Nintendo’s Japanese division has released a public notice aimed at Wii U users, urging them to be cautious about utilizing unauthorized services to restore online capabilities. Following the discontinuation of online services for the Wii U and 3DS, fan-created networks such as ‘Pretendo’ emerged, closely resembling the original online features. As a result, users found ways to access these unofficial services without needing to modify their systems.
The Wii U made its debut in 2012, following the 2006 console, and is recognized as an eighth-generation system from Nintendo. It was the first Nintendo console to offer HD graphics and featured the Wii U GamePad, which served as both a primary display and a gameplay aid. Recently, the Nintendo community has been buzzing with anticipation for the announcement of the next console, with a trustworthy source suggesting a date for the reveal of the Switch 2.
A message from Nintendo’s Japanese Twitter account has alerted the community about “unauthorized services.” The post, roughly translated, indicated that Nintendo is aware these services attempt to bring back features lost for Wii U users, like online play. However, they have labeled these services as unsafe. Consequently, Nintendo urged Wii U users to avoid them, as they could lead to unexpected security issues. The online services for the Wii U and 3DS were shut down last year, which was a normal part of the consoles’ life cycles coming to an end.
Nintendo Requests Wii U Users Avoid Risky Unauthorized Services to Replace Online Features
Although the console’s services have officially ended, four Wii U enthusiasts were still spotted online 40 days post-shutdown, with one player determined to keep playing Splatoon, even while encountering error codes. In a playful reply to Nintendo’s warnings, these players claimed they weren’t worried about the security risks and would continue their Splatoon adventures. Some even urged Nintendo to think about developing a new console to follow the Wii U.
The buzz around the next Switch console is stronger than ever, and gamers are taking the opportunity to outline their desired features. A significant number of Nintendo enthusiasts are wishing for the return of Miiverse, a cherished feature from the Wii U and 3DS. Miiverse enabled users to create custom avatars and communicate with friends, and many hope that the upcoming console will include comparable social functionalities.