Nintendo WiFi adapter [Archive]

LiquidRain

11-07-2005, 10:14 AM

Perigon, you've been consistently wrong about this topic.

The DS has 802.11b wifi built in. You can use it on virtually any 802.11b or g access point. If you do not have a hotspot near you, you can use the USB WiFi adapter to create a wireless access point for your DS. It is not limited to the USB WiFi adapter or McDonalds. Again: it will work on virtually any 802.11b/g wireless access point that does not use WPA security. That means it'll work at Starbucks, your office, your home, anywhere where there is wireless. NOT just at McDonalds and wherever you plug in the USB.

Simple as that.

PSyMastR

11-07-2005, 10:16 AM

It's also their solution to using WI-FI on the go, outside of McDonalds... I get the impression that the people Nintendo has working on their networking software are a little "special."

Really pisses me off that I have to pay $35 extra to get a feature that was advertised on the box as "built-in."
There is a wifi chip built in. You just need a router to connect, and the dongle is not required. Also, thats like saying "Oh the XBOX can go online, but It needs the internet? What? I though it was included in the box!"

InstaPete

11-07-2005, 10:25 AM

It's also their solution to using WI-FI on the go, outside of McDonalds... I get the impression that the people Nintendo has working on their networking software are a little "special."

Really pisses me off that I have to pay $35 extra to get a feature that was advertised on the box as "built-in."

Did you RTFA? In all seriousness, did you even click on the link, or did you just assume that some great evil was being perpetrated on you and start complaining?

Taco

11-07-2005, 10:50 AM

For those that are to lazy. The second paragraph of the article:

WHAT IT IS: There's no small amount of confusion surrounding the adapter and what, precisely, it does. The most basic misconception is that it plugs into your DS to give it wireless capabilities. This is incorrect, because your DS comes with wireless capabilities built in -- 802.11b-compatible capabilities, to be precise. Instead, the adapter plugs into your PC and creates a connection point that allows your DS to go online using your computer's Internet link.

Specifically, it plugs into your Windows XP-equipped PC, which means Mac-using chumps like me (among others) are out of luck. For the first time ever, I'm glad they force me to use Windows at the office.

It's basically a USB wireless bridge. Which really isn't bad for $35.

Dabombpizza

11-07-2005, 10:57 AM

Still sucks they aren't supporting WPA. Does anyone have an example of a "friend code"? Like...is it something that is easy to remember, or will I have to constantly look it up like my old ICQ #?
From what I've read the friend code is going to be unique per game. AC and Mario Kart are each going to need their own friend code, and I'm sure it's going to be ICQish. Hopefully it's one time entry, if it made you enter the code over and over that would just be sloppy design (like a rumble pack that squeaks).

jacktion

11-07-2005, 10:58 AM

This article is dumb because it says that Mac chumps are screwed, then it says that it worked on his airport extreme for the mac even though it isn't supported.
This is an awesome feature. Nintendo has gone from last in the online world to first in no time at all.

Taco

11-07-2005, 11:01 AM

Bone

11-07-2005, 11:02 AM

Perigon, you've been consistently wrong about this topic.
We don't get French Benefits?

Bone

11-07-2005, 11:30 AM

Do I have to buy the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector? (http://www.nintendowifi.com/consumerservice/showTopic.do?catId=Connecting_Home&topicId=Home_USB_Help#ConHelp_USB_buy)

No, you don't.

Bone

11-07-2005, 11:31 AM

Im sure this will sell well since most people dont have wireless at home.
Ah, more butt-numbers. Seriously, do you know "most people"?

ChaosDent

11-07-2005, 11:39 AM

I don't think the dongle will sell quite as well as many here are expecting, it is only available from Nintendo's online store and perhaps a few other online resellers. Nintendo's website is very clear that you don't need it for online play, and they seem to recommend getting an actual router over the dongle. I'd guess they are keeping it out of B&M stores to avoid that very misconception and to inform customers about their options before making them commit to one.

Taco

11-07-2005, 12:05 PM

At the very least it's them trying to build up an online network of DS's. I don't think it's for profit, at least directly.

miah

11-07-2005, 12:11 PM

You are screwed if you have a Mac and you don't have a wireless network(the airport extreme), this is not the case with a Windows machine. If you have an airport extreme the DS can connect to it without this device.

So the article is correct, unless there are third party drivers out there.

No, you're only screwed if you want to use Nintendos USB bridge on the mac. If you have a Mac that has 802.11 in it (a powerbook for instance) you can "share" your connection to create a access point as long as you have a wired(ethernet) connection to the 'net.

Heretic Machine

11-07-2005, 12:24 PM

LiquidRain, you have been consistently wrong about this topic.

Guys, maybe you don't understand: MOST WI-FI HOTSPOTS REQUIRE PROXY SETTINGS AND CONFIGURATION THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE DS! That means you can't do dick with their wi-fi unless you have a laptop and a Nintendo USB Wirless Adapter. I don't know where all of these completly unsecure hotspots are that you people keep finding, but the places I go all need at least some config (even if it is automated in IE) that the DS isn't going to support.

EDIT: Oh, and please keep in mind, the "laptop + wi-fi adapter" thing is from a Nintendo exec, not from me. This is a problem they know is real, and that they did nothing to sidestep except to offer this device.

Taco

11-07-2005, 12:25 PM

Yeah, if you set them both up as AdHoc, didn't think about that.

In any case the article's point was about the bridge, which was what I was mainly trying to say.

Bone

11-07-2005, 12:33 PM

Perigon, that's why Nintendo was pursuing partnerships with McDonald's as well as Wayport, one of the most common hotspot providers in America. Those hotspots can be configured so that they respond to a DS wi-fi request differently than a laptop.

For example, when you first turn on a laptop and detect a hotspot, you are connected. But once you request a URL , you are redirected to the hotspot config page. It's a simple matter to make requests for the Nintendo WFC go directly through.

I agree, it sucks to not be able to configure more options, but the main places I'll be playing are my house and airports, so I'm not really concerned. Would I like Nintendo to release a BIOS upgrade to allow web surfing and wi-fi configuration? Of course.

Taco

11-07-2005, 12:35 PM

There are about four advertised public hot spots from me where I work, starbucks and hotel lobbies mostly. It depends where you are.

Either way, you are still wrong, this device has nothing to do with your concern and is not intended to address it. Maybe you are just posting in the wrong topic/trolling?

CapnBob

11-07-2005, 12:36 PM

I don't know where all of these completly unsecure hotspots are that you people keep finding, but the places I go all need at least some config (even if it is automated in IE) that the DS isn't going to support.

There's a map of them on the site. It's powered by mapquest, just in case you need directions. There's also a list of supported routers, how supported they are and in some cases recommended configurations. But I'm sure you'll find something else to complain about on top of that.

31 Flavas

11-07-2005, 12:49 PM

This is a great solution for people without a wireless connection in their homes, AND for people who use WPA secutiry as the DS DOES NOT support WPA.As i've already pointed out in previous posts, at launch, NEITHER DID THE PSP. WPA, like with the PSP, will be added later. So get off your high horse.

31 Flavas

11-07-2005, 12:50 PM

Guys, maybe you don't understand: MOST WI-FI HOTSPOTS REQUIRE PROXY SETTINGS AND CONFIGURATION THAT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE DS!And are these Proxy settings and configuration available on the PSP? No? I wonder why? Perhaps its out of their hands? Just like for Nintendo?

No... Nintendo is supposed to support every propritory wifi configuration other wise it is half assed.

That means you can't do dick with their wi-fi unless you have a laptop and a Nintendo USB Wirless Adapter.As would any wifi device, PalmPilot, Blackberry, cellphone, PSP, whatever. Unless the propritory (most likly VPN) wifi software has been written for the device.

I don't know where all of these completly unsecure hotspots are that you people keep finding, but the places I go all need at least some config (even if it is automated in IE) that the DS isn't going to support.So like I said before, go yell at the IEEE or WiFi software providers to get this stuff standardized so non PC wifi devices can all connect.

Dabombpizza

11-07-2005, 01:05 PM

Some people wanted to know how the friends code worked on the DS. Well hold your breath no more...

http://forums.nintendo.com/nintendo/board/message?board.id=general_wifi&message.id=34

Magnanimous Gnome

11-07-2005, 01:11 PM

Ah, more butt-numbers. Seriously, do you know "most people"?

Um, do you honestly believe that the majority of US households have WIFI internet access? That's pretty ignorant. Broadband isn't even ubiquitous, yet you think WIFI is?

Dabombpizza

11-07-2005, 01:19 PM

Um, do you honestly believe that the majority of US households have WIFI internet access? That's pretty ignorant. Broadband isn't even ubiquitous, yet you think WIFI is?
More importantly, do those home own DSes? It's quite possible that the demographics of DS owners show a high percentage of WiFi. Also, Nintendo did this whole WiFi thing mainly for Japan, where one hotspot covers a whole heck of a lot.

dr_wily

11-07-2005, 01:25 PM

We don't get French Benefits?
dont you mean "fringe benefits"?

unless i got it wrong this whole time :P

UnderHero5

11-07-2005, 01:25 PM

Well, all I know is that my wireless router is set and waiting for Mario Kart. I can't wait.
I must say though, I like their little USB dongle. It's a cute little guy and I'd definitely pick one up if I didn't already have wireless.

Might have to buy one for the girlfriend though, if she decides she wants Mario Kart. Then I can molest the little dongle while she isn't looking. Touching it in forbidden places. Slapping it's soft white bottom. Oh god yes. I love Nintendo.

Bone

11-07-2005, 02:17 PM

dont you mean "fringe benefits"?

unless i got it wrong this whole time :P
Yes, I do. It's from a commercial where they bust a guy for getting things wrong every time. One of the things he got wrong was thinking "fringe benefits" was "French benefits". Ah, nevermind.

Magnanimous Gnome

11-07-2005, 02:25 PM

Then I can molest the little dongle while she isn't looking. Touching it in forbidden places. Slapping it's soft white bottom. Oh god yes. I love Nintendo.

Well I'm officially aroused. :cool:

Bone

11-07-2005, 02:27 PM

Um, do you honestly believe that the majority of US households have WIFI internet access? That's pretty ignorant. Broadband isn't even ubiquitous, yet you think WIFI is?
I think anyone saying "most people" is ignorant, I didn't claim any numbers myself. I just take issue with someone saying "since most people don't have wireless". For the record, no, I don't think the majority of US households have WiFi. But I do think that people with broadband and WiFi are the target audience for the DS, in other words, early adopters with disposable income. Also, being a WiFi consumer doesn't mean you necessarily have it at home- which is the reason for targetting McDonald's (where kids have been found to frequent) and Wayport (where gadget geeks link up to WiFi in airports and hotels and certain restaurants).

To actually see some numbers: http://www.websiteoptimization.com/bw/0401/
(showing broadband penetration at about 42% in January 2004). Hardly a majority, but again, neither is the DS's target audience.

Taco

11-07-2005, 02:29 PM

Bone has the best title on EA.

Thus he is correct.

Chiron

11-07-2005, 02:53 PM

Is the lack of WPA on the DS a BIOS/Firmware limitation, or a hardware one?

nonchalance

11-07-2005, 02:55 PM

I do think that people with broadband and WiFi are the target audience for the DS, in other words, early adopters with disposable income.

I disagree.
Exhibit One for my point of view: Nintendogs, the most advertised and promoted game on DS by a long shot.

Exhibit Two: the fact that wi-fi usage for DS has only become available now, well past twelve months from launch.

Exhibit Three: the pricepoints, and the relatively low cost of the Nintendo Wi-fi Bridge.

The early adopters with disposable income are the target for the PSP.
The DS is interested in everybody - gamers, non-gamers, poor people and rich people.

Bone

11-07-2005, 03:08 PM

Nonchalance: You're right, the DS does include a larger base. But their Wi-Fi audience is a different animal. This is why they did a customer survey a few months back to more precisely gauge their demographic for DS owners who might play online. This is a more important number than any of the ones we've talked about yet.

Also, more DS's are in the hands of 18-34 year olds, by the last survey result I looked at (can't be bothered to find it now). Regardless of price point, the DS is not necessarily aimed at kids- it just happens to be friendly to them. Which is why I remarked on adding McDonalds and Wayport access points to round out the demographic.

Taco: thanks, someone finally noticed :)

Chiron: due to my limited knowledge of the 802.x protocol, I can only point to the PSP and say it too released with WEP encryption only, then upgraded later. I know that TCP/IP is implemented in software, and likely the encryption is as well, so I don't think there is a good reason why WPA can't be added later.

Kagger

11-07-2005, 03:39 PM

So the adapter requires XP, so those of us using good ole 2K will have to get a Wireless Router, am I right? And it won't matter if I run 2K if the have the router configured right (assuming it meets the security requirement), right?

Taco

11-07-2005, 03:54 PM

Correct on point two, not sure on point one. It would be weird if they did not support 2k.

Chagrinful

11-07-2005, 04:08 PM

I think the only avail on their online store is fucking shitty, I'll be wanting it ASAP now a few weeks down the road when its out! Fuck, I'll want it with my MK DS bundle I hope its at wal-mart by then! Otherwise that fucks the pooch on the DS for at least a lil while.

nonchalance

11-07-2005, 04:09 PM

Nonchalance: You're right, the DS does include a larger base. But their Wi-Fi audience is a different animal.

True. I took you literally, which I perhaps shouldn't have.

But: Mario Kart and Animal Crossing are very much wide-appeal games - and the price points certainly point to a target audience much wider than the early adoption group.

I haven't had wireless at home, but will set myself up when MKDS launches here.

Heretic Machine

11-07-2005, 04:12 PM

http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/nintendo/laptop-required-for-nonmcdonalds-ds-wifi-135166.php
When visiting other pay-service Wi-Fi hotspots, such as those at coffee shops or airports, players can use a laptop computer and the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector to access Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector provides a conduit to play games via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection by enabling the Nintendo DS to share an Internet connection established by a laptop running Windows XP (regular Internet access fees may apply at pay-service hotspots).

My network? Incompatible, and my laptop's wi-fi card takes priority over a handheld.

My school's network? Incompatible.

As far as I'm concerned, they've dropped the ball. The best I can hope for is that I can buy one of these stupid little adapters, and pack my laptop around everytime I want to play with my DS. You stupid fuckers say what you want, but don't expect this to work with most standard networks AS IT SHOULD.

Taco

11-07-2005, 04:14 PM

Boo Fucking Hoo.

Christ.

31 Flavas

11-07-2005, 04:32 PM

You stupid fuckers say what you want, but don't expect this to work with most standard networks AS IT SHOULD.Fine, remain ignorant of the real problem.

Otherwise that fucks the pooch on the DS for at least a lil while.Or you could just pick up an inexpensive wifi router the day Mario Kart is released.

UnderHero5

11-07-2005, 06:08 PM

You stupid fuckers say what you want, but don't expect this to work with most standard networks AS IT SHOULD.

Whoah man... WHOAH.
You SERIOUSLY made my erection go limp.

You dissapoint me. You dissapoint my goin. You dissapoint the dongle.

Neverborne

11-07-2005, 08:57 PM

...Then I can molest the little dongle while she isn't looking. Touching it in forbidden places. Slapping it's soft white bottom. Oh god yes. I love Nintendo.

Your insanity is breathtaking. It rivals my own.

Nintendo, online play, and Mario Kart DS; it has truly been a long time since I've actually hungered for a game.

The Sleeping Giant is stirring.

Neverborne

11-07-2005, 09:01 PM

...and can anyone else not find that goddamn dongle in the nintendo online store?

Heretic Machine

11-07-2005, 09:14 PM

News for those still reading the topic: www.passwird.com has a deal up right now on a wi-fi router. $22 I believe, shipped from Amazon. Good investment if you plan on using the DS in your home.

UnderHero5

11-07-2005, 09:21 PM

News for those still reading the topic: www.passwird.com has a deal up right now on a wi-fi router. $22 I believe, shipped from Amazon. Good investment if you plan on using the DS in your home.

Yes, that is a nice deal.

BUTT !!!
Does that router have the raw, unadulterated sex appeal of Nintendo's little white dongle??

Also, can it fit snuggly betwixt the cheeks of my ass?

Can I flick and tease it with the tips of my fingers, gently stimulating it's tiny white curves, and eventually climaxing in a hot explosion of online Mario Kart fucking POWER!!??!

Nintendo's dongle should vibrate. Complete bliss would be mine... and apparently Neverborne's as well.

kwillhan

11-07-2005, 11:09 PM

I kind of skipped the uber security thing when I set up my router, and just let anyone that has the means within range use it. I'm assuming the WAP or whatever, pertains to that.

So my DS is prolly going to work just fine.

What exactly is the purpose of the security setting? The only uses I can see, are that you download lots of child porn, and don't want anyone to know, or... i can't really think of another reason.

My router sucks so much that it barely breaches the left half of my living room, let alone far enough for someone to use my connection. And then, even if it could reach far enough out onto my driveway, or way out into my back yard... I don't really give a shit. If someone want's to come sit in my driveway, and download porn, well, I don't really give a care. More power to them. Everyone needs porn.

anyhoo.

kel

blackzc

11-07-2005, 11:34 PM

Yes, that is a nice deal.

BUTT !!!
Does that router have the raw, unadulterated sex appeal of Nintendo's little white dongle??

Also, can it fit snuggly betwixt the cheeks of my ass?

Can I flick and tease it with the tips of my fingers, gently stimulating it's tiny white curves, and eventually climaxing in a hot explosion of online Mario Kart fucking POWER!!??!

Nintendo's dongle should vibrate. Complete bliss would be mine... and apparently Neverborne's as well.

LMAO!! this post made me register, i feel the same way.LOL

What about these, wouldnt these wont just as well.
http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?cgiurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Fws%2 F&fkr=1&from=R8&satitle=usb+wifi+adapter&category0=

Oh and HI everyone. :)

31 Flavas

11-08-2005, 02:21 AM

What exactly is the purpose of the security setting? The only uses I can see, are that you download lots of child porn, and don't want anyone to know, or... i can't really think of another reason.Well, the cheif reason WEP or WPA are used is to ensure that noone uses the network without your permission. MAC filtering requires that the router knows of the user before hand. Where as with WEP/WPA the router doesn't need to know about the user before hand, it just knows you know the password so it's ok to let you in.

And as you already guessed people just don't want their network activity to be public knowlege. The important stuff like Credit Card numbers and online banking is SSL encrypted, but everything else w/o WEP or WPA could and can literally be pulled from the air.

I'm with you, though, that there really isn't much about most everyones net traffic that is worth encrypting. A few email passwords, perhaps website or shell account passwords, but not thing that isn't already sent unencrypted every day over wired connections. I mean, everything that leaves the router (unless SSL is involved) is unencrypted anyway. So WEP/WPA is really more of a Tin Foil hat thing.

My router sucks so much that it barely breaches the left half of my living room, let alone far enough for someone to use my connection. Yup, but you'll get some nutjob that will, rightfully so, tell you there are easy ways to amplify and thus pick up your signal. They are right security though obscurity is not security, but your home network isn't going to be broadcasting anything that someone couldn't pick up by easier methods.

So in the end, unless you are some James Bond / CIA operative type or are just flat out doing something illegal like trafficing CP, planning Terrorisim, or hax0ring, standard issue MAC filtering or WEP security is plenty enough. WPA is just going to cause compatibilty issues with the overwhelming majority of wifi devices that don't support it.

YoungAlCapone

11-08-2005, 10:00 AM

I cannot figure out how to navigate that damn store at all, cannot find the dongle or get to see what it is exactly that makes it so sexy. I hate when online stores get the best of me.

Magnanimous Gnome

11-08-2005, 11:53 AM

Yes, that is a nice deal.

BUTT !!!
Does that router have the raw, unadulterated sex appeal of Nintendo's little white dongle??

Also, can it fit snuggly betwixt the cheeks of my ass?

Can I flick and tease it with the tips of my fingers, gently stimulating it's tiny white curves, and eventually climaxing in a hot explosion of online Mario Kart fucking POWER!!??!

Nintendo's dongle should vibrate. Complete bliss would be mine... and apparently Neverborne's as well.

Now I am even more aroused. Climax approaching!!!

You guys looking for the dongle online - have you thought of the fact that the DS online stuff isn't out yet, and therefor the dongle isn't yet available?