Does it cost anything to play online with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?
No, there are no monthly subscription fees from Nintendo.
How do I know if a game is Wi-Fi compatible?
The packaging for games with this feature will display the Wi-Fi logo:
For a complete list of Wi-Fi compatible games, please click here.
How can I find out about upcoming Wi-Fi games?
Visit www.nintendowifi.com often to get news on upcoming Wi-Fi compatible games.
What do I need to set up a wireless connection with the DS?
There are two ways to connect with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection with your Nintendo DS: Through a home, wireless network or, through a Hotspot location. What you need depends on where you want to connect.
At home:
In order to establish a Wi-Fi connection with your Nintendo DS at home, you need:
A broadband internet connection (such as DSL or Cable).
A wireless router attached to your broadband connection. The majority of major brand wireless routers are compatible with the Nintendo DS wireless feature. For a list of routers please click here. If you do not wish to purchase a wireless router, you may be interested in the Nintendo USB Wi-Fi Connector, which allows you to create an access point using a USB port on your computer. For more information on this accessory, click here.
A Wi-Fi compatible Nintendo DS game. The packaging for games with this feature will display the Wi-Fi logo.
For a complete list of Wi-Fi compatible games, please click here.
At a Hotspot
A Hotspot is generally a public location that offers wireless connection to the internet. Nintendo has Partnered with Wayport in the U.S., and with FatPort in Canada, to provide free Wi-Fi access in many of their Hotspot locations.
When playing at a Hotspot, the only thing you need is your Nintendo DS and a Wi-Fi compatible game.
For information on setting up a connectoin at a Hotspot (including how to locate Partner and non-Partner Hotspots) in your area, click here.
How do I know if my router is compatible with the Nintendo WFC?
Click here and look for your router.
Do I have to buy the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector?
Absolutely not! If you already have a wireless router in your home, you will be able to use your Nintendo DS to connect online and play games. If you do not have a wireless router, you can buy one at your local retailer. Check out our router info page for more information.
If you do not wish to setup a wireless network in your home, you can also connect to the Nintendo WFC at many Hotspots. For more information on setting up a connection at a Hotspot, click here.
Can I tie my Nintendo WFC ID to my My Nintendo profile?
Yes. Link here for details.
Where do I find my Nintendo WFC ID?
Locate the Nintendo WFC Settings screen on the game you are playing (consult the manual for the game you are playing for more information).
Tap "Options."
Tap "System Information."
Your Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ID will be the second item displayed.
Where do I input the auto-generated nickname?
Turn the power off and remove all games from the Nintendo DS.
Turn the system on by pressing the POWER button.
Tap the screen using the stylus when the "Touch the Touch Screen to continue" message appears.
When the main menu appears, tap the stylus on the Settings Menu Panel at the very bottom middle part of the screen.
Tap the user icon.
Tap the nickname icon.
A keyboard will appear. Erase all the letters of the current nickname using the "Erase" or "Back" button. Tap the letters to spell the nickname that was generated when you visited Nintendowifi.com Tap "CANCEL" if you wish to undo the changes or "CONFIRM" if you wish to enter the nickname.
Wait for the the confirmation message to disappear, then tap "Go Back," then "Quit," then "Yes" to exit. The unit will shut down automatically to save the settings.
To complete the process, either at home or at a Hotspot, connect to the Nintendo WFC. You don’t need to complete a match, just be sure to connect.
I tried to link my ID to my profile and it didn’t work.
Complete the process within the alloted time.
Make sure that you enter your Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection ID at Nintendowifi.com and then enter the nickname you received into your Nintendo DS
Be sure to complete the process by connecting online once with any wi-fi compatible game.
What is the difference between U.S. Partner Hotspot and non-Partner Hotspot locations?
A Hotspot is generally a public location that offers wireless connection to the internet. A partner Hotspot is a location that has been specifically set up to work with the Nintendo WFC. In the U.S., Nintendo has partnered with Wayport to provide free Wi-Fi access in many of their Hotspot locations.
To locate all partner Hotspots in your area, click here.
It is also possible to connect to the Nintendo WFC at a non-partner Hotspot location. While a non-partner Hotspot is a Hotspot that has not been specifically setup to work with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, many non-partner Hotspots are able to connect to the Nintendo WFC. Those Hotspot locations that require a browser interface for a user to accept a "terms of use" agreement, or to create an account, or that have incompatible security settings are not compatible with the Nintendo WFC.
What is the difference between Canadian Partner Hotspot and non-Partner Hotspot locations?
A Hotspot is generally a public location that offers wireless connection to the internet. A partner Hotspot is a location that has been specifically set up to work with the Nintendo WFC.
Nintendo is currently working to set up partner Hotspots across Canada. Please check back for more information.
It is also possible to connect to the Nintendo WFC at a non-partner Hotspot location. While a non-partner Hotspot is a Hotspot that has not been specifically setup to work with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, many non-partner Hotspots are able to connect to the Nintendo WFC. Those Hotspot locations that require a browser interface for a user to accept a "terms of use" agreement, or to create an account, or that have incompatible security settings are not compatible with the Nintendo WFC.
How do I find a Hotspot near me?
Click here to use our Hotspot locator tool and search your area for all known wireless Hotspots. You can even choose to view only those Hotspots that Nintnedo has partnered with, or view all known Hotspots.
What do I need to do to play at a Hotspot?
Click here to view our step-by-step setup instructions for setting up at a Hotspot.
What is a Friend Code and why do I need one?
Nintendo WFC allows you to play some games with people you’ve never met before, from anywhere around the world. Sometimes, though, you may find you just want to play with a friend. By exchanging the Friend Code generated by your game with your friends, you have the option of focusing your game play experience to playing only with your friends. For information on how to add a friend to your game’s Friends Roster, click here.
Why do I have to enter a Friend Code for every game?
A unique Friend Code is generated for each Nintendo DS Wi-Fi compatible game. This is done so that when you are looking to play online with friends, the Friend Code can look for those friends that are online and playing the same game as you are.
Do I have to have a Friend Code to play online?
No, the Nintendo WFC is designed to allow you to play some games with people you’ve never met before, from anywhere around the world. Exchanging Friend Codes with others gives you the additional option of playing only with those players you have designated as friends.
Does the Nintendo WCF affect the security of my wireless network?
The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection requires that you have WEP security on your router, or no security. However, please note that the Nintendo WFC does not affect these settings. The security setting can only be changed by you on your router.
I don’t want to change the security settings on my router. Do I have any other options?
If you don’t want to setup a wireless router at home, you can still connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection through a local Hotspot. To find out more about getting connected at a Hotspot, including finding Nintendo’s partner Hotspot locations, click here.
If you still want to play at home, but don’t want to setup a wireless router, you can purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. This add-on device connects to the USB port on your PC to create a wireless access point. For more information, click here.
Can I see my high scores and other information posted anywhere?
Each game maintains its own stat tracking. Check out the Gaming Hub to see what online features will be displayed for each game.
How do I upload high scores and other information?
Each game has its own method of receiving game statistics. Check out the Gaming Hub for details on each game.
Can I chat online?
Not all games will contain a chat feature. Each individual game developer determines if chat will be in the game and how it will operate.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection games that contain a chat feature will work as follows: "Open" chat is allowed between friends who have exchanged Friend Codes. "Closed" chat is available during "Stranger or "Rival play. "Closed" chat means you can select from a set of phrases to send to an opponent but you may not type whatever you want.
One of the great features of the Nintendo DS is Pictochat, which allows players to chat using the local wireless mode of the system. At this time, Pictochat is not a feature of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Keep checking Nintendowifi.com for news of any future uses of the Pictochat feature.
Can I choose who I play with/against by location?
Each online game offers its own online options. For instance, Mario Kart: DS lets you choose whether you wish to race against only players on your Friends Roster, players within your region, or players from anywhere in the world. Complete directions are available in the manual for the particular game you are playing.
For additional information, click here to visit our Game Support page.
Will performance of the game be any different online versus offline play?
Normally, you should see very little or no difference between playing with a friend in the same room or when you are playing a game against an opponent across the world. The amount of data exchanged in the process of playing a game is very small. However, if you are using a shared access point - such as a home network where other computers and printers may be active - you may see a small amount of lag time while playing. This may also be true if your Internet Service Provider handles a lot of traffic. If you are experiencing performance problems that interfere with your game play, please disconnect from Nintendo WFC, and try to connect again. You may also want to play using a Nintendo DS AC Adapter while online, because online play represents a higher drain on your battery.
Are there any plans for a national/international tournament online?
Visit www.nintendowifi.com often to get news of any plans for tournaments, contests, and other online activities.
How do I play with other people online?
The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows you to connect with other players from around the world for online gaming fun. You have two ways you can connect. One way is to connect with other players with whom you have exchanged Friend Codes and placed on your Friends Rosters. For more information on using Friend Codes to match up online, click here.
In certain games you can also get connected by being "auto-matched." Auto-match goes out and randomly sets you up with any other player who is online and looking to play. This broadens the number of opponents you can be matched against to thousands and thousands of other players around the world. The way auto-match is set up and used is unique for each game. Refer to the manual for the game you’re playing for details.
I don’t own a wireless router, help me find one!
Nintendo has evaluated several name-brand wireless routers to determine which ones work best with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Click here to view the results of our tests and find out which wireless routers might be right for you.
I don’t want to set up a wireless router, can I still play online?
If you don’t want to setup a wireless router at home, you can still connect to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection through a local Hotspot. To find out more about getting connected at a Hotspot, including finding Nintendo’s partner Hotspot locations, click here.
If you still want to play at home, but don’t want to setup a wireless router, you can purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. This add-on device connects to the USB port on your PC to create a wireless access point.
