Nintendo Network for the Wii U and 3DS is just weeks away from shutting down. The eShop for both consoles was recently discontinued, and we’re less than one month away from the demise of its online services. If you may remember however alternative servers are currently in development. Pretendo Network is a fan replacement server for Nintendo Network which not only preserves online functionality but also preserves Miiverse, Nintendo’s discontinued social network for Wii U and 3DS systems. Some time ago, I wrote an article on Pretendo. Considering that Nintendo Network is shutting down in April, reviewing Pretendo’s progress seems timely.
Pretendo Network.
Pretendo is an open-source fan server set to replace online services for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems. Pretendo works on real hardware, and emulators such as Cemu, which provides the possibility of crossplay between consoles and PCs. A core functionality of Pretendo is the replacement of Miiverse, known as Juxtaposition. While the interface appears to be different, It still functions the same. Additionally, you can use in-game functionalities such as Stamps. Considering you need to use a different account for Pretendo, your Friend List functions without any trouble. Your Friend List can also add other users, accept friend requests, view a user’s Juxttaposposition profile, and interact with their posts. What I have seen in terms of progress is very impressive. As of the writing of this article, the Wii U has the capability of running online games as well as preserving the system’s features that have been discontinued. Right now, utilizing Pretendo is free of charge. However, testing other games is currently a paid tier. Although limited, games such as Nintendo Land and Splatoon’s plazas were functioning properly. If you may recall, the integration of Miiverse into games only worked with some titles.
In-Game Features.
When reviewing the functionalities of Tingle Bottles in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD previously, they would occasionally work. I was unfortunately unable to receive any. While recently playing, however, I was able to send Tingle Bottles without any problems. After seven years, this feature now works. In games that utilize them, Stamps now work.
With Stamps being an exclusive feature of some games, one notable one that uses them is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD. In the game, chests were everywhere to find that would reward players with Miiverse Stamps. These unfortunately serve no purpose since Miiverse was discontinued. But you can now place them on Juxtaposition posts. While these now serve a purpose, it is disappointing since Miiverse was discontinued shortly. However, Stamps are also usable in other games such as Super Mario 3D World. Other functionalities in these games also work. For example in Super Mario 3D World, Mii characters are now on the world map with messages contextual to when they were posted. As well as posts visible at the end of every level. While the port to the Switch added online multiplayer, this wasn’t seen. Additionally, Mii ghosts that would race you in levels aren’t on the game for the Switch.
Pretendo Players Online.
Despite servers being active, players are still engaged. But footage online has shown Pretendo players online. One of these games includes Mario Kart 8’s online Battle Mode. Surprisingly, Splatoon on Nintendo Network is still incredibly active showing that this game has a dedicated fan base. Additionally, Pretendo can utilize SpotPass on software for both Wii U and 3DS. This allows the team to send data to a game without patching the game. In the case of Splatoon, this includes custom region-free Splatfests. Splatoon’s functionality is arguably more complete compared to Nintendo Network. Plaza messages work; you can find other players or arrange a private game.
Pretendo on Other Games.
Not only is Pretendo focusing on main titles, but other smaller titles and features are also being developed. For example, Rankings are functioning in PIKMIN 3. As well as Minecraft for the Wii U. But Super Mario Maker seems to benefit the most with its Level UP feature along with the ability to upload and play levels on both the Wii U and 3DS online. The setback right now to this is that these levels are on Pretendo Network, you cannot access the countless courses available on Nintendo Network. However, Pretendo is addressing this problem by archiving almost every level. Once Nintendo’s servers are taken offline, Pretendo will transfer all levels, meaning every level previously made will be playable. Pretendo is also in the process of archiving Dream Suites from Animal Crossing: New Leaf. While the game is currently not supported yet, Pretendo has stated that they will bring these features soon.
In terms of Nintendo 3DS games, Triforce Heros is being revived along with its ability to remove the Region Lock on local and online play. Region Lock prevents players with copies of games from different regions from playing together in online multiplayer. Region Lock means that the game is designed to only work with consoles from the same region as the game itself. If a player in North America has a copy of Triforce Heroes and tries to play with someone in Japan who has a copy of the game, they won’t be able to connect and play together. This limitation arises from the fact that each region has its unique game version, and the game’s online matchmaking system is designed to only pair players with others in the same region. Therefore, players must ensure they have copies of the game from the same region if they want to play together in multiplayer. However, on Pretendo, players from different regions can now connect in multiplayer. Not only has Nintendo Region Locked Triforce Heros, but games such as Mario Tennis, Pokémon Sun and Moon, Bravely Default, Fire Emblem Awakening, and Mario Kart 7 have the same connectivity barriers. But games such as Mario Kart 7 and Pokémon Rumble World work flawlessly on Pretendo Network. The latest game to appear to beta testers is Luigi’s Mansion 2 which functions without any difficulties. Another game that is currently functioning is one of my favorite free-to-play games, Steel Diver: Sub Wars, with matchmaking functioning properly.
Pretendo’s Growth Since Late 2022.
Pretendo has grown exponentially since my last article back in October of 2022. Miiverse and most of its in-game features function with ease, and posts appear without any difficulties. Online play works without any problems with games that are currently supported. While some games do not support Pretendo functionality such as the Miiverse Stage in Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS, numerous mainstream games are compatible including Xenoblade Chronicles X. We now have a selection of fully functional multiplayer games along with Miiverse. If you join their Discord, you can support their development. Especially now that Nintendo Network is just weeks away from shutting down. This is the homestretch for research and archiving. In case you don’t know, Pretendo is using Packet Dumps. All reference material will be gone once Nintendo Network is officially taken offline. While this can be retrieved by reverse engineering games, having these dumps will drastically speed up the process. This also applies to SpotPass data for Wii U and 3DS titles. If you can, join Pretendo’s Discord server and review what’s new.
Not only have these tools been developed for Wii U and 3DS games, but also for a variety of software across a library of platforms. Pretendo has spent time rewriting its core libraries for stability and accuracy. Once the rewrite is entirely complete, this will allow more games to be compatible. As well as games currently beyond the reach of Pretendo. While Pretendo’s library is written for Nintendo, this rewrite will expand to more games. This will make networking revivals accessible, and allow for the opportunity for others to archive software. Additionally, Pretendo has a side project that integrates achievements in Wii U games. But that is not the main focus at the moment. If you cannot become a beta tester or perform network dumps, I ask that you spread the word on Pretendo. We are just weeks away from the shutdown, but the multiplayer functionality does not have to stop. While Nintendo’s online multiplayer infrastructure is behind, they have made some great multiplayer games.
