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Yes—some Wii U and Nintendo 3DS-family games can still go online through Pretendo Network, an unofficial, community-run replacement for parts of Nintendo Network. It does not restore every game or feature, and setup differs by platform: Wii U owners get the fullest experience with Aroma and Inkay, while 3DS and 2DS owners generally need Luma3DS and Nimbus. Before changing anything, keep your Nintendo Network ID (NNID) and check whether your game’s specific online features are supported.
What Nintendo shut down—and what it did not
Nintendo ended online play and other Nintendo Network-dependent services for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS software at 5 p.m. PDT on April 8, 2024. That included online multiplayer and cooperative play, internet rankings, data distribution, and other features that rely on online communication. Nintendo’s shutdown notice also cautions that unofficial services imitating Wii U network features can pose unexpected security risks.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Mario Kart 8 - Nintendo Wii U (Renewed) | $24.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Super Smash Bros. - Nintendo Wii U (Renewed) | $18.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Super Mario Maker - Nintendo Wii U (Renewed) | $15.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Warner Bros Lego Marvel Avengers - Wii U | $12.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Super Mario 3D World - Nintendo Wii U (Renewed) | $21.04 | Buy on Amazon |
This was separate from the closure of purchases through the Wii U and 3DS eShops on March 27, 2023. Pretendo does not reopen those storefronts or restore Nintendo’s account and server-side data. Offline play remains possible for games that support it; consult Nintendo’s eShop closure information for its legacy-service terms, which may change.
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Pretendo is a fan-led, open-source project building custom servers to replace parts of Nintendo Network on Wii U and 3DS-family systems. Its work covers supported game services, account and friends functionality, and Juxtaposition, a Miiverse-inspired project. It is not a Nintendo service, and Nintendo does not endorse or support it.
#1 Best Overall
- For Wii U Consoles Only. Will Not Work in an Original Wii Console
- This renewed game may come repackaged in a generic case. It has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
- Race along walls and upside-down on twisting anti-gravity racetracks!
- Share highlight videos of your greatest moments with friends via the Mario Kart TV feature and Miiverse.
- Race and battle with friends locally or connect online to play with random players from around the world.
You need a separate Pretendo Network ID (PNID). An existing Nintendo Network ID cannot be migrated or used as a Pretendo account: Pretendo says the relevant user data belongs to Nintendo and is not transferred. Your PNID therefore does not carry over your Nintendo identity, purchases, or online progression. Pretendo describes its service as free and open source; donation options are separate, and the public information cited here does not establish a mandatory subscription.
Check your game before setting anything up
Support varies by game and by feature. Pretendo’s live progress dashboard reports project implementation progress, not a guarantee that a title is complete or that every mode works. A game might connect for matchmaking while rankings, notifications, downloadable content, or another service remain unfinished. Check the dashboard and the game’s current documentation before modifying a console.
When reviewed for this article, the dashboard listed Kid Icarus: Uprising and IRONFALL Invasion at 100%; Mario Kart 8 and Pokkén Tournament at 90%; Mario Kart 7 at 77%; and Splatoon at 55%. These are dated project progress figures, not ratings of playability. Check the live dashboard for current status.
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- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Wii U: Inkay is the fullest option; SSSL avoids homebrew
First: do not delete or remove your Wii U’s NNID to install Pretendo. Pretendo warns that doing so can make previously purchased games unavailable and prevent updates. Keep the account and purchases intact.
The recommended Wii U route is Aroma homebrew with Inkay. At a high level, you install or update Aroma using a trusted guide, install Inkay through the Aroma environment, create a PNID, link it to the console, then select Pretendo in Inkay and test a supported game. This requires modifying the console’s software environment, so follow the current Pretendo Wii U guide rather than relying on old videos or stale download instructions.
Inkay’s documented network toggle is: press L + Down + SELECT on the Wii U GamePad, open the Aroma plugin menu, choose Inkay, then Network Selection, and toggle Connect to Pretendo network. Exit the menu and allow the console to restart. The option lets you switch networks when needed.
Rank #3
- Create and play the Mario levels of your dreams
- Play a near limitless number of intensely creative Super Mario levels
- Nintendo has made Mario games for decades. Now… it's your turn!
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Suitable_for_all_users, comic mischief
If you do not want homebrew, Pretendo documents SSSL, a Wii U-only method for firmware 5.5.5 or higher. It has limited functionality compared with Inkay and has no 3DS equivalent. The official guide explains its requirements and limitations.
Local Wii U saves may optionally be moved to a new account using save-management homebrew such as SaveMii, according to Pretendo’s guide. Back up first, and do not assume this applies to every title. Nintendo-server data—such as online rankings or other server-held progression—cannot simply be transferred to Pretendo.
3DS and 2DS: use Luma3DS and Nimbus
For the full handheld experience, a 3DS or 2DS normally needs Luma3DS homebrew and Pretendo’s Nimbus connection software, plus a new PNID. Follow the current official 3DS installation guide exactly: firmware requirements, app versions, and installation details can change. Do not reuse NNID credentials or expect Nintendo account data to migrate.
Rank #4
- Diverse roster of Marvel’s Avengers characters –Play and unlock more than 100 new and returning characters with an array of exciting capabilities, including fan favorites like Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America and Thor, new characters from Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, and more.
- New and enhanced powers and abilities – Battle in new ways with enhanced powers and character abilities. Team up with core Avengers to execute incredible combo moves.
- Free Roam Gameplay – Enjoy LEGO Marvel’s Avengers’ unique take on open world gameplay as you assume the roles of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to collect gold bricks, studs, and unlock additional characters.
- Variety of iconic locations – Visit iconic Marvel Cinematic Universe locations from around the world.
- Experience the blockbuster action from the Avengers films – Relive key moments from Marvel’s The Avengers, Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron and more, with a splash of classic LEGO humor.
Emulators: Cemu and Azahar
Cemu 2.1 officially supports Pretendo through its network-account options, according to Pretendo. You still need a suitable PNID and compatible game and system data that you are entitled to use; see the Cemu instructions. Emulator setup is not identical to configuring an original Wii U.
Pretendo does not support Citra and directs users to Azahar. Azahar’s setup requires access to a real 3DS or 2DS, connected to the computer with Artic Setup Tool, and current Luma3DS on that handheld. Pretendo’s guide specifies Luma3DS v13.3.1 or higher. In Azahar, users must enable Emulation → Configure → System → Enable required LLE modules for online features, install Nimbus, and switch to Pretendo. A PNID may need to be linked for some games and apps.
There is a trade-off: Pretendo says savestates cannot be used while the required LLE modules option is enabled. Follow the live Azahar guide for the full procedure, including recovery steps for missing system files or OTP backups; those details are sensitive to setup and should not be improvised.
Best Value
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- Each character has unique abilities and play styles. For example, Princess Peach glides over gaps, while Luigi has his trademark extra-high jump.
- The new cat transformation allows players to run on all fours, pounce on enemies, attack in midair, or use their claws to scamper up walls and goal poles.
- Explore colorful 3D environments filled with obstacles and contraptions like transparent pipes and vertical conveyor belts, which add new puzzle elements.
- Use the Wii U GamePad Controller's touch screen to search for hidden blocks and freeze enemies in place.
Common problems and what to check
- Connection error: Check the progress dashboard for the game and exact feature, confirm you selected Pretendo rather than Nintendo Network, and verify that the game has a linked PNID if required. Also check that Inkay, Nimbus, and the relevant homebrew environment are current.
- Old NNID login fails: Expected. Create and use a separate PNID; Pretendo does not migrate NNIDs.
- Local save is missing: Local saves may require a separate, carefully backed-up transfer. Nintendo-held data cannot be moved just by joining Pretendo.
- Azahar savestates no longer work: This is an expected limitation when online-feature LLE modules are enabled.
- Citra will not connect: Citra is unsupported; consult Pretendo’s Citra notice and use its Azahar documentation instead.
Pretendo can ban accounts or consoles for cheating, disruption, or other rule violations. Its rules allow cheats or mods only in private matches under stated conditions; do not assume public play is exempt. If you believe a ban is mistaken, use Pretendo’s official support channels.
Is Pretendo worth it?
| Your situation | Practical choice |
|---|---|
| Wii U owner comfortable with homebrew | Inkay with Aroma offers the fullest documented Pretendo experience. |
| Wii U owner avoiding console modification | Consider SSSL, accepting its limited functionality and Wii U-only availability. |
| 3DS or 2DS owner | Check game support, then follow the Luma3DS/Nimbus guide. |
| Cemu player | Use Pretendo’s Cemu setup documentation and network-account options. |
| Citra player | Citra is unsupported; review Azahar’s requirements, including access to a real handheld. |
| Your essential game mode is incomplete, or you cannot risk experimenting | Wait, stay offline, or use an officially supported platform instead. |
Safety and expectations
Pretendo is an unofficial preservation effort, not a risk-free restoration of Nintendo’s service. Homebrew changes the console’s software environment; unsafe downloads or outdated instructions can create problems. Use only the official Pretendo installation documentation and established homebrew resources, back up saves before changes, and do not expect Nintendo support if something goes wrong. Pretendo’s servers can also change, and its game coverage is not guaranteed.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
