"Gamers Find Workarounds to Keep Nintendo Games Online Despite Server Shutdowns"

The Pretendo Network, an open-source Nintendo Network alternative for the Wii U, no longer requires a hacked console to access its homebrew servers, thanks to an SSL exploit called "SSSL" that allows connection with a simple DNS change on stock firmware. While not all third-party titles are compatible, in-game Miiverse functionality still works. The workaround requires a Wii U running at least firmware version 5.5.5, and it remains to be seen if Nintendo will issue patches to address the exploit.