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Hands on With Nintendo's Wi-Fi Adapter

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."

9 of 40 comments (clear)

  1. 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!
  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. 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.
  4. 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.

  5. 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)

  6. 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]

  7. 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?
  8. 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.