All articles tagged with #online play
Pokémon Pokopia for Nintendo Switch 2 gets a day-one update (version 1.0.1) that fixes bugs and unlocks online content; the update is required for online play and must match the update data with others for local play. The game will also launch as a Game-Key Card, requiring download at launch. Nintendo Life gave it 8/10, calling it a refreshing Pokémon life-sim while noting some gameplay and progression issues.
Bandai Namco's Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero is getting a new update on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch, rolling out as version 2A013.012.003.009.011 for Switch 2 and 2013.012.003.009.011 for Switch. The patch adds Extreme Warrior Time Attack (a limited-time mode), makes all stages available in Versus in Battle Together when played on Switch 2, adds new selectable scenarios, cutscenes and text options in Custom Battle, and improves usability and overall stability. Online play requires the patch, and there will be a maintenance window during launch with Ranked Match and World Library temporarily unavailable; a new DLC was announced.
A free 1.5.0 patch for Mario Kart World on Nintendo Switch 2 introduces a team-based Knockout Tour, allowing up to four teams (with formats for 2v12, 3v8, or 4v6) in local wireless or online play. CPUs fill gaps when needed, and teams earn points based on finish position (top finishers net more points) to determine the winner, with spectators able to watch, switch cameras, and cheer. Players can manage friends for online play, and support details are available on the update page.
Nintendo’s Mario Kart World updates to version 1.5.0 on Switch 2, adding team races to Knockout Tour in Online/Wireless Play and introducing Polish language support, along with fixes for a game-ending bug when playing as Kamek on Choco Mountain and an incorrect rating display when joining 'Everyone' in Online Play, plus other minor improvements.
Capcom announced a free update for the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, releasing on August 7, 2025, adding new features, artwork, remix tracks, and four new characters to Street Fighter Alpha 3 UPPER, with all games supporting online play and rollback netcode.
Digital Eclipse is releasing the Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection later this year, a comprehensive retro compilation featuring multiple versions of Mortal Kombat games from 1 to 4, with modern enhancements, online rollback netcode, and an interactive documentary exploring the franchise's history and secrets.
Nintendo has officially ended online services for the 3DS and Wii U, prompting fans to bid farewell and enjoy their favorite games from this era, with some users getting an extended playtime. Social media is filled with messages from users saying goodbye to the platforms, as they reminisce about their online gaming experiences.
Nintendo will shut down online play for Wii U and 3DS on April 8, impacting games with heavy online emphasis like Splatoon, but players can still use Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter. The closure of eShops last year made around 1,000 digital-only eShop games disappear and terminated the final systems to support the Virtual Console service, leaving Switch Online as the only platform for Nintendo's retro games.
Nintendo has announced the early discontinuation of online play for Steel Diver: Sub Wars on the 3DS, ahead of the full online shutdown on April 8th, 2024. The game's online service has effectively been discontinued due to unresolved issues, disappointing remaining players who were hoping for one more online session. Originally launched in 2014, the well-received entry in the franchise will no longer be accessible for online play.
Nintendo has announced that the online services for 3DS and Wii U software will be disconnected on April 8th, 2024, at 4PM PT / 7PM ET. Users with unused eShop balances tied to a Nintendo Network ID have until March 11th to link the wallet with a Nintendo Account. Despite the shutdown, certain services like StreetPass and Pokémon Bank will continue, and it will still be possible to download update data and redownload purchased software and downloadable content from Nintendo eShop.
Nintendo has officially announced that the online play and other functionality for the 3DS and Wii U will end on 8th April 2024, with users being able to merge their existing eShop funds with their Nintendo Account for use on the Switch. The exact shutdown dates and times will vary by region, and while Pokémon Bank for the 3DS will still be available after the shutdown, it may also end in the future. Exceptions will be made for online services for software from "other" publishers, and this follows the closure of the 3DS and Wii U eShops in March last year.
Nintendo has officially announced that online play and other online communication functionality for the 3DS and Wii U will end in early April 2024. This includes online co-operative play, internet rankings, and data distribution. While specific dates have not been provided yet, Nintendo warns that services could be discontinued earlier than planned if necessary. Some exceptions will be made for software from other publishers, and certain services like Pokémon Bank will still be available for a limited time. Users will still be able to download updates and redownload purchased software and DLC, but SpotPass support will end.
Nintendo has announced that online play for Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon on the Wii U will resume on August 3rd, 2023, after being taken offline for emergency maintenance in March. The games were vulnerable to an exploit known as 'ENLBufferPwn', which allowed attackers to gain remote control of victims' consoles. The vulnerability has been fixed, but Nintendo warns that further issues could lead to the discontinuation of the service. Other affected games have also been resolved.
Fire Emblem, the first installment of the series to launch outside of Japan, will be available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack starting June 22. Players can gather heroes, train them, and hone their skills on the battlefield while strategizing their course of action around various terrain and conditions. With a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, players can enjoy online play with compatible games and growing libraries of classic games.
Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros, stated that he doesn't think online play and Smash Bros are a good fit for each other, as the game is best experienced when played offline with friends. He also discussed the limitations of the game's netcode, which causes lag and synchronization issues. While other platform fighters have implemented rollback netcode, Smash Bros still relies on delay-based netcode. Sakurai's team tested a similar feature for Smash Ultimate but had to give it up. Despite this, players continue to ask for rollback netcode.