--Nintendo WiFi Connection FAQ & Info--

[DappaDizzle]

Welcome, fellow Nintendo DS gamers! This thread was designed over a year ago, and is currently in version 4.

Basically, this was set up to be a spot for Nintendo DS Gamers to come to find out about the Nintengdo WiFi Connection.

Please read the first page before asking any questions (to cut down on duplicate questions)
Also, please note that I am not alwayson GameSpot myself, so any others are free to answer questions, as long as they know what they're talking about.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE PM ME!

I. The Multiplayer/Nintendo WiFi Connection
II. WiFi/Hotspots
III. Routers/The Nintendo WiFi USB Adapter
IV. Encrypted Networks and Your DS
V. "Nintendo WiFi Unveiled" Interview
VI. Typical Wireless Network Diagram
VII. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] Features
VIII. Nintendo WiFi Connection-compatible Games
IX. FAQ
X. Links
XI. Credits
XII. Thread

Back at E3 2004, Reggie FIls-Aime promised online gameplay possibilities with the Nintendo DS at its unveiling. However, there was much doubt that Nintendo's plans would continue, because of their total disregard for Nintendo GameCube's online capabilities.

At the 2005 Game Developer's Conference, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata confirmed that the "Nintendo WiFi Connection" is well under way in development.

After less than a year after the system's release, the Nintendo WiFi Connection launched in the United Stateson November 14, 2005.

There is much confusion surrounding the game's multiplayer modes. Popular magazines list the local wireless multiplayer mode as "WiFi", when it's really not. That is just local wireless play.

The other multiplayer mode, as you know, is truly WiFi; The Nintendo WiFi Connection. The only thing you need to connect is a DS, a Nintendo WiFi Connection-compatible game, and a wireless router or USB adapter with a brodbad internet connection.

WiFi, or Wireless Fidelidy, is basically wireless internet.

Anywhere where there is a wireless router offering a connection, there is a hotspot. "Hotspot" is just a term used to say "WiFi is offered in this area". Therefore, you must be in a hotspot to play on the Nintendo WiFi Connection.

Wireless routers take an internet connection and split it up into radio waves that your DS can communicate with internet servers with. (This also works with PCs with wireless network cards). The USB adapter does the same, but only works with the Nintendo DS (and possibly Revolution). Buy the USB Adapter here!!

Routers vs. USB Adapter

Using Routers
Pros:
- Can be used with computers
- Can have more DSes connected than the USB adapter
Cons:
- Ranges from $37 to well into the hundreds.
- You need to program your DS to communicate with it
- Possibly big, bulky

Using the USB Adapter ($34.99)
Pros:
- Possibly cheaper than router
- No setup to play online (turn on the DS and play)
- Small, can take it anywhere easily
Cons:
- Can only be used with Windows XP.
- Only 5 DSes can connect at one time.
- Can't be used to connect computers to a network
- Can only be bought online at Nintendo's Store (as of now, Reggie says they have plans to retail it in stores)

Which one do I recommend? Well, that's up to you, and how each one fits your situation!

Here are the routers tested by Nintendo that are guaranteed to work by Nintendo if it's "compatible": (credit: AnimeArtist For formatting it)

Name Number Rating Comments

* 3com 3CRWE554G72TU ***** Recommended
* Apple Airport Express ***** Recommended
* Belkin F5D6231-4 ***** Recommended
* Belkin F5D7230-4 ***** Recommended
* Belkin F5D8230-4 ***** Recommended
* Belkin F5D7231-4 Unstable
* D-Link DI-784 ***** Recommended
* D-Link DI-624 ***** Recommended
* D-Link DI-514 Not Compatible with Nintendo WFC
* D-Link DI-524 ***** Recommended
* D-Link DGL-4300 ***** Recommended
* Hawking HWR54G ***** Unstable
* Linksys WRT54G ***** Recommended
* Linksys WRT54GC ** Unstable when set to 12:encryption
* Linksys WRT54GX ** Works only when Basic Rate is set to 1-2mbps
* Linksys BEFW11S4 ***** Recommended
* Netgear WPN824 * U nstable with 128 WEP encryption
* Netgear WGR614v5 Unstable
* Netgear MR814v3 * Works only when DS set to static IP
* Netgear WGT624 Unstable
* SMC SMC2304WBR-AG ***** Recommended
* SMC SMC2804WBR ***** Recommended
* SMC SMC7004VWBR ***** Recommended
* US Robotics USR5462 **** Recommended
* Zyxel P-334W **** Recommended

PLEASE NOTE: Sometimes routers change versions without any notification, and therefore may or may not become compatible with the WFC. Be sure to check out nintendowifi.com's list of supported routers frequently for the most detailed information. This information was relayed to me by a Customer Service Rep at NOA HQ in Redmond, WA during a call.

The DS supports only WEP Encryption. Therefore, you will need to enter your WEP key into the DS.


To find your WEP key, (in most routers), you need to type the router's IP address into a browser and there you can modify and find its settings, including the WEP key.

Sorry for any inconvenience, but this interview is so large that it is a nuiscance to have in this thread because of the character limits.

[iTrunks]

This is awesome Dappa! I especially like the color, it really makes you want to read it, and it is useful. I can't wait until I get Mario Kart to use Wifi.

[zachsam139]

i never knew the DS had WiFi in it

[DappaDizzle]

wtf were have u been

[brfitzp]

now i know why i loose my wirelees connection like 5 times everyday and cant download anything over 10 MB without getting disconnected....i have a netgear


and i cant play mariokart online....my router wont show up on the screen.
the only signal i get is my neibors which is WEP so im screwed..unless i spend 42 $ to order the nintendo wifi dongle

[memturbo]

You said the ds only supports WEP Encryption .
Not true I have a belkin F5D6230-3 works perfectly and no Encryption enabled.

[Gedonder]

friend of my asked about this so i sended hem this faQ
when he saw it he was happy ! dunnow is it worked for him

[Gedonder]

sorry forgot to thank ya m8!!

thnx for helping out a mate of my mate

[MageKillenz]

What Bout' "Pictochat" what is that?
:confused:

[aafevo]

i've tried the Wi-Fi settings, i scanned for a access point, i found mine, entered the WEP Key, but it still doesn't work, i want to play online with Mario-Kart!