User blog comment:TheIncog59/Nintendo's Plan.../@comment-3448772-20140601161639

First off Nintendo did shut down Nintendo WiFi Connection, there should be no argument there as it has fully shut down. Newer games still have Wi-Fi features because they use a different service called Nintendo Network.

It has been about 2 years since the release of the last Nintendo DS pokemon game, and about 3 years since the release of the Nintendo 3DS (which uses Nintendo Network). Nintendo gave us fair warning about the ending of Nintendo WiFi Connection, and it is very unlikely that Nintendo will force users to pay for Wi-Fi features as the really haven't done it before (one could argue features like Pokemon Bank, but that is not the same situation).

Nintendo WiFi Connection was doomed to end at some point. Nintendo can't really keep the service running for the few people who still use it. And many of those Wi-Fi features can still be done in local wireless play. You can still battle your friends in Pokemon Platinum, or battle them in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Nintendo Network may come to an end eventually. The Nintendo DS came out in 2004, and Nintendo WiFi Connection ended in 2014. Thus I don't see Nintendo Network ending anytime soon, with the Nintendo 3DS having been released in 2011.

Nintendo is of course trying to get people to buy newer systems, there are a business, that is literally their job. But the harsh push you are suggesting that they are making is simply not the case. Yes they are ending a service, but the service has been around for quite a long time, and I'm sure use of it has dropped quite a bit. Nintendo now has Nintendo Network which takes the place of Nintendo WiFi Connection for newer games. Unfortunately it does not work with Nintendo WiFi Connection games, but that's just how it is. Nintendo can't keep online services running forever, there comes a point where it is just not financially viable. Whether or not the service had at the time of its cancellation reached that point, I don't know, but at some-point it would've reached that point if it hadn't already.

And one correction:

"And remember, that one Online Pokemon battle, was your last." - TheIncog59

Should be:

"And remember, that one online DS / Wii Pokemon battle, was your last."