Nintendo is pulling the plug on two consoles. But fans still don't give up and want to breathe new life into the Nintendo Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS. An impressive community project should fix it.
Nintendo fans save Wii U and 3DS: This is how it should work
It is official. On April 8, 2024, Nintendo shut down the online services for the Nintendo Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS. In practical terms, this means that any form of Online multiplayer is impossible on the platforms. However, you can still play offline and download games you have already purchased from the eShop.
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However, there is still hope for the online functions of the platforms. Resourceful Nintendo fans have been working on the Pretendo network for a while now, which is intended to replace the official servers. Just in time for the official shutdown, the modders are now introducing a method with which you can connect your Wii U, without having to hack your console.
For this, fans are resorting to a bug in the console. The so-called SSSL exploit only requires a DNS change. According to a Pretendo blog post, the developers have known about the vulnerability for a while. She However, it was kept secret, so as not to risk Nintendo becoming aware of it and fixing the error. Hopefully the Switch manufacturer, which is particularly known for its aversion to any attempts at modding, won't put a stop to their plans now.
We have high hopes for the next Nintendo console. The Switch 2 should be able to do this:
Simple exploit for Nintendo Wii U
Instructions for the SSSL exploit are available on the Pretendo website. However, it only works on the Wii U. Alternatives for the 3DS require far more effort.
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However, the SSSL exploit for the Wii U also has its weaknesses: many games and apps that were not produced by Nintendo are not compatible. The Pretendo network cites Watch Dogs from Ubisoft or the YouTube app as examples.