Image Credit: Bethesda
Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
Playable characters and townies in Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Image via Nintendo

Animal Crossing: New Leaf Players Share Final Moments as 3DS Servers Shut Down

It's the end of an era for Animal Crossing fans everywhere. On to new horizons!

For months, 3DS and Wii U players have been anticipating the dreaded online server shutdown, which finally took place on April 8, 2024. In its wake, those on 3DS family systems can no longer use a local internet connection to link up with friends and other players around the world. This effectively puts an end to a slew of beloved features from many of our favorite games, but that didn’t stop Animal Crossing: New Leaf players from using their final moments online to share one last day of fun together in commemoration of their time spent playing.

Recommended Videos

With the server shutdown, Animal Crossing fans have taken to TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) to post some of their favorite moments over the course of the last decade. From popular pathing and design mods to Harvey’s arrival at the campsite, New Leaf holds tender memories across the board. Feelings of nostalgia certainly ran high as I thumbed through countless videos of players making their final trip to the train station to say their goodbyes.

New Leaf Players Share a Happy Ending

Playable characters and townies in Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Image via Nintendo

In line with Animal Crossing’s long-standing themes of friendship and community, the server shutdown wasn’t all sad. Many New Leaf fans took the opportunity to crowdfund ongoing Public Works Projects, spending long hours fishing and bug-catching to scrounge up the extra bells. Others lit leftover sparklers to join in on the countdown together, hit up Club LOL, or sat in silence as they watched the sun set over Main Street.

You can still work on new projects, visit Harvey, and spend your bells in New Leaf’s shopping district. But I think we can all agree it’s certainly bittersweet to disconnect from the game’s online servers and the friends we’ve made for good. Moving forward, Animal Crossing fans can continue to visit other towns and spend time exploring alongside friends in New Horizons.


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Olivia Rolls
Olivia Rolls
Olivia Rolls earned her degree in English from the College of Central Florida in 2021 and began her career as a freelance writer at Screen Rant the following year. She currently directs her creative efforts toward offering tips and insight on a wide variety of game titles at GameSkinny and BGFG, a passion she's held close to her heart since adventuring alongside Chikorita in Pokémon Crystal as a child. Olivia's all-time favorite franchises are Pokémon and Animal Crossing, but she's generally fond of fantasy RPGs and cozy games of all kinds. She's also a budding animanga enthusiast, her personal big three being Jujutsu Kaisen, Fruits Basket, and InuYasha.