Nintendo Wii and DS to lose online play support in May 2014

By Adam Rosenberg February 27, 2014

nintendo wii ds lose online play support may 2014 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nintendo is set to pull the plug for online play on its DS and Wii platforms, an update on the company’s website confirms. The switch gets flipped on May 20, bringing an end to online play, matchmaking, and leaderboards for “many” DS/DSi and Wii games. This extends to the Wii U’s backwards compatibility interface, which effectively swaps out the newer console’s operating system with a Wii main menu screen. You’ll still be able to buy new content via the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop, but that’s it.

The Wii U and 3DS won’t be affected (other than aforementioned backwards compatibility issues), though this should help keep the public’s focus locked on the newer platforms, which is something Nintendo hass struggled with on the Wii U side. The online shutdown isn’t really much of a surprise. The DS launched in 2004 and the Wii launched in 2006; 8-10 years is a good, healthy run of time for any gaming hardware. What’s more, those devices weren’t built at the start with an eye toward online play.

Head over to the source link for a full rundown of the games affected on each platform.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…

Gaming

Sony’s new PlayStation earbuds are a perfect match — for my Nintendo Switch

Sony's Pulse Explore earbuds sit next to a Nintendo Switch OLED.

If you’re the kind of PlayStation loyalist who buys every add-on Sony puts out, 2023 may have been a pricey year for you. We’ve gotten the DualSense Edge, PlayStation VR2, a brand new PS5 model, and the PlayStation Portal -- but that’s not all. Sony is refreshing its audio offerings on top of all that, starting with the Pulse Explore next month.

Sony’s new wireless earbuds are built with PlayStation devices in mind. They use a new PlayStation Link connection system, which is built to easily pair them with the PlayStation 5. That tech actually replaces Bluetooth entirely on the new PlayStation Portal, which means that the Pulse Explore will be one of the only ways to get wireless audio on the handheld this year. It’s a sign that Sony is getting more aggressive about building a dedicated PlayStation ecosystem, Apple-style. It doesn’t just want you to buy Sony consoles, but all of the black-and-white accessories that go with them too.

Gaming

How to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder online with friends

Jumping to the flag in Super Mario Bros Wonder

If you've got a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, Super Mario Bros. Wonder features a wide variety of online multiplayer functionalities, including the ability to see other players around the world playing alongside you and to lay down standees for them to use for revival in their own games. But more importantly, the game offers full-fledged online multiplayer with friends, allowing you to connect and explore the overworld and individual stages together as if you were seated on the same couch! You can even engage in races against your pals by hitting the Race Block at the beginning of many stages. Here's how to get started playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder online with friends.

Gaming

Super Mario Bros. Wonder has some of Nintendo’s best online features

Wiggler in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

When it comes to multiplayer integration, Nintendo can be wildly unpredictable. Unstable online servers and disappointing co-op experiences built for young players can leave its games lacking. Thankfully, that's not the case with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. In fact, the new 2D adventure might just contain the best Nintendo multiplayer experience on the Switch next to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

At any point while playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder, players can bring their game online with the press of a button in the main menu. Doing so will unlock several multiplayer features at once. For one, there's traditional online multiplayer. Simply press a button to "play with friends" and you'll be able to explore both the overworld and levels co-operatively. Like the New Super Mario Bros. series, four players can work together to complete levels (which can be very hectic fun).