Nintendo Network

The Nintendo Network was an online service run by Nintendo that provided free online functionalities for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems and their compatible games. Launched in 2012, it was Nintendo's second online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection; the Nintendo Network was not supported on the Nintendo Switch, which uses the subscription-based Nintendo Switch Online, although Nintendo Network IDs were able to be linked to the Switch via Nintendo Accounts. The service was shut down by Nintendo on April 8, 2024, leading to functions such as online play, global leaderboards, SpotPass, and most other online features of both the Wii U and 3DS no longer being accessible. Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter, which remained online after the initial shutdown, are set to be discontinued on February 25, 2027. The only services which remain online are system software and game updates, the limited Nintendo 3DS theme shop, friend lists, and redownloading previously purchased software from the Nintendo eShop for their respective systems. Users can also still sign into the service and link the Nintendo Network ID to a Nintendo Account.