain available on the 3DS for those dedicated Pokemon trainers.

 
Nintendo is ensuring that players can continue to enjoy their gaming experiences, even as they move forward with new systems and services. It's like a nod to the past while embracing the future!
Gotta catch 'em all!  Nintendo is keeping the Pokemon Bank service alive on the 3DS, ensuring that dedicated Pokemon trainers can continue to manage their collections even as the Wii U and 3DS online services wind down. It's a smart move, given that Pokemon Bank has been a crucial tool for players to transfer and store their beloved Pokemon over the years. Plus, making it free for 3DS owners after the eShop closure shows that Nintendo values the Pokemon community. So, if you're still on a quest to become a Pokemon master, you can rest easy knowing that Pokemon Bank has your back.

Nintendo's decision to discontinue online services for the Wii U and 3DS is a nostalgic reminder of how technology evolves over time. Just as we bid farewell to the online multiplayer servers for the Wii and DS in 2014, it's now time to say goodbye to their successors. The gaming landscape is ever-changing, and Nintendo's focus is undoubtedly on the future, potentially marked by the release of the Nintendo Switch 2. As we move forward, let's cherish the memories we've created on these older consoles and look forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead in the world of gaming.