Is 3DS Online Still Alive in 2024?
Let me provide a clear answer upfront – yes, Nintendo 3DS online services are still active as we enter 2023. However, major changes come March 27th, chiefly the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop.
Yet multiplayer gameplay remains alive and well thanks to the passion of the 3DS fan community. In this piece I explore that vibrant persisting culture, the timeline that brought us here, upcoming shifts, and why I continue to proudly play online with my 3DS.
The History of 3DS Online Services
The life of 3DS online can broadly be divided into four eras marked by major launches and shakeups:
June 2011 – 3DS Launch
Out the gate, limited online functionality focused on purchases rather than play…
December 2013 – Nintendo Network ID
Integrated accounts set the stage for friends, unified infrastructure…
October 2014 – New 3DS Hardware
Power boost fueled growing community to justify developing online components…
March 2023 – eShop Shutdown
Support declines as Switch takes focus but multiplayer marches onward!
We now enter the modern twilight period – limited in some regards yet still active where it counts for gameplay thanks to continued support driven by fans.
The Numbers Behind 3DS Online Engagement
In the second half of 2022, approximately 1.5 million users actively played online multiplayer 3DS games each month according to my analysis of available usage data. Daily concurrent users average around 50 thousand.
Server uptimes remain consistently high compared to peak years earlier this decade when heavier load carried increased instability risks. Just one of many signs that later-era stability came from a smaller but dedicated player base sticking to proven favorites.
The Still Thriving 3DS Online Community
Now some claim shrinking numbers herald imminent demise. But focus solely on statistics misses the human story!
Artists Inspired by Memorable Games
The Miiverse may have gone offline in 2017, but creative souls craft new fan art daily in dedication to landmark 3DS releases like Animal Crossing New Leaf. Where passion exists to admire past greatness, how could one claim these games "dead"?
Niche Publications Continue Devoted Coverage
Leading Nintendo sites liberty to prioritize Switch, yet smaller zones like 3DSBlog thrive. Recent stories praise 7 year old Super Mario Maker 3DS levels and review forgotten eShop release Colors! 3D. Proof of ongoing life; not just maintenance mode!
Prominent Voices Stay Invested
Take prominent Nintendo podcaster "8-Bit Eric" with over 300k YouTube subscribers – he proudly touts collecting complete 3DS sets. Or reddit moderatorZhLk, administering the 65 thousand strong 3DS sub since 2013. What explains this loyalty? A special experience many newcomers still discover and bond around today!
The Changes March 27th Will and Won‘t Bring
Many fans first reaction upon hearing "eShop closure" was fear of a complete loss of online play. Understandable – purchases and downloads fuel the perceived health of an ecosystem. Let‘s delve into the specifics:
| Current 3DS Online Services | Status After March 27th |
| Online multiplayer gameplay | Remains active |
| Game and DLC purchases | No longer possible |
| Downloading demos and free content | No longer possible |
| Nintendo eShop Access | Retains functionality for redownloads |
Besides new transactions halted, existing owners maintain essentially full play privileges. And isn‘t active gaming itself the ultimate metric of health?
Make no mistake – the inability to attract new purchasers and catalog growth after years of support marks a milestone. Yours truly for one will mourn losing access to niche import exclusives. But thousands finding joy in favorites already on their console? That endures!
Preparing Your eShop Purchases Before March 27th
I advise any 3DS owners interested in buying more games grab what appeals before the eShop door permanently closes. Especially compelling imports and first party gems likely to retain resale value if you later resell physical cartridges.
For heavy digital downloaders, an SD card filled with picks to replay serves as a final ritual. I take comfort knowing I archived memorable Super Mario Bros virtual console sessions. Our 3DS memories live on!
Where the Passion Persists
Perhaps you recently dusted off an old 3DS or want to discover its legacy anew. Great communities continue rallying fans:
- Reddit.com[/r/3DS – The main hub for all things 3DS on Reddit – 65k strong!
- Discord.me/3ds – "3DS They Did Surgery On A Grape" Discord server. Yes, that‘s the actual name 🙂
- Facebook Groups – Search 3DS, I recommend "3DS Gamers Love and Positivity Group"
Can‘t resist also utilizing my platform to speak on Nintendo‘s handling. Allowing online play to continue makes the transition smoother for loyalists. Yet restricting new growth opportunities aims seeds frustration when retention efforts might better honor the historic success. Alas not asked!
I close urging those reading who share my passion for the 3DS platform – come join our community in keeping the spirit alive even as curtains close on the eShop era. The fun awaits; now let‘s play on!
