Nintendo has announced that Online servies for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software will be ending in early April 2024 although Pokémon Bank will still continue but also may end at some point in the future. The Pokémon Company is encourage players to transfer their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME at their earliest convenience. This announcement follows the previous one about the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop discontinuing in March 2023.

Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software

Applies to: New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, Wii U Deluxe, Wii U Basic

Thank you very much for supporting our products. In early April 2024, online play and other functionality that uses online communication will end for Nintendo 3DS* and Wii U software. This also includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution. We will announce a specific end date and time at a later date.

Please note that if an event occurs that would make it difficult to continue online services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software, we may have to discontinue services earlier than planned.
We sincerely thank players for using the online services of Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software over a long period of time and apologize for any inconvenience.

* This includes software exclusive to New Nintendo 3DS.

Q&A

• Will I still be able to play offline even after online services end?
• Will any online services still be available even after online services generally end?
• Are you also ending online services for software from publishers other than Nintendo?
• Will it still be possible to download update data or purchased software?
• When online services end, will StreetPass and SpotPass no longer be available either?

Will I still be able to play offline even after online services end?
Yes. Players will still be able to use features and game modes that do not require online communication.

Will any online services still be available even after online services generally end?
It will still be possible to use online services for the following software but that may also end at some point in the future.

• Pokémon Bank

Are you also ending online services for software from publishers other than Nintendo?
With some exceptions, online services will end for all Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software. Please contact publishers for information about the online services for their software.

Will it still be possible to download update data or purchased software?
For the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to download update data and redownload purchased software and downloadable content from Nintendo eShop.

When online services end, will StreetPass and SpotPass no longer be available either?
StreetPass uses local communication between Nintendo 3DS family systems, meaning that it will still be available even after online services end. However, because SpotPass uses online communication, SpotPass features will no longer be available.
For example, you will be able to use StreetPass in StreetPass Mii Plaza, which is pre-installed on Nintendo 3DS family systems, but you will no longer be able to use features that use online communication (such as receiving new panels in Puzzle Swap).

Source: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/

Nintendo has announced that they will discontinue the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShop and related services in late March 2023. As a result, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have announced that Pokémon Bank will become a free service in March 2023. Players still have to subscribe to a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME.

Notice of Free Pokémon Bank Service Due to Termination of the Nintendo eShop Service for Nintendo 3DS Series

To Our Customers,
Thank you very much for enjoying the Pokémon series.

Due to the termination of the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS series, the Pokémon Bank service will become free of charge.

Please continue to use the Pokémon Bank service free of charge at that time, as you can import Pokémon deposited in the Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME.

To transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, you need to subscribe to a Premium Plan for Pokémon HOME.

Schedule - late March 2023

Sales End for Pokémon Bank tickets. New downloads of Pokémon Bank and PokéMover will also end.
On that same day, the Pokémon Bank service will become free of charge. Purchased subscription tickets will not be refunded.

The exact end date of the free service is yet to be determined. We will announce it on the official website.

Source: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/info/2022/02/220216_gm01.html

Wii U & Nintendo 3DS eShop Discontinuation

Applies to: New Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS XL, New Nintendo 2DS XL, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL, Nintendo 2DS, Wii U Deluxe, Wii U Basic

As of late March 2023, it will no longer be possible to make purchases in Nintendo eShop for the Wii U system and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. It will also no longer be possible to download free content, including game demos. Furthermore, as this date draws closer, related services will cease to function:

• As of May 23, 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a credit card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.
• As of August 29, 2022, it will no longer be possible to use a Nintendo eShop Card to add funds to an account in Nintendo eShop on Wii U or the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. However, it will still be possible to redeem download codes until late March 2023.

Users who link their Nintendo Network ID wallet (used with Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems) with their Nintendo Account wallet (used with the Nintendo Switch family of systems) can use the shared balance to purchase content on any of these systems until late March 2023. After that, the balance can only be used to purchase content for the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

No changes are planned for Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo Switch family of systems.

The changes to Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems will simultaneously take effect in software on these platforms where it is possible to make purchases, such as StreetPass Mii Plaza, Theme Shop and Nintendo Badge Arcade.

Even after late March 2023, and for the foreseeable future, it will still be possible to redownload games and DLC, receive software updates and enjoy online play on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

We thank you for supporting Nintendo eShop on Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Source: https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/57847

Pokémon Bank Services Will Be Available at No Cost to Players

Paid passes will be discontinued, but users will still be able to access some features—including transferring their Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.

With the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop service for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, the Pokémon Bank service for Nintendo 3DS will become available at no cost to users. You will still be able to transfer the Pokémon you've deposited in Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME even after the paid service is discontinued, and you'll still be able to bring Pokémon into Pokémon Bank from compatible titles. However, you'll need to be enrolled in a paid Pokémon HOME Premium Plan to do so.

In late March 2023, Pokémon Bank's paid passes will no longer be offered for purchase, at which time Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will no longer be available to download. On the same day, Trainers will be able to start using Pokémon Bank at no cost. Be aware that there will be no refunds for paid passes that have already been purchased.

There is no end date planned for this no-cost service.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-bank-services-will-be-available-at-no-cost-to-players/

Nintendo Earnings Release for the Nine-Month Period Ended December 2019

Nintendo presented their Earnings Release for the Nine-Month Period Ended December 2019 on January 30th, 2020. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX will be released in March of 2020 and is expected to help keep the Nintendo Switch platform energized. Nintendo also revealed the current sales numbers for many of the current Pokémon titles.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield: 16.06 million
Pokémon X and Y: 16.44 million
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire: 14.26 million
Pokémon Sun and Moon: 16.18 million
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: 8.70 million
Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee: 11.76 million
Pokémon Diamond Version and Pearl Version: 17.67 million
Pokémon Black Version and White Version: 15.64 million
Pokémon HeartGold Version and SoulSilver Version: 12.72 million

Consolidated Operating Results

During the nine months ended December 31, 2019, Nintendo Switch Lite launched in September as a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-carry system dedicated to handheld gameplay, and Nintendo Switch performed well without losing momentum, resulting insignificant sales growth for the entire Nintendo Switch family that surpassed the same period in the last fiscal year. Software like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield became huge hits, selling 16.06 million units, along side Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Super Mario Maker 2, both of which sold over 5 million units.

Regarding Nintendo Switch, we will continue to convey the appeal of both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite hardware,and work to expand their installed base. In addition to Nintendo-published titles like Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Encore(January),Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (March) and Animal Crossing: New Horizons(March), there are also a robust variety of appealing titles from other software publishers scheduled to be released. We will work to keep the platform energized by continuously introducing attractive new titles in addition to the popular titles already released.

Sources: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200130e.pdf and https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200130_3e.pdf

Nintendo revealed its Earnings Release: Six Months Ended September 30, 2019 report which indicted that Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let's Go, Eevee! has sold 11.28 million units, up from the 10.63 million units announced in their Consolidated Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 report released earlier in 2019. Top Selling Titles Sales Units figures were also updated and a list of the sales for Pokémon games is below.

Consolidated Operating Results:

During the six months ended September 30, 2019, for Nintendo Switch, a new model with extended battery life launched in August, followed in September by Nintendo Switch Lite, a system dedicated to handheld gameplay, which is compact and lightweight, making it easy to take on the go. Nintendo Switch titles slated for release include Ring Fit Adventure (October), Luigi's Mansion 3 (October), Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield (November), and Animal Crossing: New Horizons (March 2020).

Top Selling Titles Sales Units - As of September 30, 2019

Pokémon X / Pokémon Y - 16.42 million pcs.
Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon - 16.17 million pcs.
Pokémon Omega Ruby / Pokémon Alpha Sapphire - 14.23 million pcs.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - 11.28 million pcs.
Pokémon Ultra Sun / Pokémon Ultra Moon - 8.57 million pcs.

Sources: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html

The Pokémon Company has announced that it will distribute a serial code for a alternate-colored Necrozma to members of the Pokémon Secret Club that can be used in the Nintendo 3DS games Pocket Monsters Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon. The distribution of the alternate-colored Necrozma is a limited to those that have joined the club and have pre-ordered the Nintendo Switch games Pocket Monsters Sword or Shield, which are scheduled for release on November 15th, 2019. The distribution is being held in commemoration of having surpassed 55,555 people in the club. The serial code distribution is scheduled for September 6th, 2019 at 18:00.

Alternate-Colored Necrozma Details:

Ball: Cherish Ball
Level: 75
Moves: Light Screen, Substitute and Moonlight

Nintendo revealed its Consolidated Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2018 and 2019 report which indicted that Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let's Go, Eevee! has sold 10.63 million units. Top Selling Titles Sales Units figures were also updated and a list of the sales for Pokémon games is below.

Operating Results and Financial Positions for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2019

The results for this fiscal year showed strong software sales for Nintendo Switch, which contributed to the expansion of hardware sales. In particular, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate recorded sales of 13.81 million units, while Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let's Go, Eevee! sold 10.63 million units and Super Mario Party sold 6.4 million units, making them all major worldwide hits.

Outlook for the Fiscal Year Ending March 31, 2020

Nintendo Switch has continued to spread quickly around the world since launch, providing a foundation for further business growth. In order to maintain this momentum, we will release Nintendo Labo Toy-Con 04: VR Kitin April, Super Mario Maker 2 in June, and Fire Emblem: Three Houses in July, all worldwide. In addition, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Animal Crossing (temp.) and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening are slated for release in 2019. Furthermore, major titles from other software publishers are scheduled to be released. We aim to contribute to momentum of the platform by continuously introducing attractive new titles in addition to popular titles already released.

Top Selling Titles Sales Units - As of March 31, 2019

Pokémon Diamond Version / Pearl Version - 17.67 million pcs.
Pokémon X / Pokémon Y - 16.39 million pcs.
Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon - 16.15 million pcs.
Pokémon Black Version / White Version - 15.64 million pcs.
Pokémon Omega Ruby / Pokémon Alpha Sapphire - 14.19 million pcs.
Pokémon HeartGold Version / SoulSilver Version - 12.72 million pcs.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - 10.63 million pcs.
Pokémon Ultra Sun / Pokémon Ultra Moon - 8.37 million pcs.

Sources: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html

The official Pokémon Hong Kong Facebook page has announced that Pocket Monsters Everyone's Story (劇場版 精靈寶可夢 我們的故事) will be in theaters in Hong Kong starting on December 13th, 2018. Those that buy a ticket online or at the box office will receive special gifts while supplies last. Those that buy the ticket online can pickup to gifts at the box office. The movie will be available in available in Cantonese Voice Over / Japanese original voices.

Gifts:

• A5 Movie File
• Lugia Pokémon Tretta Disk
• Nintendo 3DS Lugia and Zeraora Serial Codes - 1 Each

Source: https://www.facebook.com/Pokemon.Official.HongKong/photos/a.1524504260998324/1953032801478799/?type=3&theater

Nintendo revealed its Nintendo's Consolidated Results for the Years Ended March 31, 2017 and 2018 report which indicted that Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon sold 7.51 million units or just about 50% less of what Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon sold last year in a shorter time span.

Operating Results and Financial Positions for the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2018

Nintendo 3DS hardware sales remained solid in each region even after the launch of Nintendo Switch, with sales during this fiscal year reaching 6.40 million units. For the Nintendo 3DS software, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon sold 7.51 million units, while overall sales for this fiscal year totaled 35.64 million units.

Source: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2018/180426e.pdf

Pokémon RPG for Nintendo Switch Still Scheduled for Release in "2018 or later"

Nintendo also revealed in the Earnings Release for Fiscal Year Ended March 2018 - Supplementary Information in the Launch Schedule of Primary Nintendo Products by Region (extracts: Apr. 2018〜) section that a Pokémon RPG for Nintendo Switch (temp.) is still scheduled for release in "2018 or later".

Source: https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2018/180426_4e.pdf

Nintendo has announced that the Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Version 1.2 patch is now available to download and it fixes a glitch with the Curse, Forest’s Curse, Power Trick and String Shot moves that could cause the game to freeze during Live Competitions. The patch is required for all online functions and uses 539 Blocks.

Official Patch Notes for Version 1.2:

• Various fixes to improve gameplay.

Source: http://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/28054/p/430

Play! Pokémon Video Game Rules Update

The recent move bans have been lifted from Play! Pokémon video game tournaments.

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon have been updated to version 1.2. The moves Curse, Forest's Curse, Power Trick, and String Shot are no longer banned from Play! Pokémon video game tournaments. The new update is required to play in tournaments. To update your game, visit the Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon entry on Nintendo eShop and then download the latest patch.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/play-pokemon-video-game-rules-update/

The February 2018 distributions for the Legendary Year of Pokémon are now available and Dialga or Palkia are available a store participating locations around the world.

Level / Moves:

LEGENDARY POKÉMON DIALGA AND PALKIA NOW AVAILABLE AT GAME AND GAMESTOP; POKÉMON TCG: SUN & MOON—ULTRA PRISM EXPANSION HITS STORE SHELVES

Start a Legendary Year Off Right with Powerful New Additions to Pokémon TCG Decks and Video Game Lineups!

The Pokémon Company International today announced this year’s first Legendary Pokémon video game character distribution and launched the next expansion to the Pokémon Trading Card Game, Sun & Moon—Ultra Prism. Starting today, UK based Trainers can visit a participating GAME retail location, while those in Ireland can visit Gamestop, to receive the Legendary Pokémon Dialga or Palkia for their Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, or Pokémon Ultra Moon games for the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems, while supplies last. The brand-new Pokémon TCG expansion is available at participating retailers and hobby shop locations across both countries, bringing new cards and the all-new Prism Star mechanic into play.

Both Dialga and Palkia are powerful Legendary Pokémon from the Sinnoh region, and each is a significant addition to any Trainer’s lineup. By visiting participating GameStop locations, players can receive a card with a secret code that can be redeemed in Pokémon Sun, Pokémon Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun, or Pokémon Ultra Moon. Players will receive one of these Legendary Pokémon in their game, which one determined by the version they have, as well as an extra gift if redeeming in Pokémon Ultra Sun or Pokémon Ultra Moon. Distribution codes are available for free starting today, and will be available until February 28.

Code Distributions:

US, Ireland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Italy: Gamestop until February 28th, 2018
Canada and Australia/NZ: EBGames until February 28th, 2018
UK and Spain: GAME until February 28th, 2018
France: Micromania until February 28th, 2018
Netherlands: GameMania until February 28th, 2018
Belgium: Smartoys
Portugal: FNAC stores

YouTube Trailer - Dialga and Palkia Lead the Way in 2018!

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylbzDB1JdSc