Is 3DS internet still supported in 2024?

I‘m often asked as an avid Nintendo gamer – can I still play my 3DS online? With Nintendo pulling the plug on the eShop earlier this year, 3DS owners wonder what that means for internet access as the device enters its twilight years.

The short answer? Yes…for now. But likely not for much longer.

On March 27, 2023, Nintendo formally ended digital purchases on the 3DS and Wii U eShops. So while new game downloads are no more, key features like redownloads, updates, and even online play remain – temporarily. Let‘s analyze what still works in 2024 and what may disappear down the road.

Immediately Post-eShop: What Online Capabilities Are Still Active?

Nintendo has provided some clarity around immediate next steps as we pass the digital store shutdown:

Online play is asterisked as temporary – more on that later. For now, Nintendo Network servers still facilitate multiplayer 3DS sessions. And players can continue growing their catalog via redownloads if previously bought.

But when it comes to the critical ability to access and backup your owned library, uncertainty still remains…

The Looming Risks: Server Shutdowns and the Loss of Purchased Content

While existing owners are safe downloading their library at this precise moment, Nintendo has made no guarantees regarding permanent 3DS access. Based on precedents from prior console phaseouts, forced obsoletion may arrive sooner than we hope.

Let‘s look at online lifespan timelines for Nintendo‘s previous main systems:

• Wii: Discontinued retail purchases in 2013. Closed digital shop in 2019. Total active life: 12 years.
• DS: Discontinued retail purchases in 2013. Terminated all online functionality in 2014. Total active life: 11 years
• Wii U: Discontinued in 2017 after 5 years on sale. Still retains digital purchases, but eShop closure is imminent.

You‘ll notice a consistent theme – availability ranging from 5 years on the lower end up to 12 max.

If 3DS support mimics those patterns based on its 2011 launch, full deprecation could begin as early as 2016 and likely wrap by 2023.

Not encouraging for those still enjoying multiplayer Mario Kart or Pokemon battles in 2024! Nintendo has not commented but writing may be on the wall…

What Should 3DS Owners Do To Protect Their Purchases?

While no definitive server shutoff date exists presently, I advise all 3DS owners take steps to back up now. Whether via data transfer to another system, external hard drive homebrew, or even comfortable piracy options – secure what you can locally.

Some may say I‘m being cynically cautious. And I hope sincere 3DS homebrew projects provide alternatives well into the 2020s similar to retro consoles. But when Nintendo flips that "OFF" switch as they did for the DS and Wii, years of purchased content may vanish instantly.

Take agency as the consumer in this scenario. Don‘t lose hundreds of dollars worth software due to forced obsoletion factors out of your control. Preserve and archive the incredible portable games library while still possible for this underrated gem!

The 3DS brought me countless hours of entertainment this past decade – here‘s hoping we keep those memories alive.