We’ve finally reached the end of an era. After 209 days, counting from November 3, the last person actively using Nintendo’s defunct Network servers for the Wii U and 3DS, known as Fishguy6564, has been disconnected. His Nintendo 3DS eventually crashed after holding steady on the Mario Kart 7 servers for most of the year [kudos to GamesRadar for reporting this]. Although this marks the end of an era, the legacy still lives on in some ways.
For those who still hang onto this now-retired hardware and its extensive library, there is hope. Custom firmware allows access to Homebrew apps and Pretendo. Pretendo makes it possible for fans to create alternative Nintendo Network servers, breathing new life into games for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Though the Pretendo-supported game list might be modest, it plays a crucial role in preserving these systems’ history and enjoyment.
Prior to Fishguy6564’s 3DS bowing out from its Mario Kart 7 server connection, the console had been modified to run a continuous bot-filled lobby. Originally, this lobby also hosted another user, sidestepping the official server shutdown. In a prior chat with GamesRadar, Fishguy6564 shared his astonishment, saying, “I didn’t expect we’d make it past the official shutdown. From there, it became a challenge to see how long we could stretch it out.”
Eventually, the journey found its limit. Thankfully, Pretendo servers remain operational, keeping a part of the gaming experience alive for those with modded devices. For Nintendo 3DS, Pretendo supports games like Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Mario Maker 3DS, while on the Wii U, players can enjoy Mario Kart 8, Mario Maker, Splatoon, and Pokkén Tournament. Pretendo functionality varies, offering either basic online play or more sophisticated server features depending on the game.
It’s disheartening, though, that numerous classic eShop titles exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U have slipped into obscurity unless previously downloaded. While none of these became iconic system sellers, the loss of them is like losing pieces of gaming history. This situation highlights a key issue in our post-online era: the permanent shutdown of official game servers. Now, the task of preserving these gaming treasures falls to historians, modders, and, yes, even pirates.
In a world where games can vanish forever, the question of preserving our digital past becomes more important than ever. Sign up for Tom’s Hardware to keep in touch with the latest news and in-depth reviews, directly in your inbox.
