Nintendo of America has announced the worldwide discontinuation of the publisher’s Wi-Fi Connection platform from 20 May. The service has been an online network for Nintendo Wii and DS/DSi games.
The platform’s online play, match-making and leader board features will be retired, but Internet browsing and online stores for both consoles will not be affected.
“As of May 20, 2014, certain online functionality, including online play, match-making, and leader boards for many Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo DSi games will no longer be accessible,” said the publisher in a statement. “Users can still play these games in offline mode. Other online functionality on Wii and Nintendo DS, such as access to the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Shop, and video-on-demand services, are also not affected at this time.”
Twenty Nintendo published Wii and Wii Ware titles will lose Wi-Fi Connection features on the service’s cancellation, including Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Kart Wii and Pokémon Battle Revolution.
Over forty Nintendo published DS and DSi titles will also be affected, including Dragon Quest 9: Sentinels of the Starry Skies, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon, Pokémon Platinum Version, Professor Layton and the Curious Village and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.
Nintendo has also confirmed that a new online match-making service is in development for upcoming Wii U and Nintendo 3DS titles such as Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros.
