Nintendo Wi Fi Connection
From LoveToKnow VideoGames
After years of waiting, Nintendo gamers can play their games online with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Nintendo has finally entered the online gaming world and promises to deliver a portable, wireless, easy-to-use connection to an online community of gamers. Just shy of one year after its initial launch, the Nintendo DS goes online and prepares to initiate Nintendo's online efforts that will continue into their next generation of console gaming, the Nintendo Revolution.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
The Nintendo DS has a built-in wireless Wi-Fi feature that ranges 100 feet. Anyone with a DS in this range can connect to multiplayer games such as Super Mario 64 DS and Bomberman DS. Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service will extend this effortless gaming experience to include gamers around the globe. It's simple, remarkably easy to use and best of all, completely free.
Already have a Wi-Fi network at home? The DS will connect to Nintendo's network with minimal setup. If you don't have a wireless connection you can use Nintendo's Wi-Fi USB Connector that will create an access point to the gaming network. In addition, Nintendo is forging partnerships with business to offer comfortable gaming while out and about. Over 6,000 McDonalds locations in the U.S. alone will offer Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Networking with the World
Nintendo promises their service to be as easy as if the players were sitting in the same room. As part of the package, gamers can choose to play with their friends around the world, enter matches with similarly-skilled opponents, or send an open challenge to any who answer. This promises safe gaming for the younger crowd and builds a strong sense of community.
The Games
What's a free wireless network without games? There are already three online-enabled games with a host of new ones in the works!
Mario Kart DS
Joining the launch of the wireless network is Mario Kart DS, a hotly anticipated game that features four-player Wi-Fi races and battles. Connect with friends for friendly matches or take on the world with one of the best multiplayer games ever. Nintendo will also be releasing a special bundle (pictured below) featuring a Hot Rod Red DS, Mario Kart DS game and a checkered wrist strap.
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: Wild World is a sequel to the hugely popular GameCube version. Animal Crossing allows users to customize and live a virtual life in their very own village. Now, with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, invite others over for a cup of virtual tea or visit villages from around the world. Just open your town's gate and let the friends wander in.
Tony Hawk's American Sk8land
Compete head-to-head on Nintendo's network in this popular skateboarding game. Players can create custom skateboard art and graffiti tags and share high scores with anyone on the network.
Metroid Prime Hunters
Metroid Prime Hunters features the tried-and-true Metroid Prime formula for single player gaming. However, with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, multiplayer matches are possible with one of four bounty hunters in a sci-fi battle to the finish. Check out the complete Metroid Prime: Hunters Review and Metroid Prime: Hunters Cheat Codes for in-depth info.
Tetris DS
Tetris DS, released in March of 2006, brings the classic puzzle formula and a whole lot more to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Play online against challengers from around the world with an easy-to-use interface.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection FAQ
Spurred by common questions by Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection users, the company released a short FAQ outlining some of the simpler points of using the online service.
- How can I tell if my friends are online?
When you log on to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection the game you are playing will let you know if anyone on your Friend Code list is online. This varies for each game you play.
- How many people have used Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection since its launch?
More than 550,000 gamers logged on in the first seven weeks! Since then, over 10 million wireless game connections have been made.
- What time of day is the busiest?
Generally, the heaviest online traffic happens between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. PST.
- Are there any more Wi-Fi-compatible games on the horizon?
You know it! Tetris DS and Metroid Prime Hunters launch on March 20 and many more games with Wi-Fi compatibility are in the works.
- How do I find a hotspot near me?
Visit nintendowifi.com for the hotspot locator. Browse by country or city to find the nearest compatible hotspot.
- I don’t have wireless Internet, but I have a broadband connection. How can I get on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?
If you use Windows XP you can purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. It plugs into your USB port and sends wireless signals to your DS. The dongle supports up to 5 DS connections simultaneously.
- Does WFC work with all routers? How do I know if mine is compatible?
Visit nintendowifi.com for a list of compatible routers.
Links
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - Interface slideshow.
NintendoWiFi.com - Official page.
Learn More
Comments
It's free if you already have a wireless network setup or are within a wireless network range like your local library or coffee shop. If you don't have a wireless network at home, you'll need the adapter to attach to you PC. Yes, that piece isn't free, but this article assumes you either already have wireless or would like to use wireless elsewhere.
-- Contributed by: GregorythompsonI don't get it. You say its so easy when I have no idea what you are talking about. I re-read the entire page several times and I still don't understand. You said it was free but its not! You have to buy the USB connector, that's not free is it? These are THE WORST directions ever.
-- Contributed by: Marie
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