Well folks, it’s happened. After many months of warnings from Nintendo and efforts to backup files by fans, the servers for the 3DS and Wii U’s online services have now been shut down. As a result, anyone trying to play any Wii U games online will get this message:

Error Code: 102-2882

This online service is no longer available.

Sorry for the inconvenience.

While anyone trying to play any 3DS games online will get this one:

Error Code: 002-0110

This service has been discontinued. Thank you for using this service.

It’s a depressing sight for sure, and the end of an era for games like Mario Kart 7, Pokémon Sun & Moon and Super Smash Bros for Wii U.

Mario Kart 7’s online services are no longer officially available

But don’t worry folks, hope isn’t all lost here. There are still ways to play 3DS and Wii U games online if you so desire.

And it’s all thanks to the folks behind the Pretendo network. This is a drop-in replacement for the 3DS and Wii U’s online services, and supports most of the big games using said systems. What’s more, thanks to a new system utilising an exploit called SSSL, you don’t even need to hack your Switch to use it anymore either. Nope, just follow the guide linked here, and you’re all set!

There’s even a nice video about it by Modern Vintage Gamer, if that’s how you prefer learning about this stuff:

Still, as far as official support for online goes, it’s no longer available for the 3DS or Wii U.

So, what are your thoughts on this? Are you disappointed to see Nintendo pull the plug on these games? Or does the existence of the Pretendo network and other fan efforts make up for it?

And what memories do you have of your time playing 3DS and Wii U games overall?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below, on social media, or over on our Discord server today.