The digital era is very volatile, as companies control the platforms and games we buy. It’s common for titles to be removed from stores and even entire ecosystems to shut down their servers. The Nintendo 3DS no longer has online services, but one player made his best effort to keep them alive; however, he ultimately lost the battle.
As previously warned, Nintendo 3DS and Wii U servers ceased operation on April 8, 2024. Currently, fans can no longer play online titles or access many console functions that require an internet connection.
Find Out More: Nintendo 3DS: Reasons Why It’s Still Worth Having One in 2024
Even though the online services of these platforms were inaccessible for the vast majority of players, a group stayed connected to Nintendo Network, even after the official shutdown in early 2024. In this way, they replicated and even surpassed the feat achieved by Halo 2 fans in 2010【source】.
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The Last Mario Kart 7 Player on Nintendo 3DS Finally Disconnects
Although there were 8 players who remained connected in various titles on the handheld console and the Wii U, in the end, only one stood firm: Fishguy6564, who was playing Mario Kart 7. In his attempt to stay online, he implemented a patch to prevent a forced disconnection from the lobby and set up 2 bots to race endlessly on the tracks.
For 210 days, the fan stayed connected to Nintendo Network on the racing game, even when the servers had closed for the rest of the community. In an interview with GamesRadar+, he commented that his idea was to keep going forever, though he noted that his console would likely be the factor that would end his streak. That’s exactly what happened.
“I didn’t think we’d survive the initial [Nintendo 3DS] shutdown, and the bots raced as if nothing had happened. It just became a test to see how long we could keep [Mario Kart 7] running.”
Early on Monday, November 3, Fishguy6564 confirmed that he had finally disconnected from the Nintendo 3DS servers and shared a photo showing his console with an error message. It appears the hardware froze and stopped working, forcing the player to abandon the Mario Kart 7 session.
“It’s over. Rest in peace, Nintendo Network.”
In addition to Fishguy6564, other players tried to stay connected to the now-defunct Nintendo Network service on the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Wii U for as long as possible. User SlitherySheep played Mario Maker; Amanda played Pokémon X & Y; Lcd101 joined Splatoon matches; and Omoroid, Gorrah!!, and Eeveh-roo-deh joined Xenoblade Chronicles X. Finally, Marioiscool246 also tried to keep the Mario Kart 7 servers alive, but ultimately, his console also gave out.
But tell us, what do you think of this feat? Let us know in the comments.
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