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Hands on With Nintendo's Wi-Fi Adapter

Posted by Zonk on from the wave-of-the-future,-mario dept.

vituperation writes "1UP took the Nintendo USB Wi-fi Adapter for a test drive and has posted a detailed photoessay on the installation process. It looks straightforward enough... provided, of course, you run WinXP. For those who prefer other operating systems, the article also mentions the ease with which the author (who doesn't use XP) was able to connect his copy of Mario Kart to an existing wireless router. Nintendo's online strategy seems questionable, making connectivity completely dependent on the options offered by individual games, but the trade-off is that it's simple enough for practically anyone to make use of."

40 comments

  1. i hope the rev acts as a hub by draccip · · Score: 1

    cuz there is no way i'm gonna shell out loot online for this.

    1. Re:i hope the rev acts as a hub by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      And if the Revolution acts as a hub how are you going to connect the Revolution to the internet without using either a wireless router or Nintendo's wireless hub?

      Inspite of the fact that I wouldn't spend the money on one of these myself (I would just spend the money on a real wireless router) I think that it is a good product for people who are unable to set up a wireless router for themselves; many people have a computer with USB and an internet connection but are completely clueless on how to set up a router.

    2. Re:i hope the rev acts as a hub by dubiousx99 · · Score: 2, Informative

      You can just use a regular wireless hub, you don't have to buy this. Its only for people that don't have a wireless access point already. From TFA: "One you're there, you can choose to set up a completely new connection to a pre-existing wireless hub or hop aboard the USB Connector. Both are painless (provided you have a supported router that isn't WPA security encrypted), but the USB Connector setting is particularly simple."

    3. Re:i hope the rev acts as a hub by MindStalker · · Score: 1

      Sounds like you still need the software that this came with even if your using your own hub, something about your PC acting as a gateway. Or am I wrong? Any place to download this?

    4. Re:i hope the rev acts as a hub by wed128 · · Score: 1

      I doubt it...he said he used it with a mac at home

    5. Re:i hope the rev acts as a hub by Norfair · · Score: 3, Interesting

      This is copied verbatim from the Darkain site, it pretty much answers your question: "UPDATE There seems to be some confusion regarging the online hotspot connectivity with the Nintendo DS. These hotspots will not allow for every multiplayer DS game to be played over the internet. It is not a special router or a form of tunneling. New games for the DS (such as Mario Kart and Animal Crossing) are being built to directly support TCP/IP communications. As mentioned above, this can be implemented on a per-game basis, and now games are starting to be released to support this feature. Games that support TCP/IP networking will work with home based conventional wireless routers and access points (802.11B/G, not 802.11A) as well as internet hotspots. Nintendo is also releasing a USB wireless adapter for users who do not currently have wireless networks setup in their houses."

  2. Re:Web Browser by chrismcdirty · · Score: 3, Informative

    Since when has it not been viable competition against the PSP?

    --
    It's like sex, except I'm having it!
  3. Re:Web Browser by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    How does Since when has it not been suitable competition against the PSP make you feel?

  4. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  5. Re:Web Browser by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    So you're saying the PSP is essentially a portable web browser and not much more?

    Good to know.

  6. For those who don't RTFA by MMaestro · · Score: 4, Informative

    The whole report is really a 'how to install' guide in order to attract attention. Since the device isn't public (yet), theres almost no real world testing (Mario Kart DS isn't even out yet). Unless you're curious about the system requirements (Mac users need not apply), theres nothing of real interest.

    1. Re:For those who don't RTFA by Darune · · Score: 3, Informative
      Just to note, http://www.nintendowifi.com/customersupport/suppor tedRouters.dothis lists the compatable routers. So if you have one of these then you dont need to worry about getting this nintendo adapter.

      Luckily for us Mac people it seems that airport works well with the service, but I have yet to try it for myself.

      --
      Oh crap, I'm on fire again.
  7. Seems reasonable by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Redundant
    From the article:

    "What if your home router is WPA security encrypted?"

    Then you're out of luck. Your DS will see the signal, but if you try to access it you'll be told that the system doesn't support that form of encryption. You'll need to switch to WEP... or buy the adapter.

    So we get the choice of disabling WEP or keeping it on for $35. At first glance it looks like the customer is getting fisted on this, but when you think that this thing will get at least 3 to 5 years of use, it seems like a very reasonable amount to pay for keeping an extra level of security. Why? Because it makes connecting to the internet with your DS (and possibly Revolution) a braindead activity - no more setting up proxies, hosts, ISPs etc (like on XBox Live).

    1. Re:Seems reasonable by gmezero · · Score: 2, Informative

      He didn't say "disable WEP". He said "disable WPA". Most people use WEP if they use anything at all as it's the most compatable, so I don't see a problem here.

    2. Re:Seems reasonable by geekboy_x · · Score: 1

      You should edit that - "most people" should become "stupid people" since only a complete and utter feeb would trust their network security to something as easily cracked as WEP.

      The PROBLEM here is that you have to downgrade your wireless security to virtually "none" to connect from home.

      --
      -- There are two kinds of motorcycles. 1: German. 2: Crap.
  8. www.nintendowifi.com by MagicM · · Score: 4, Informative
    On a similar note, Nintendo's official WiFi site, www.nintendowifi.com, became available recently. There they also include information on WPA:
    The only security setting that is compatible with the Nintendo DS is WEP (Wireless Encryption Privacy). If your router has WPA or any other setting selected, you will need to change it to WEP, or remove security, to play your Nintendo DS online using this router. You will only need to enter a WEP Key if you have WEP security on your access point.
    (source)

    1. Re:www.nintendowifi.com by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

      Don't forget, you can get the Wi-Fi doodad and keep your WPA network.

  9. Re:Web Browser by goodenoughnickname · · Score: 4, Informative

    I recently upgraded my PSP to firmware v2.0 in order to play GTA:LCS. I will now tell you the wonders of browsing the web on the PSP. First, while the screen si[OUT OF MEMORY]

  10. No description of device in slasdot article. by hackwrench · · Score: 1

    Which is particularly heinous in this case because according to the referenced article, there's no small amount of confusion surrounding it. Oh and the "Mario Kart" mentioned in the Slashdot article is actually "Mario Kart DS". Also the actual article isn't the most illuminating.

    Apparently it connects to a personal computer and comes with software for Windows, to hook the DS to the computer for some reason not presented early in the article. You register the DS with the computer for some apparently unknown reason. All of this is supposed to somehow "take games online". It sounds like maybe the DS's firmware gets updated in the process, but who knows? Did the DS have the capability to connect to WAPs before this came out? If not, you'll probably need to connect the DS to a Windows box with the device first to set it up.

    Also, the article seems to say that connections can be made to players around the world, but fails to explain further. Bad all around.

    1. Re:No description of device in slasdot article. by Spaceman+Spiff+II · · Score: 3, Informative
      The article is less than clear and you're right to complain about that, but you haven't done anything but muddy the waters with your speculation. Next time just ask your questions.


      You don't register the DS with the computer. The WiFi adaptor is nothing more than a small wireless access point for use with the DS. You register *the computer* with the DS, not the other way around, and can have three different settings or locations (with Mario Kart DS), so it's as easy as picking "home" or "work" or "airport" or something and it will have your settings all ready for you.


      The DS's firmware doesn't get updated necessarily (at least the article doesn't imply it in any way), since the whole TCP/IP implementation is taken care of by the game itself, and not the DS. This means that the DS was not able to connect to WAPs before *the games* came out (just Mario Kart and Tony Hawk at this point, but Animal Crossing and others later), not the adapter. But no, contrary to how it "probably" is, you don't need to connect the DS to a Windows box first. In fact, if you have wireless already, you don't even need the adaptor at all.


      "Taking games online" means being able to connect to other DS's not immediately near you. You could already wirelessly hook your DS to another one for some games. But starting with Mario Kart and other online enabled games you'll be able to race (for example) against a friend (or stranger, using their matchmaking service) anywhere in the world.


      I'll give you that the article and even summary were bad. However, even though you complain about the confusion you just add to it by making educated guesses and saying "probably" this or you do that. Next time, please, just ask your questions.

      --
      I understand that life's not fair, just why is it never unfair in my favor?
  11. Re:Web Browser by tomstdenis · · Score: 1

    I have a PSP and the web browser is the least attractive feature ever. It's quicker to run upstairs to my lab then to boot the PSP and enter a URL to go to....

    That and the UI ain't exactly straightforward.

    That said, GTA for the PSP is a hella fun game. I call it "portable mayhem" cuz I mostly drive around squishing people. I've only completed like 6 missions so far :-)

    Tom

    --
    Someday, I'll have a real sig.
  12. Rebranded by Intocabile · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The thing is just a rebranded Buffalo USB Wireless key. If you don't have wireless already there are probably a lot better maybe even cheaper solutions and as I understand it this doesn't give you any extra functionality like compatibility with Nintendo's proprietary wireless protocol.

    http://www.buffalotech.com/products/product-detail .php?productid=81&categoryid=7

  13. Re:What does that even mean? by Jacius · · Score: 1
    "Nintendo's online strategy seems questionable, making connectivity completely dependent on the options offered by individual games, but the trade-off is that it's simple enough for practically anyone to make use of."

    Questionable how? What does that even mean? Because the way I read that sentence, it's a completely pointless jab at Nintendo. It seems to imply that because this doesn't enable voice chat for every single game or come complete with an online matchup room or something, it's suddenly a "questionable" strategy.

    I'm not sure what the article summary is trying to get at, either, unless they are referring to this paragraph from TFA:

    And from there you're free to race against anyone you like. You can choose to go against your friends, your rivals, random local players and any ol' person anywhere on the world. Of course, the details will vary from game to game, but Nintendo has definitely delivered on its promise to make the connection process painless.


    How shocking! Could this mean that the process of playing online might be different in Animal Crossing, compared to Mario Kart? That the mechanism for matching players (for example, by skill, geographic area, etc.) might be different between games? That Future Game X might have some cool feature that Nintendo didn't anticipate? Oh, the humanity!!

    I can see how you might be disappointed. Clearly, Nintendo should have thought of every future multiplayer feature possible and put support for that in their online service, rather than allowing developers to do just about anything they want with generic TCP/IP connections. How inconsiderate of Nintendo, forcing game developers to write code for themselves! Bad Nintendo, you'll get no supper tonight!

    Now that I think about it, I guess I do know what the summary is whining about: they wanted Nintendo to make a free equivalent of Xbox Live, with all its bells and whistles, and now they're pouting because they won't get it. I guess we'll all just have to suck it up and learn to live with their free global gaming service.
  14. Canned chat... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Informative

    ... is, according to Nintendo's wifi site, the only way to communicate to people online that you don't have on your friends list. I know they have to "protect the children", but come on.

    Hopefully this is decided on a per-game basis. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see it in, say, Mario Kart, but to have it in Metroid Prime or other games that are T or higher would be a bit disappointing.

    1. Re:Canned chat... by ClamIAm · · Score: 1

      Dude, have you ever played games online? I'm glad they don't let random idiots run around spamming "FAG" all day. For a generalized theorem on this subject, check this out.

    2. Re:Canned chat... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      "I know they have to "protect the children", but come on."

      Ah yes. "But come on"....that most convincing of arguments. One of the best in the English language.

      I for one would be happier not to have to deal with pre-pubescent punks (and those adults with the mindest of same) who hide behind the shield of facelessness to make such brave declarations as "Suck hairy cock you faggot-ass nigger" when playing games with strangers.

      Besides, you did catch the part about this being limited to those not already on your friends list, right? If you want to be able to cuss out and be cussed out by strangers, add everyone to your friends list and expect others who feel the same way to do the same. If you liken immature toiletmouth to spam, consider the friends list as opt-in.

    3. Re:Canned chat... by Yoyoson · · Score: 1
      The first time I ever loaded up Splinter Cell: Pandora Tomorrow on XBox Live was also the first time I'd ever voice chatted with a complete stranger online. It was a defining moment in my 20+ years of video gaming. It went something like this:

      YOYOSON : Hey guys.
      KILLERDUDE : What the fuck? Level 1? Yoyoson, suck my cock.

  15. Muddy waters? by hackwrench · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    However the 1up article clearly said that you register the DS with the computer. If the article was correct in what it had to say my speculation would not be as muddy. The statement "Before you can go online, your DS must be registered with your PC." and "One you're there, you can choose to set up a completely new connection to a pre-existing wireless hub," in combination with a previous article that appeared on Slashdot said that all games for the DS used NiFi instead of Wi-Fi prompted my speculation about the need for a firmware update. Furthermore the article talks of "The DS's WFC Connection functionality" and not the games. How do DS's find each other across different networks? Do two DS players have to arrange a play date beforehand? Wasn't there already a Mario Kart game for the DS? Yes! Mario Kart Double Dash! If my speculation muddied the waters it couldn't have muddied it much more than it already is. At this point, there's just about nothing that could muddy the waters more than it already is! Nintendo or anyone else should never give 1up an advanced copy of anything ever again.

    1. Re: Muddy waters? by aweraw · · Score: 1

      Wasn't there already a Mario Kart game for the DS? Yes! Mario Kart Double Dash!

      Are you being a dumbass on purpose? No Mario Cart game has been released for DS yet, Double Dash was a Gamecube game.

      Get a clue!

      --
      5468652047616D65
    2. Re:Muddy waters? by Spaceman+Spiff+II · · Score: 1
      Wow, you're right. I looked at the 1UP article again and you do have to register. I'm sorry. Anyway, to answer your other questions:

      When the DS was released (and still), all it had was NiFi built in, which only allows it to network with other nearby DS's. Enterprising hackers created tunnels with their computers so two DS's far apart could play each other, but I digress. Finally, Nintendo's WiFi service was opened today to work in tandem with online games such as Mario Kart DS which will be released next Monday (I believe it's the first Mario Kart for the DS, Double Dash was for the GameCube).

      These games are revolutionary for the DS because the game carts themselves implement the TCP/IP protocol. No longer is long distance playing relegated to 1337 haxors who have set up a tunnel on their PCs and whatnot. Any game that implements this will be able to hook up to any already existing wireless 802.11b (maybe g, not sure) network, without any changes or setup. The game will have an "online" option where it scans for networks, allows you to put in your WEP key or whatever, and then store it. The Wi-Fi Adaptor essentially serves as a WAP for those DS owners who don't already have a wireless network. It does require some setup like registering the DS with it as you pointed out, but it's not necessary to use the dongle if you already have wireless.

      As for playing Mario Kart DS online there are two ways. One way is to play only with your friends. Each DS + game combination has a unique identifier code, which you can somehow use to store your friends. From the hands-on that I read about, you can see whether any of your friends are online, but not which ones in particular. And by online, I think it means playing Mario Kart, so I think it will usually be something you'd arrange beforehand. There's also a matchmaking system which lets you play random people, and works with Nintendo's new wifi site, nintendowifi.com. This sounds like Bungie's setup for Halo 2 to me, since it keeps track of how well you do and stuff.

      I hope this cleared some things up for you. Sorry about jumping on you before, I was the one who was mistaken.

      --
      I understand that life's not fair, just why is it never unfair in my favor?
  16. I don't track Nintendo too tightly by hackwrench · · Score: 1

    and with the Double, dual, two concept being in every DS game, it's an easy mistake to make.
    http://www.google.com/search?q=%22mario+kart%22+ds +double
    Glancing at the results of the above search, it isn't that unreasonable a mistake to make. Granted, actually clicking on any one of the links and scrutinizing the results should clear that up, but still...

    1. Re:I don't track Nintendo too tightly by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      No, it's not a reasonable mistake. You are an idiot. Why do people who don't even own a console and have zero interest in gaming even post to these articles?

  17. Sigh by ClamIAm · · Score: 1

    While it's great that the DS can now be used as a portable wi-fi sniffer, the article isn't decreasing my 'stupid' sensor. Reading things like "no WPA support" (not that I have a WPA router, but still), Windows XP only for the adapter, and phrases like "supported router" don't exactly reassure me.

  18. Re:What does that even mean? by SetupWeasel · · Score: 1

    You will see that Nintendo is very cautious about communication with people not on your friends list. They care about the safety of kids who will be playing the games, and they appear to have the opinion that chatting with random people will encourage predators to play.

    I think it is important that they do this, and I also think it will be a bonus for us. No more voice chatting assholes? Sign me the fuck up.

  19. Re:Web Browser by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Hello, Eliza. It's a shame nobody has modded this up as funny.

  20. Re:Web Browser by fwitness · · Score: 1

    I did the same thing. Waited for LCS to upgrade to 2.0. You can adjust the web browser so most pages look fine. Some pages however (and /. is one of them) take forever to load though. As for the memory, you can bump the cache from 512 to 2048 and that limits the out of memory errors. Although you still get them. A lot. Shame really, it's *almost* a perfect on the go browser, but the small flaws get magnified by their frequency.

    The text entry 'fix' I've found is to use the PSP Virtual Keyboard. Not a perfect solution, but it helps.

    --
    -- I have fans? Wow.
  21. I sure as hell do. by Inoshiro · · Score: 1

    WEP is trivially breakable. Sniff the air for long enough to brute the WEP package, spoof one of the recorded MACs you heard while sniffing, and you're in. WEP uses a home-rolled encryption that's weak.

    "WEP is vulnerable because of relatively short IVs and keys that remain static. The issues with WEP don't really have much to do with the RC4 encryption algorithm. With only 24 bits, WEP eventually uses the same IV for different data packets. For a large busy network, this reoccurrence of IVs can happen within an hour or so. This results in the transmission of frames having keystreams that are too similar. If a hacker collects enough frames based on the same IV, the individual can determine the shared values among them, i.e., the keystream or the shared secret key. This of course leads to the hacker decrypting any of the 802.11 frames."

    WPA does not use such a thing. The new WPAv2 uses even better AES! Check out how it works.

    Nintendo saying no to WPA basically means I will never use my DS at home since I'd have to setup another wireless basestation and a DMZ to allow it to access the net. I will not compromise my wireless network security for a toy.

    --
    --
    Internet Explorer (n): Another bug -- that is, a feature that can't be turned off -- in Windows.
    1. Re:I sure as hell do. by geekboy_x · · Score: 1

      Amen, brother.

      I am lucky enough to have a spare wireless access point hanging around, and plan to go the DMZ route. That is the ONLY way that any basic security can be maintained and still use the DS online.

      With WPA now the de facto standard, I can't fathom how Nintendo botched this so completely.

      --
      -- There are two kinds of motorcycles. 1: German. 2: Crap.
  22. Nintendo's unspoken "security" scheme by geekboy_x · · Score: 1

    There has been a sh*tstorm of complaining on the Nintendo forums about the lack of WPA security for the DS. Nintnedo's response to everyone is "buy the USB WiFi adaptor, it will only allow a DS to connect".

    Question: Does anyone have any idea how they would actually do that? What mysterious restrictions would be in place to allow only DS units to attach?

    --
    -- There are two kinds of motorcycles. 1: German. 2: Crap.