Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 Wii U Maintenance Finally Ending

The ongoing maintenance for the Wii U versions of Mario Kart 8 and the original Splatoon will end on August 3, 2023. This will allow players to access online multiplayer once again. Nintendo previously paused network features for the games in March 2023 in order to fix a vulnerability found in the online systems.

Before resuming online play, Wii U owners will need to download an update for each game after the maintenance ends. While Nintendo said the vulnerability is fixed, if more issues arise it may discontinue online support for both Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon on the Wii U at short notice. If that happens, offline play will remain available as usual.

While the Wii U version experienced issues, the fifth wave of DLC for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch appeared on July 12, 2023. This new content included new courses and characters like Petey Piranha and Wiggler.

Meanwhile Splatoon 3 is active on the Switch. Nintendo announced that the game’s August Splatfest would be fought over Fame, Money and Love.

Maintenance for online services in Mario Kart 8 and Splatoon is scheduled to end on August 3, 2023. Players will have to download updates for their games before resuming online play. While the Wii U eShop ended service in March, 2023, those who have physical copies or the games registered to their accounts will still be able to re-download and update them.