But will it move Wii U games to the Nintendo Switch’s Online + Expansion Pack to save Pretendo the bother?
If you mist up when thinking about the demise of the Wii U’s online play servers in April 2024, you’re probably aware of Pretendo.
In development since before the announcement of the Wii U (and 3DS) online server close, Prentendo is basically a replacement for the Nintendo network. As I explained last year:
Pretendo is an open-source project aiming to recreate Nintendo Network for the 3DS and Wii U consoles. Its main goal is to preserve online functionality in these systems after the potential closure of Nintendo’s official servers.
So potentially, games like Super Mario Maker and others could continue running once Nintendo abandons its old servers later in 2024. It’s an entertaining prospect, albeit one that would probably require some manual firmware updates or network configuration tweaks.
It sounds great, so why is Nintendo suddenly upset by a service that is still in beta?
Nintendo vs. Pretendo
The Japanese gaming giant has issued a post on X/Twitter alluding to Pretendo (not by name), and claiming the service (and others) “may post unexpected security risks.”
We have confirmed the existence of unauthorized services that replace functions such as online play for the Wii U, which ended service on April 9, 2024. Please refrain from using such services as they may pose unexpected security risks
While security risks should never be ruled out, this seems a little bit unlikely. Without specific information, it seems little sour. (And with hard facts, the responsible thing to do would, of course, be to contact the Pretendo team.)
Of course, it could be a piece of marketing for the Switch 2, if it is as imminent as rumours suggest. On the other hand, the social media intern might simply have had a slow day and wished to post something to demonstrate their love for Nintendo.
We’ve all been that person.
Whatever the case, I would urge you to check out Pretendo and if you wish to use Wii games online, take a look at Wiimmfi.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
