The Last Of Their Kind: Dedicated Fans Cling To Wii U And 3DS Games Despite Server Shutdown

Last Men Standing: A tiny handful of Nintendo fans refuse to let go of the online functionality in Wii U and 3DS games.

Last wiiu players
I will never let go. I promise. | © EarlyGame

On April 8, Nintendo shut down servers for the Wii U and 3DS, disabling multiplayer modes for games such as Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Pokémon X/Y, and Mario Kart 7 and 8.Despite the shutdown, some players are clinging to the rest of the servers' functionality.

The Last Stand: Nintendo Fans Defy Server Shutdowns

Following the end of matchmaking, Splatoon fan Lcd101 stated on X (Twitter): "I still remain online. I repeat, I am STILL online." Even though he can no longer play with others, Lcd101 is likely the last Splatoon player on the Nintendo Network and intends to stay online as long as possible.

Apparently, Lcd101 is not the only fan still holding on to Wii U and 3DS online games. YouTuber Gaffs tries to keep an eye on all the remaining players and regularly updates on X. As of yesterday, a total of eight persistent fans remained in various games. Number 8 recently managed to mysteriously reappear online in Pokémon Ultra Sun. How they continue to stay online remains unclear.

There is also an active player in Pokémon X/Y. Lonely souls can also be found in Mario Kart 8, Super Mario Maker and Wii Sports Club. Gaffs even shared a video of the last Wii Sports Club enthusiast waiting patiently for others to join him, though he is unlikely to find anyone.

Apparently, Mario Kart 7 still has two players who refuse to give up. If matchmaking were still available, they could play together.

Remain strong, our brave soldiers.

Johanna Goebel

Johanna is studying Online-Journalism in Cologne and has been travelling the gaming world since she was a toddler. Her heart beats for open-worlds, action or fantasy RPGs and third-person shooters with great storylines and (un)charming characters.

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