Topic: When do you think Nintendo will shut down 3DS/2DS servers?

It's no secret that the 3DS' and the 2DS' popularity has gone down since the switch release. So inevitably their servers will be shut down just like they did to the Wii. But considering they're still releasing new 3DS/2DS content as seen on the latest Direct it shouldn't be for a while. When do you think they'll pull the plug on their servers?

What your asking is left open to speculation. My guess is that they are going to wait when at leat 60-70% of their playerbase upgrades to the Switch. I can't/won't upgrade to the Switch at the moment, due to the price point of the system, as well as all the hardware issues that it has (and lets add on all the issues with save games and there being no way to back them up...) The pricepoint mandates I give up my other consoles for that one, and considering my PS3 has more function than the Switch it's NOT a great trade, even though I want to be able to take Skyrim and Dark Souls on the bus with me.

@GetWoke It's going to be a while, there is a tipping point that has to be met before Nintendo turn off the 3DS servers. It's basically like this...

Not many Switch users... 3DS only users = reliable money.
Many Switch users... 3DS only users = lost money.

Unfortunately, the better the Switch does the quicker we'll see the 3DS servers shut down. Personally I don't see this being for at least the next year - Nintendo is still providing new context like Luigi's Mansion and Detective Pikachu, but almost ALL the flagship games are/have moved to the Switch. My instincts tell me that Nintendo are using it to beta test game formats to move across to the Switch if they do well.

@Aiodensghost I must admit that the price was a pretty hard threshold for me to cross as well, but I definitely feel it was worth it in the end. I think it all comes down to games... personally I'd not played my PS3 for about 2 years just because I was finding the games bland. I've been pretty addicted to my Switch though with Pokken, Odyssey, Dragon Quest Builders & of course Minecraft (though I am mostly a PC player). As for the technical issues, most of them have been resolved in the more recent units with the noted exception of the save files being trapped on the console which I think Nintendo are holding out on for future updates.

@DanteSolablood For me, my PS3 isn't just a game console, its an entertainment hub. I look at it like this. I can stream Netflix, watch movies from DVD's and Blu-Rays, play games, and even listen to my music after backing it up from my PSP. I also use it as storage, as I still have my PSP and all the software/save issues to go with it, and even more since its legally discontinued. Top it off with the fact that I'd get $50 AT MOST for it, and it isn't worth the trade. Another stand point is that about 85% of that functionallity is cut from the Switch. I'm sorry, but if I'm to put down $300 for a new console, I want it to be multimedia. One of the reasons why I don't have a PS4 is because they eliminated the ability to play music CD's. THAT ALONE is a MAJOR black mark, considering that, compaired to the other mediums I fall back on, music is one of the top 3.

The lack of being able to carry my music on the Switch is one thing that I CANNOT stand, and would imply my carrying something else around for my music, and honestly, I am trying to get away from my iPod touch and my tablets, cause those rule out a genuine need for the Switch (outside of Switch exclusives, mind you.) The fact that the 3DS can play music through its sound app is perfect, cause it allows me to ditch other devices.

Here's another issue, though. In order to cross the price threshhold fully, I'd be sacrificing more than just my PS3. In the process, I'll also lose my PSP, PS2, GameCube, and even possably 3DS. Throw in the fact that I have games and even network ID's across these platforms, and its a can of worms that I really don't want to open.

Not only that, but when you go on YouTube and the first video about the Switch you see is it emitting a high-pitched squeel loud enough to wake the dead and make livings' ears bleed is not only terrifying for people with sensitive hearing (like me,) but also a little off-putting. I also don't want to deal with manufacturing defects such as a raised screen from a lack-luster glue job.

2027

The eshop and Pokemon Bank servers, probably around 2030. The online multiplayer servers however, probably whenever both Smash and mainline Pokemon are on Switch so either holiday 2018 or holiday 2019.

@Aiodensghost I appreciate that your need for an entertainment hub is keeping you away from the Switch - though this might be fairly specific to yourself. I'm not aware of many people that I know that haven't moved onto portable music storage in the form of phones & dedicated devices, myself I transferred a lot of CDs into a digital format. For me, carrying a 3DS for music would be like using an ink quill for writing while carrying a biro in my pocket for the occasional doodle. But I see where you're coming from & the PS3 is certainly a mean Bluray player!

I'd also note in regards to to Switch issues that small batches of issues get massively blown out of proportion as an early PSP adopter I was aware that a huge batch of launch PSPs were manufactured with a square button that could not be used because they were placed over the screen internally and games that violently ejected themselves from the handheld. The PS2 had a large bricking issue with launch consoles & manufacturing errors. For the PS3 you have the Yellow Light of Death & faulty bluray diodes (lets not go into the RRoD on the 360). Oh and let's not forget the PS Vita's infamous dead touchscreen & self-bricking which sony denied until they confirmed it and apologised...

The thing is, these are all early batches & get fixed quickly... and they only effect a miniscule amount of console users. I've owned almost all of those consoles from launch (except for the PS Vita which I picked up last year) and have never had a problem with them. Anyone telling you that the Switch is more defect prone than ANY other console isn't on their 2nd PS3 or 5th 360.

Sorry for the long post - but it does seem people have short memories as every console has manufacturing defects & statistically the Switch is not any worse than it's competitors... people cried just as much about every other console, it just happens they've got used to it.

2023 or 2024 I'd say. The Wii and DS's servers stayed up for 10 years and that was only because the provider went out of business. I'd be shocked if the 3DS and Wii U's weren't open for at least a few years longer.

@subpopz The Wii's store may only just be shutting down but the main servers which enable matchmaking, leaderboards, online play etc. closed down in May 2014.. only 2 years after it's last game. If this is the same for the 3DS, then you'll still be able to buy Pokémon Sun & Moon on the 3DS long after you can no longer access the Global Trade Station of Pokémon Bank.

@ThePoochyKid the Wii was 2006 to 2014, so 8 years but I do see your point. Considering the low userbase of the WiiU do you see them closing the WiiU servers down before the 3DS?

@DanteSolablood I still have CD's, and in fact I'm at the stage where I'm having to import them cause they don't sell CD's for the bands I listen to in stores. The PS3 I have is a result of combining working parts from 3 PS3's that all had their own issues (and quite frankly, I'm suprised it worked!) I refuse to go to a dedicated device for music, as I'm one of those people who get paranoid and keep backups that function EVERYWHERE!!

My PSP is the 3001 model (one of the best out there,) and my Vita is the launch edition (no issues.)

Even then, when it comes to the CD issue, I don't get the same quality out of digital formats like I do with CD's or vinyl records. In fact, I lean more towards physical formats for everything, as not only can I hold it in my hands, but I also get better quality out of a physical than a digital, and even then, if they stop distributing a digital, I still have it, as I own a physical copy.

Need I also tell you that I'm one of those people who, even though like the idea of a digital-only future, HATE it at the same time? If we move to full digital, I'll be blowing more money on blank optical media than I currently am now

@Grumblevolcano What about Mario Kart 7 servers? They aren't shut down yet.

@Aiodensghost Haha, when i read my post back I was afraid it might sound like I was attacking you... hope it didn't come across that way as I completely respect your opinion on this. However, from a technical point of view CDs may be a physical medium but the sound is stored digitally... any advance in CDs can be matched in different digital formats (and I have a tonne of backups for my music collection). However... yup, vinyl is better.

My main point in pointing out the launch issues & defects in the older consoles was more about highlighting that just because you find a video talking about high-pitched squeal doesn't mean that's the norm. Considering how much hate the Switch got pre & post launch I'm not surprised we've heard more.

I'm much the same, I do prefer my carts & discs for gaming... though the one thing in defense of digital is that had my Gameboy Advance collection been digital only, by younger brother (the same one that destroyed my launch 3DS) couldn't have lost my ENTIRE collection in a hotel along with all the save files. They'd be re-downloadable.

Edit: Mario Kart 7 is 3DS and therefore still up, though regarding Mario Kart on the Wii, from the official Nintendo page: "On May 20th, 2014, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service ended and it is now no longer possible to use the online features of this game. This includes online multiplayer, Competitions, and the Mario Kart Channel. For more information, please visit our Support section."

@DanteSolablood And I get that, thus the love-hate with an all-digital future. I like the hybrid physical-digital we have now.

As for your post sounding like an attack, I can tell when someone on the internet types with intent to attack, as I have had to do it to defend myself multiple occasions. Honestly, I hope I didn't attack YOU with my last post!

As for my music back ups, a functional backup I can pick up and listen to immediately. A non-functional is a backup where I have extra steps to go through to get it to play (ex: Google Drive and the eons of music stored in zip files in it. God, the Linkin Park and As I Lay Dying is real!!)

@Aiodensghost Wii and DS used the same servers so that being shut down before MK8 launch had no effect on MK7 (a 3DS game). Wii U and 3DS use the same servers so taking them down would mean MK8 Deluxe ends up the only Mario Kart with online multiplayer which would force anyone wanting Mario Kart online multiplayer to buy the paid online subscription.

I hope it doesn't end up like this but that's my prediction.

@subpopz Just to update, I've done a little research & the last Wii game was released... October 2017!! That's 3 years after all online servers except for the shop were closed. If you discount "Just Dance" games, then we're still talking 2014, the same year that online play was closed down.

@Aiodensghost No problem, I can get a little too focussed when I'm having a good discussion.

@Grumblevolcano And you know what? Your right to a degree. We can only wait and see.

@DanteSolablood Your the only person I've found that can have these kinds of discussions with me on the web. Either they are too scared to go into the cons of consoles, or they get to angry and instead of talking they start a fight. Consider me another follower on Twitter

@Aiodensghost To be honest I don't use my Twitter much nowadays, it was mostly created to support a YouTube channel which has been pretty quiet due to work commitments. However, I'd be glad to have your support!

I value everyone's opinions, though like everyone I have certain areas which generate a little salty brine in the corners of my mouth, I've made enough mistakes to know I'm wrong occasionally. Occasionally.

@Grumblevolcano So to summarize, you think there is (small) a chance of the WiiU/3DS servers being closed down earlier to promote the Switch online subscription? Or is that something I'm reading into your post that's not there?

@DanteSolablood If they shut down the servers, we'll at least still have download play and local play, right?

I just wonder if this will have an adverse effect on doing system transfers

@DanteSolablood Pretty much. Either the paid online subscription being a worthy upgrade from the current Switch online situation (justifying the price) with last gen online not shut down or being very similar to the current Switch online situation but becoming the only option to play Nintendo games online.

@subpopz My bad, I didn't notice the "Nintendo" prefix on your statement - some people may use that as a general statement for games released for the Wii. However, would Nintendo use the release of their last game as a decider, or simply profitability?

@Aiodensghost Download play & local play would be fine as these are all handled by the console themselves - though system transfers I believe have to be verified using your NNID account? That may cause issues.