When did Wii U Online end?

Wii U Online ended in early April 2024, as announced by Nintendo, marking the end of an era for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U consoles, which will no longer support online play and other online functionality. The shutdown affects various Wii U models, including the Wii U Deluxe and Wii U Basic, as well as the Nintendo 2DS, New 2DS XL, 3DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, and New 3DS XL.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What happens to Wii U games after online support ends?: Wii U games will remain playable offline, and it will still be possible to download update data and redownload game purchases.
2. Will Nintendo still support the Wii U?: No, Nintendo will end online support for the Wii U in April 2024.
3. Can I still access the internet on my Wii U?: Yes, you can still access the internet on your Wii U by selecting System Settings and then Internet from the Wii U Menu.

Wii U History and Performance

4. When was the Wii U released?: The Wii U was launched in 2012 as the successor to the Wii console.
5. Why did the Wii U fail?: The Wii U failed due to a combination of factors, including its high price, underpowered hardware, and poor marketing, which made it unappealing to both hardcore gamers and casual gamers.
6. How many Wii U consoles were sold?: Although the exact number is not specified, the Wii U is considered a commercial failure, selling significantly fewer units than the Wii.

Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Online Services

7. Is the Nintendo 3DS online service ending?: Yes, Nintendo will end online support for the Nintendo 3DS in April 2024, affecting online play, co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution.
8. Can I still play Wii U games online in 2023?: Yes, you can still play Wii U games online until April 2024, when online support ends.
9. Will Wii U games still be available for purchase?: No, the Wii U eShop was discontinued on March 27, 2023, and online purchases are no longer possible.

Nintendo Account and Virtual Console

10. What happens to my Nintendo Network ID?: You can link your Nintendo Network ID to your Nintendo Account to transfer your remaining balance to the Nintendo Switch, but this feature will end in March 2024.
11. Is the Wii U Virtual Console still available?: No, the Wii U Virtual Console was discontinued on March 27, 2023, although purchased titles remain playable.

Wii and Wii U Comparison

12. When did the Wii stop getting games?: The last Wii games were released on July 9, 2020, marking the end of the Wii console’s lifespan.
13. Can the Wii U play Wii games?: Yes, the Wii U is backwards compatible with almost all Wii games and accessories.

Collectibility and Value

14. Will the Wii U become rare?: Yes, the Wii U is likely to become collectible due to its limited sales and Nintendo’s decision to discontinue online support.
15. How much is a Wii U worth in 2023?: The Wii U prices start at $161 and average $164 as of October 2023, with prices expected to decrease over time.