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The Nintendo Network's logo.
Nintendo Network(JP) was an internet service and online multiplayer network managed by Nintendo Network Service Inc.(JP)(CN) (formerly Wii no Ma Inc.) It was announced by Nintendo in January 2012 and released in March 2012. It was available on the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U. Nintendo Network was designed as a more robust network than its predecessor, and to compete with its competitors' online services, namely Microsoft's Xbox Live and Sony's PlayStation Network.
History[]
Rather than fully replacing Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo Network absorbed Nintendo Wi-Fi connection for legacy reasons. Nintendo Network included Miiverse, Nintendo TVii, the Nintendo eShop, and the 3DS and Wii U's internet browsers. An update for both the 3DS and the Wii U was released in December 2013; this update merged Nintendo Network accounts on the 3DS and Wii U, combined each account's eShop balance, and brought Miiverse to the 3DS.
The ability to transfer funds from Nintendo Network IDs to Nintendo Accounts was closed on March 11, 2024. On October 4, 2023, Nintendo announced that the service would be shutting down for 3DS and Wii U in April of 2024, with them announcing on January 23, 2024 that it would close on April 8, 2024. However, some select services are yet to be shut down, including Pokémon Bank and some third-party online services not connected to the Nintendo Network.
Nintendo Network ID[]
Each Wii U and 3DS user is given the option to sign up for a Nintendo Network ID, which is an account that grants access to many internet related features on Nintendo's platforms. Nintendo Network ID grants access to the Nintendo eShop, Miiverse, Nintendo TVii and various other applications as well as games for online play and Miiverse integration.