Player Challenges 3DS and Wii U Server Closure, Remaining Active for More than 200 Days


# The Last Ride: How One Player Challenged the 3DS Server Shutdown for Over 200 Days

In April 2024, Nintendo officially discontinued the online services for its Wii U and 3DS systems, signaling the conclusion of an era for countless gamers who had dedicated years to racing, battling, and exploring the cherished titles offered by the company. In spite of this shutdown, a handful of determined players discovered ways to keep playing their preferred games online, unwilling to abandon the nostalgia and community that had developed around these systems. Among them was a committed Mario Kart 7 player known as *Fishguy6564*, who skillfully maintained his connection to the game’s online servers for an astounding 210 days post-shutdown. However, just a short while ago, his adventure reached an unexpected conclusion.

## **A Clever Solution: The Trick That Sustained Mario Kart 7**

When Nintendo revealed the server shutdowns, many enthusiasts felt heartbroken. The Wii U and 3DS had hosted some of the most recognizable games of the last ten years, such as *Mario Kart 7*, *Super Smash Bros.*, and *Pokémon Ultra Sun/Moon*. For many, the closure implied the termination of online multiplayer, a key element of these games.

Nevertheless, some players were not willing to accept this outcome. Utilizing an inventive workaround, *Fishguy6564* and another gamer succeeded in circumventing the server shutdown and keeping their consoles linked to the Nintendo Network. This method involved keeping the handheld device powered and consistently connected to the internet, which granted them sustained access to the online features of *Mario Kart 7* well beyond the official shutdown.

To guarantee the connection remained reliable, *Fishguy6564* undertook significant measures. He linked his 3DS to a power source and placed it in a cabinet, where it was left undisturbed for months. A bot on the device perpetually completed lonely laps around the tracks of *Mario Kart 7*, ensuring the server connection persisted. This arrangement enabled him to overcome the shutdown for an impressive 210 days.

## **The Final Crash: An Unexpected Conclusion**

Despite his relentless efforts, *Fishguy6564*’s journey met an abrupt halt a few days ago. On November 4, 2024, he shared a melancholic post on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by an image of his 3DS showing an error message. The lower screen displayed a request to reboot the device, while the upper screen was frozen, illustrating a kart just moments before the finish line. The caption read: “It’s over. Rest in peace, Nintendo Network.”

The crash symbolized the conclusion of an era, not solely for *Fishguy6564*, but for the entire community of players who had cherished the 3DS and Wii U’s online services. Another player, *GaffsNotLaffs*, who administers the Discord server “Nintendo Network After Hours,” corroborated this news, stating, “We can all go home now.” This Discord server had served as a hub for updates on the players who remained connected to the Nintendo Network following the shutdown.

## **A Community of Devoted Fans**

*Fishguy6564* wasn’t the only one who discovered methods to keep playing after the shutdown. In the months subsequent to the server closures, a small group of eight fervent fans managed to stay online across several games, including *Pokémon Ultra Sun* and *Super Smash Bros. for 3DS*. These players employed similar tactics to keep their consoles connected, exchanging tips and updates with one another through platforms like Discord.

In an interview with *GamesRadar* in August 2024, *Fishguy6564* conveyed his belief that his method could theoretically work indefinitely, provided his handheld device didn’t malfunction. Sadly, it appears that the inevitable hardware failure has finally caught up to him.

## **The End of an Era**

The cessation of the Wii U and 3DS online services signifies the closure of a pivotal chapter in Nintendo’s narrative. Although these consoles were not as commercially successful as the Nintendo Switch, they were cherished by millions of players globally. *Mario Kart 7*, in particular, stood out as a flagship title for the 3DS, delivering high-speed racing excitement and a robust online multiplayer experience that engaged players for years.

For many, the shutdown serves as a reminder of the transient nature of online gaming. As servers are retired and hardware becomes outdated, the communities that blossomed around these games inevitably dwindle. However, players like *Fishguy6564* have demonstrated that with enough resolve and ingenuity, it’s possible to preserve the essence of these games, even amidst official terminations.

## **A Legacy That Lives On**

Although *Fishguy6564*’s adventure has concluded, his narrative will be remembered as a