Nintendo 3DS and Wii U gamers will still be able to play offline games on their devices. Users will also be able to download update data and any software or DLC already purchased from the Nintendo eShop. However, it’s important to note that you cannot simply go and purchase the games you missed out on before the shutdown, as the online store ceased operations in March of this year.
A few services will remain functional after Nintendo completes its general online shutdown. StreetPass, the application that lets users communicate directly between devices, will remain available since it utilizes a local connection.
Additionally, the “Pokemon Bank” and “Poke Transporter” applications will retain their online functionalities. “Pokemon Bank,” made free earlier this year, allows users to store up to 3,000 Pokemon in an online bank. “Poke transporter” is a companion application to “Pokemon Bank” that allows users to transfer Pokemon from Gen 5 games and the Virtual Console versions of Gen 1 and 2 to their online inventory.
Although Nintendo is keeping these applications functional for now, it stated that they “may also end at some point in the future.” Many “Pokemon” fans are urging others to transfer their pocket monsters to the Switch’s “Pokemon Home” before it is too late.