Yesterday, Nintendo shut down its Wii U and 3DS online services, ensuring that you can't play games like Splatoon or Mario Kart 8 online anymore. However, thanks to the good folks at Pretendo, it's not quite all over for the Wii U yet.
In a blog post on its website, Pretendo details a new way to connect to its Nintendo Network replacement service using a stock Wii U. The best part? You won't even need homebrew software or hacks of any kind.
All you'll need to connect to Pretendo's network on your Wii U is the right firmware version and a change in DNS settings. Using this method, you can still enjoy Miiverse functionality in Wii U games, as well as online services in other titles.
It's worth noting that if you do use the method that doesn't involve homebrew software or hacks, you will only be able to access "a subset of services" on the Pretendo network.
Conversely, using the method that involves a homebrew Wii U means you'll get full access to Pretendo, but it does also mean, well, installing homebrew software, which you may or may not be comfortable doing.
Services that aren't supported by the non-homebrew Pretendo method include games and apps that use their own SSL libraries, like Ubisoft's Watch Dogs or the Wii U's YouTube app.
Additionally, anything that runs within an embedded browser like the Wii U's eShop or the Miiverse applet won't work, although Miiverse services within games should still be supported using the SSSL method. Unfortunately, the hackless method isn't supported on 3DS.
The shutdown of the Wii U and 3DS' online services marks the end of a rather turbulent generation for Nintendo; the 3DS was a pretty successful console, but the Wii U was a disappointment for the Japanese gaming giant.
First, the eShop for both consoles was discontinued back in March last year, and then in October, it was revealed that online services across the board would shut down for both the Wii U and the 3DS.
There are some exceptions; Pokemon Bank remains operational, although Nintendo does say that functionality for this app may also end "at some point in the future".
Pretendo was set up to "recreate Nintendo Network...using clean-room reverse engineering". It's a free, open-source initiative that aims to keep online functionality alive long after Nintendo has closed the doors for good.
Not every game is fully supported yet, but the Pretendo folks are hard at work implementing online support for major Wii U and 3DS games like Mario Kart 7, Kid Icarus: Uprising, and Splatoon. Make sure to check Pretendo out if you've got a Wii U or 3DS and you're not ready to say goodbye yet.
