Nintendo Network facts for kids
The Nintendo Network was an online service that let players connect their Nintendo 3DS and Wii U game consoles to the internet. It was like a special online club for Nintendo gamers! To use it, you needed a Nintendo Network ID, which was your unique online account. This service allowed you to play games with friends online, download new games, and even chat with other players. It was first launched in 2012 and was a big part of playing games on these Nintendo systems.
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What Was the Nintendo Network?
The Nintendo Network was Nintendo's main online system for its Wii U home console and Nintendo 3DS handheld system. Think of it as the internet connection for your Nintendo games. It allowed these consoles to connect to Nintendo's servers and to other players around the world. This service was important for many games and features on both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.
Your Nintendo Network ID
To use the Nintendo Network, you needed a special account called a Nintendo Network ID (NNID). This ID was your personal online name and profile. You would create one and link it to your console. It was like having a username and password for a website, but for your game system. Your NNID kept track of your game downloads, friends list, and online progress.
What You Could Do Online
The Nintendo Network offered many cool features for players:
- Online Multiplayer: Many games allowed you to play with or against other people over the internet. This meant you could challenge friends or new players from anywhere in the world.
- Nintendo eShop: This was an online store where you could buy and download digital games, demos, and extra content directly to your console. It was like a digital game library.
- Miiverse: This was a special social network built into the Nintendo Network. Players could share messages, drawings, and screenshots from their games. It was a fun way to connect with other players who enjoyed the same games.
- Web Browser: Both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS had internet browsers that used the Nintendo Network to access websites.
- System Updates: The service also allowed your consoles to download important system updates, which helped keep your games and system running smoothly.
The End of an Era
The Nintendo Network was a popular service for many years. However, as newer Nintendo consoles like the Nintendo Switch were released, the focus shifted. The Nintendo Network service for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS officially ended in April 2024. This means that many of the online features, like playing games online or accessing the eShop, are no longer available for these older systems.
Images for kids
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Nintendo 3DS internet browser logo
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Wii U Internet Browser logo
In Spanish: Nintendo Network para niños
