Remember that Mario KArt is only 8 player Wifi and not online. It’s 1-4 Player online

That is still pretty impressive!! The setup and connection sounds effortless.

The way it should be for a portable. The thought of racing someone online while at the Queen Street Mall is just mind blowing.

Man. This sucks. I wish the McDonalds thing was for Canadians too! ,________________________,

About the USB Connector: “which plugs into the USB port of a PC running Windows XP ”

XP only? I know no MAC support, but I seriously hope it supports Windows 2000.

it is for canadians too

@ Coffeeman
Are you sure? The only thing I read is about a deal for some Canadian hot-spots, but not for McDonalds.

@ Sithlord
I don’t get it either. Why no Mac? Why no other OS? This is just weird on Nitnendo’s part. Oh well, I’ll have to get a wireless Hub.

It works on all Windows systems. Just not Mac.

What the hell! No ME support?

*Embarrased* Whoops, sorry, didn’t see Ben J’s post.

So to play at airports and such, I would need a laptop with the dogle plugged in? That sucks

I’d probably buy a DS if this worked with Macs. Silly Ninty. Hopefully some third party will make an app to make it happen.

mario kart is great. i will be buying it just to play online with my ds.

animal crossing? are you serious?

i just can not wait until metroid prime hunters is out

i just read on spong an interview they hed with the head of nintendo uk, they said that nintendo have partnered with two wifi hotspot providers, BT (british telecomunications) and cloud, to provide i think it was 7500 free wifi acess points throughout the uk…also i think that they imply that in the uk, mario kart would be sold WITH the usb dongle for practically no extra charge! heres the interview link:

Link

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6910

This is for the Canadian deal, but yeah McDonald isn ‘t there

The DS will work with any wireless adapter, including those compatible with Macs. Problem solved.

@JFK90787

You only need a laptop and USB connector if your trying to use a PAY WiFi network (such as a T-Mobile Hotspot). Mostly because those services only support specific types of devices, and the Nintendo DS isn’t one of them (yet). The only way to get around this limitation is to have a laptop do all the work of getting into the pay network, and just having your DS connect to that laptop.

If you play anywhere else with an open, un-encrypted connection, then you don’t need a laptop/USB connector. Just turn on your DS and play.

Crushed, where did you get that information?

If you could provide a link it would be a great help. Thanks.

No Mac love? Well, I’m screwed.

This is stupid that you have to bring your laptop with you. Just because you can not connect to public wireless networks. I heard that the PSP had this issue, too at the beginning but fixed it with one of the firmware updates. I seriously hope that Nintendo will do the same.

That’s what I’m thinking Zell.

Hopefully Nintendo will realise that it has fans who don’t have
Windows XP. Hopefully it will connect to other Wireless Routers for
both Microsoft and Apple computers. (And any others)

So to use the DS at a free wireless hotspot, you should not need a laptop, right?

I’m sure Nintendo is quite aware that people use Macs. Unfortunately, that doesn’t matter at this point in time. Its Nintendo’s priority to get this up and running, and you do that by targeting the largrest audience. That is not the Mac community. I have no doubt that sometime in the future Nintendo will do something, but for now, its better than nothing.

There are tons of open, free, unencrypted WiFi connections in many places anyway, and that means that connecting to WiFi should almost never be a problem (emphasis on almost).

I wish the McDonalds thing was for Canadians too! I’ll probably work, since it will work here in Mexico.

I understand they want it up and running, and going after the largest audience. It doesn’t make it less sucky though, considering most of my online play would be from home.

Oh well, I hope all the kinks are worked out by the time Animal Crossing comes out. I’ll just practice my Mario Kart skills alone for a while.

Kakashi, the DS will work out-of-box with ANY Wi-Fi access point granted you don’t have to login via a browser to use it. As long as you can connect to the AP or Wi-Fi directly, you’ll be fine. See http://dsdev.bigredpimp.com/archives/31 for more Wi-Fi screens. Maybe they’ll shed some light.

Thanks a lot for those screens, you’ve restored my hope of
playing my DS Online.

I was looking for info on NOA’s web-site, but I couldn’t find an FAQ
or Q&A on the subject…

Oooookay!!!!!

All of you MAC people out there, quict complaining. You don’t need any kind of computer to play. Just pick up a cheap Wireless Access Point.

EASY!

Why are mac users complaining so much? You can pickup a Wireless Access Point (ie a router) for about the same price as the WiFi adapter and be able to use ANY wireless device from home. Of course this doesn’t help you at a coffee shop or airport.

I know I questioned the XP only comment earlier, but that was just cause it seemed like they were saying XP only, which was odd since the XP architechture is not much different from Win2k.

Kamalot - you’re a little faster than me

The USB adapter probably will work with Win2k, but Nintendo doesn’t want to be responsible for troubleshooting if you have a problem. And I don’t know how anyone could stand to run ME… just shell out and get XP Pro. Also, I read somewhere that the DS will be able to use WEP-encrypted networks, but not WPA. Does anyone know if this is the case? And how about the USA price of the USB adapter?

We weren’t complaining. It just didn’t seem like it would WORK with a Mac, that’s all. When you see the requirements include only Windows-based PCs, it’s understandable to be a bit concerned.

BigRedPimp, thanks for the link. It’s a lot clearer now.

The “Source” link is broken….

Will mcdonalds in Japan have the free wireless?

Yes people, it works on Macs.

You’ll simply need to have any wireless router installed, an Airport Base Station, or simply an Airport Card (you can set up your Mac to be an Airport Base Station).

So we do have lots of options, just not the USB thing from Nintendo.

Synaesthesia, probably not… though any other free access point should work as well as the Touch!Play!DS download kiosks and FreeSpot access points.

To all you Mac people

I don’t see how you’re screwed. Just set up a normal wi-fi network with your computer. You don’t HAVE to use the Nintendo wi-fi USB connector. It’s just an option.

Also, sorry, but I don’t understand why Mac owners constantly complain about things not working with their computers. What were you expecting going into it? Nothing works with Macs Not much good having a “no virus” system if you can’t do anything with it, IMHO.

I want Linux support…but I guess I’ll just have to buy a router. Thanks Nintendo.

You’d think Nintendo would make its dongle Mac compatible, since they seem to have they seem to share lots of business ideals and views. Doesn’t matter anyway, Mac people are not screwed. Spend $40 on a Wireless Router and you’re good to go. You’ll probably spend a bit more than you would have on the dongle but you get wireless for your computer(s) too.

A lot of Macs have wireless built in so it’s not really a problem. I’m suring making an Ad-Hoc network will work fine. Same goes for linux I reckon. Any wireless adapter will do.

I tried installing windows Me on a 1 year old pc on a cousin pc, and man it sucked very bad. I just could get it to work right after two days of working on it. I don’t think it even supports wifi, so why would anyone want it to work? if you want Linux try making your own drivers Matt, its not that hard. OSX will work but is not as popular as Windows XP so you may need to search a bit more for answer, but it works, It’s not using any exclusive Microsoft software.

Lets not forget that this is a FREE service.

And, as somebody said, the mention of XP in the release is more to do with nintendo wanting to eliminate the problem of making it difficult to connect to online gaming. So for newbs who have XP and don’t know what the hell a wireless router is can use the usb with ease, but mac users will have to set up a wireless router (which is better anyway.) No biggie.

WiFi honestly doesn’t sound that great to me.

In my opinion, I wouldn’t be against Nintendo charing money for a higher quality service.

I wouldn’t mind Nintendo charging for premium services either, but I also don’t want that to limit choices. I want the choice of either paying for a premium services, or with just a free, basic services.

But if Nintendo can offer premium quality services and support, for free, then I’m all for that too. Anyway, Nintendo pretty much offers quality services no matter what it does, so I’m sure WiFi will rock (given time).

Why are you idiots complaining? All you need to do is either go to a hotstop, one of hundreds of thousands, or get a wireless router. Mac, PC, doesn’t matter.

It is only the dongle that, I guess, isn’t supported for macs at the moment.

im worried about my ds wont work with my linksys adsl wireless router

Ahmedz, the DS uses wireless B so it should work with most any router, its just slower because of that

I mean, i guess the dongle is almost like a wireless USB adapter set on AD-HOC mode. U dont’ have to get a router, u can get a regular usb wifi adapter for ur macs and run it for point 2 point. I believe that works. try it, u can’t deny it…just buy it, but don’t cry it, aiy-it?

I have a mac and I have a DS. I also have a wireless router, people should consider getting one - they are very cheap and easy to set up.

It’s the USB Wi-Fi dongle for me…

Couldn’t you just ask someone with a laptop if ou can piggy back off their connection so you can play your DS?

Windows XP exclusivity is bull shit.

Number 2 is bull shit.

i’ve already got a wireless router, but still, no OSX support is pretty bizarre… I’ve got friends who were going to get the dongle, but we’re all Apple users.

Silly.

I’m pretty computer illiterate. Would your connection speed be faster if you used a wireless router rather than the USB dongle? I just want to know which to get.

The problem is if they want to make it SIMPLE yet the dongle does not work with a Mac. Yeah it may not be a big deal to get a wireless router, but that negates the simplicity and adds a layer of complexity.

Troopa (et. al) the speed of the dongle is more than fast enough for what the DS requires. Online gaming, such as a FPS, only transfers tiny amounts of data to play. The NDS wifi works at 11mbps, which is likely to be about 6 or 7 times faster than your cable or broadband connection anyway!

If you experience any slow-down on your NDS wi-fi connection it will be because of the latence (lag) between yourself and your opponent, NOT because of the NDS, Dongle or Router.

They’ll figure out some OSX hack someday but for now we’ll have to wait…

Sorry to double post.

More on my comment above - Troopa, if you have 1 PC in your home, or are not concerned about hooking your laptop or whatever to your network via normal cables, then buy the Dongle.

The Dongle will allow you to take it to your friends’ house, plug it in over there and play online. (You may need to take the installation CD as well the first time). The Dongle is likely to be better-priced than a router anyway.

If you buy a router for the specific and sole-purpose of playing NDS online, you’re probably doing a bit of over-kill. If you do choose to do this, strictly from a NDS perspective, you should only buy a 802.11b router.

The NDS uses 802.11b to transfer data. There is another, faster wifi called 802.11g (the difference being the letter b or g).

802.11b routers are cheap as chips these days because they have been superceded by the 802.11g routers.

Again, the 802.11b will be more than enough speed to use NDS Wi-fi without a problem. If you plan on making an entire home-wifi-network, then buy a 802.11g router.

Man i ramble.

DS online will own.

OMG. Just goto MACDonald’s.

I just wish they would fucking release it already so I can test it our and judge if I want to keep my DS or not.

this will be so cool
this will be so cool

worldwide clan competition on the DS
-on the go!!!

this will be so cool..this will be so cool!

Gracias Bender. Mario Kart is some serious business for me, but if it makes no discernable difference then I’ll go with the dongle.

the main question is, what if i use xp, cannot use a wireless router, and don’t want to pay the exorbitant price that nintendo will probably charge for the usb dongle? any other usb adapters i find online are always just receivers i would use to access an already present wireless connection with my pc. i have a direct broadband connection to my computer. due to certain rules where i am, i cannot have a wireless router hooked up to said connection or i will have my internet shut off. the dongle would work for me, but i would like to have more than one option. i need a usb dongle not made by nintendo that will broadcast my internet connection and not just receive it. anyone know for certain of a specific existing device that does that? i thought that http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=WG111NAR&cat=NET would work, but netgear’s specifications seem to say otherwise showing a wireless router transmitting the signal for this dongle to pick up. thanks if you can help.

Wow, you must either be a college student or need to switch ISPs quickly ‘cos that is the suckiest rule ever! Anyhoo, the USB adaptor is only $34.99 which is the same price as a game or about as much as you’d pay for a bargain bin wireless router. If that many obstacles are keeping you from hopping online with the DS, you’re better off going to the free hotspots or giving up entirely.

And that link is for an adaptor that recieves Wi-Fi signal, not one that broadcasts it.

I own a ds and cant wait for wi-fi.but i have windows 2000 so could smeone who knows their stuff and knows for a fact please let me know if the usb and windows 2k are compatible

A.S.A.P thanks

what about dial up?

So that means i can’t play Nintendo Wifi with a Windows Me operating system b/c the computer will not identify the connector?

If the DS WiFi service works on ANY wireless router, will it work with an apple airport? these work with macs and PC’s and I own a mac.

no linux support? oh, thanks alot nintendo

ummmm…. won’t you people ever laid.(i have many times)

well, the Nintendo USB Wi-Fi adapter is released here, for 39.99$CAN. but i wonder something…how so it’s not compatible with Windows 98SE? it’s made by Buffalo, and the Buffalo-brand USB Wi-Fi Adapter IS compatible with Win98SE/ME/2000/XP! What i would like to know is WOULD IT WORK if you use the “Nintendo” USB Wi-Fi Adapter in Windows 98SE AND you install the Buffalo-brand drivers for Windows 98SE (provided on their website i suppose)? thanks for letting me know if it works!

So, the nintedo DS will work online on a wnidows 2000 computer using a wireless adapter?

GOT IT WORKING!!!!
373722 723848

Can we connect ds wifi on windows 98 second editoion. I have 350 mhz 128 mb ram.

Do i have to buy a ds game and the i will be able to play online games.

Well you need a wifi adapter or a wireless router to play online. and also an online game

somebody please i want to make a firend.

DANNy how u got it working??
i’ve win2k….so it really works there too?

Okay… Let’s make this simple.
FOR DONGLE:
Req. OS: Win 98+, MacOS 9+ (yes, it does support Mac., no Linux/Unix support, however.)
Req. Connection: DSL or better
(and, of course, a DS and one of their WiFi games,e.g., Mario Kart, Tony Hawk Sk8land.)
WITHOUT DONGLE:
WiFi Connection @ g class speed. (see BENDER’s 11.03.05 post above)
-or-
some new McDonald’s have some new Nintendo wifi thingy, (service is free, if i’m not mistaken), if you’re like me, a cheap man barely hanging onto the fabric of society,(otherwise known as a BUM), you can do the wifi there.

also, try going to www.nintendowifi.com, they should help you out.

Two thumbs up!!! Hope Chair is very good Mistery: http://www.amctheatres.com/ , Play Table is very good Round to Increase Gnome you should be very Bad , Circle will Slot unconditionally Soldier will Slot unconditionally

Hurray! A FREE wi-fi game.. that I can’t use. It sucks big time that for some reason, Nintendo’s wifi program insists that I must turn off encryption on my router to get it to work. I’m very angry about not being able to make use of it. Make SURE your wireless router is compatible.

anyone wanna send me the drivers and apps for the wi-fi usb connector (for ds) that would be good, all i have is the connector, no drivers … kill_us_all_dubya@hotmail.com

does any1 know of a WiFi router supported by mac in the uk for under £100? plz email me if u do know a link or a name. thanx.

sorry i’ve already left a msg but not my email. plz dont botha spamming me just rply. its tintinandsnowy@hotmail.co.uk

R u positive it works for windows 2000 cause i don’t wana buy and find out that it doesn’t?

I just wish nintendo would make more wifi compatible games.I only have mario kart and will probrobly get metroid prime. cant wait to try the wifi!!!!!!!