More Than 200 Days Post-Closure, the Final Nintendo Network User Logs Off Following 3DS Crash

It finally happened! After 209 days, as of November 3, the very last active user on Nintendo’s now-defunct Network servers for the Wii U and 3DS has been logged off. This user, known as Fishguy6564, was finally booted out after his Nintendo 3DS crashed following nearly two-thirds of a year being constantly connected to the Mario Kart 7 servers [h/t GamesRadar]. While this marks the end of an era, it doesn’t spell the end for everyone.

For those still clinging to their beloved (yet unsupported) systems and expansive game collections, there’s a silver lining. By installing custom firmware, these folks can tap into Homebrew software and even access Pretendo. This fan-run service revives Nintendo Network servers for games that were left behind when the 3DS and Wii U got the boot. While Pretendo’s repertoire is pretty limited, it crucially helps maintain the legacy and playability of these systems that aren’t all that old.

Before Fishguy6564’s 3DS finally bowed out, he had set up a patch to keep a lobby with bots perpetually active (initially with one other user), avoiding the official shutdown until a crash inevitably happened. During an earlier chat with GamesRadar amidst his impressive marathon, he remarked, “I didn’t think we’d even make it past the official shutdown. After that, it just became a challenge to see how long we could keep it up.”

Alas, they hit a wall, but hope isn’t entirely lost. Thanks to Pretendo servers, those with modded original hardware can still enjoy several beloved games. On the Nintendo 3DS, this includes titles like Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Mario Maker 3DS. Wii U players can reconnect with games like Mario Kart 8, Mario Maker, Splatoon, and Pokkén Tournament. Depending on the game, Pretendo can bring back basic online play or even more intricate server features.

Sadly, many exclusive eShop titles for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U have become unplayable through official channels, unless you’ve already got them installed. Granted, none of these lost games were blockbuster system-sellers, but it’s still disappointing to see them vanish into obscurity. This highlights the core downside of a gaming world moving offline: the lasting loss of official servers and game availability, leaving game preservation up to historians, modders, and, yes, even pirates.