Can you play Pokemon games on 3DS? Server shutdown explained

The 3DS servers are shutting down soon, so fans are wondering what will happen with the Pokemon 3DS games’ online features. Well, here’s all you need to do, including which features will remain after the online services shutdown.

With the 3DS online services shutting down soon, many players are wondering if they will be able to keep playing their favorite Pokemon games online. Eight different titles were released on Nintendo’s last-gen portable console, so tons to revisit in past regions while playing or trading with friends.

Well, here’s what you will be able to do in the Pokemon 3DS games once the eShop and online services shut down.

3DS eShop shutdown: Are Pokemon games affected?

Yes, the Pokemon 3DS games will be unable to connect to the online services once the eShop and online features shut down on April 9, 2024. This affects online battles, trading, and the rest of the online interactions.

Serebii Reminder: The online features for Nintendo 3DS games will be terminated at 00:00 UTC on April 9th.

This includes online battles, trading and more for Pokémon X, Y, ORAS, SM & USUM.

Pokémon Bank will still run for the forseeable future & local play will still function pic.twitter.com/rhu9G9WSvw

— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) March 26, 2024

Even though the 3DS online services are being shut down, if you have downloaded Pokebank on your 3DS before March 27, 2023, you will still be able to transfer all your creatures to Pokemon Home.

All 3DS Pokemon games listed

The Nintendo 3DS holds a vast library of Pokemon mainline titles, which will be affected by the online services shutdown.

Here are all Pokemon 3DS games affected:

• Pokemon X&Y
• Pokemon Sun&Moon
• Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Saphire
• Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon

All local play interactions will still function once the servers are down. Players will still be able to trade, battle, or interact locally if they are in the same room with both their Nintendo 3DS systems.

And that is all you need to know about the 3DS Pokemon games online status. For more on Pokemon, check out the rest of our guides below:

How to catch shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet | How does EXP Share work in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to catch all Legendaries in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Mystery Gift codes | How to check IVs in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC How to start Mochi Mayhem Epilogue Quest | How to beat BB Elite Four in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC | Paldea starters explained | How to get Hydrapple in Indigo Disc DLC | How to beat Elite Four Drayton challenge