Nintendo Network

The Nintendo Network logo

The Nintendo Network is an online gameplay network for Nintendo consoles which acts similar to Sony’s PlayStation Network and Microsoft’s Xbox Live, providing online play for compatible games on the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. The first public appearance of the Nintendo Network was on January 20, 2012, when an image of the box art for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy was shown with a Nintendo Network icon. The service was officially announced on January 26, 2012, and became available later that year.

The Nintendo Network is the second online network created by Nintendo, after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (which launched during the release of Mario Kart DS). Unlike its predecessor, which focused on specific functionalities within games and a largely de-centralized environment, Nintendo Network aimed to establish a central platform where consumer services, such as user accounts and Miiverse, were connected. While Nintendo Network offers similar features to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, including online gaming and digital purchases, additional features such as downloadable content for specific games, patching, and user account control are also present.

Nintendo dropped long-term plans for Nintendo Network after establishing their partnership with DeNA, which helped them develop the single sign-on Nintendo Account system, My Nintendo, and other online services that function beyond Nintendo’s own hardware.

Mario-related games with Nintendo Network functionality

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Nintendo 3DS

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Wii U

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