Now, I know what you're thinking - it isn't gone yet. You can still use the official Nintendo servers to access Badge Arcade.
However, time is ticking. eShop will shut down permanently in 2023, and with microtransactions down, people won't be able to buy badge arcade plays. From there, it is just a matter of time until Nintendo decides to pull the plug and finally end it all. The text files for the shutdown message are already present in the game, they can just enable those.
There is a replacement server for Miiverse, and replacement eShops are in the works (supposedly? I've seen screenshots of these). If Nintendo decides to shutdown Nintendo Network, Pretendo is also planning replacement services for the 3DS (MK7 & others)...
But still no news regarding Badge Arcade.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "just use one of these badge generators". That's NOT the point. I don't really play badge arcade for the badges themselves, I love playing the crane game and seeing my collection grow, and I'm pretty sure that others do too.
You don't just download a game and instantly save-edit yourself to the end of the game, that's not the point, the point is ACHIEVING the end status.
However, time is ticking. eShop will shut down permanently in 2023, and with microtransactions down, people won't be able to buy badge arcade plays. From there, it is just a matter of time until Nintendo decides to pull the plug and finally end it all. The text files for the shutdown message are already present in the game, they can just enable those.
There is a replacement server for Miiverse, and replacement eShops are in the works (supposedly? I've seen screenshots of these). If Nintendo decides to shutdown Nintendo Network, Pretendo is also planning replacement services for the 3DS (MK7 & others)...
But still no news regarding Badge Arcade.
Now, I know what you're thinking - "just use one of these badge generators". That's NOT the point. I don't really play badge arcade for the badges themselves, I love playing the crane game and seeing my collection grow, and I'm pretty sure that others do too.
You don't just download a game and instantly save-edit yourself to the end of the game, that's not the point, the point is ACHIEVING the end status.