Nintendo Online shutdown deletes Pokémon gamers have had for years

Well, this is just plain sad. Following the shutdown of the Nintendo 3DS’ online services, many Pokémon have found themselves lost in the Global Trading System forever.

Yesterday was quite a day for those of us who owned either a Nintendo 3DS or Wii U. Both consoles saw their online services shutdown for good, marking the end of a beloved era.

This comes one year after the 3DS and Wii U Nintendo eShops closed - a move that sent physical game prices soaring.

With online servers now also having been closed, multiplayer and online components of many classic titles like Splatoon and Super Smash Bros are no longer available.

Another such franchise that’s been affected is Pokémon. As reported by GameRant, the online services shutdown means that the Global Trading System, Player Search System (PSS), and Wonder Trades are no longer available on the Nintendo 3DS.

This prompted some users to log online and secure some last minute trades, with one player also discovering what might happen to the ‘Mons left in the Global Trading System.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to land in 2025. Take a look at the reveal trailer below.

“It’s the end of an era. Thank you, PSS System,” Reddit user WolverineFamiliar740 began.

“I spent literal HOURS just using Wonder Trade growing up. Other times, I would battle the occasional trainer, or send a shiny Pokemon in GTS for a legendary. Game Freak may make other ways for players to connect online in the future, but I doubt any of them will match the sheer FUN that was the PSS System. Thank You for all the wonderful memories. And goodbye.

2013-2024.”

They later added, “Also wanted to mention that I put an Azurill in the GTS to see what would happen. IT GOT DELETED.”

Poor Azurill. Lost to the sands of time.

“Just unloved Pokémon, lost in the infinite void of a dead server forever wondering when its trainer is coming back for it and eventually, what it did to deserve being abandoned for eternity,” wrote TurboTrollin.

Well now I just feel sad. Let’s hope the number of Pokémon destined for this cruel fate is minimal.