Mario Kart DS a Wireless Success [Archive]

Dabombpizza

11-21-2005, 10:47 PM

IGN has an article (http://ds.ign.com/articles/668/668709p1.html) up talking about Mario Kart's wireless success. Looks like Nintendo is seeing positive feedback from it's wireless strategy.

According to Nintendo, in one week more than 45% of the people who have purchased Mario Kart DS have taken their game online via the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service.

Comparatively, Microsoft reported last year that after three weeks on store shelves, just 18 percent of Halo 2 owners had played that game on Xbox Live.

It's nice to see the online world start to take off for the DS. I really can't wait for Animal Crossing and the slew of other online titles on their way. I'd also like to see the online numbers for some 360 titles, PD0 and the like.

Captain Awesome

11-21-2005, 11:57 PM

Its very easy to use and had no problems at all with its installation. Its funny adding people by their digital id numbers :p

trip1eX

11-22-2005, 12:26 AM

It gets the job done. The only thing bugging me so far is matchmaking seems to take forever.

Nessus

11-22-2005, 01:35 AM

That was fun. I just wandered around my neihbourhood looking for access points. Found one, sat down and played a random Regional match.

Matchmaking didn't take too long either.

That was really fun. I got my ass kicked but I had fun.

I was surprised at how easy and seamless it was. Like, no lag at all and the connection strength was even very good (1 bar).

For my purposes it was perfect. I think idiot 14 year olds calling me a "faggort" would have detracted from the experience. I think part of the reason it was so fun was I could imagine the other 2 players were civilized human beings.

And for future Friends list matches I can always use MSN or Ventrilo or something to communicate.

Savok

11-22-2005, 01:57 AM

I'd be online were Nintendo selling the adaptors in stores here. Off to ebay I go.

Lutheran

11-22-2005, 02:30 AM

Can someone please point me to a site that explains in easy detail how to go online with my DS.

Savok

11-22-2005, 02:34 AM

http://www.nintendowifi.com

Bydo_Empire

11-22-2005, 04:52 AM

I played wifi at a local McDonald's (good cross-marketing, btw, I bought a shake). Yesterday I broke down and ordered a wireless router, which I really didn't have a specific need for. :) To go online, you go to a place with compatible wifi access and select "Nintendo WFC" from the main menu. It's that simple. You've got a couple of options, like searching for friends, regional, or worldwide opponents, etc. But that's it.

LarsenNET

11-22-2005, 04:57 AM

Time to start a class action against Nintendo for Carpal tunnel ;)

EvilBob46

11-22-2005, 05:23 AM

This makes me happy. More mainstream acceptance of multiplayer gaming is good. And shows that a free service pays off.

thomw

11-22-2005, 06:04 AM

... I can always use MSN or Ventrilo or something to communicate.

We've been doing conference calls over Skype and it works pretty awesome.

DaedalusFolly

11-22-2005, 06:38 AM

Yesterday I broke down and ordered a wireless router, which I really didn't have a specific need for. :)

I can report that the Nintendo WiFI dongle works extremely well. The only problem I see with it, other than being a little high in price and not sold in stores (yet), is that they did not include a cap for the USB plug on it. Fairly safe bet that alot of people will tote those around with their DS and not having a cap on the plug is a simple problem to correct that they neglected.

31 Flavas

11-22-2005, 07:31 AM

The only problem I see with it [...] is that they did not include a cap for the USB plug on it.Or do what I've done. When you are not using the USB adapter, store it in your Mario Kart case. It fits well.

jacktion

11-22-2005, 07:33 AM

Mario Kart is going to have a higher online rate than Xbox because it is a lot easier to go to McDonald's and press a button than it is to subscribe to broadband in your house, buy a router, configure it, lay cable for xbox live, pay for an xbox live account, set up the account and go online and play.
Any kid can go online easy. If their friend is online they can just go over to his house and try it out. If a dude stops in starbucks for a mocha latte grande chupacabray they can just try it out for a second. And Nintendo is just saying that this is how many people have tried it. These people might never go online again after sampling its wares. But at least Nintendo is getting people to try out its service which makes them that much more likely to get the service in their house. A really smart move by nintendo.

Dabombpizza

11-22-2005, 08:01 AM

I can report that the Nintendo WiFI dongle works extremely well. The only problem I see with it, other than being a little high in price and not sold in stores (yet), is that they did not include a cap for the USB plug on it. Fairly safe bet that alot of people will tote those around with their DS and not having a cap on the plug is a simple problem to correct that they neglected.
I believe Nintendo said they would not sell the USB dongle in stores. Also, in their online documentation, they seem to prefer that you buy a router instead, which makes sense. You can get an 802.11b router for the same price as the dongle (I got an 802.11g for $15) and get more functionality out of it. Also Nintendo plans on selling Electroplankton only online...which makes me sad until I realize I have a computer.

Savok

11-22-2005, 08:50 AM

I believe Nintendo said they would not sell the USB dongle in stores.
Weird, but it makes me feel better about it not being available in shops here, usually it's a case of Australia getting screwed.

Makes no sense to not have it in stores, but whatever.

Harlan Hoyt

11-22-2005, 09:12 AM

Makes no sense to not have it in stores, but whatever.

I think this is part of Nintendo's overall strategy of not having anything to do with stuff outside the world of gaming. Selling routers and access bridges isn't really Nintendo's core business, and I can't see them being to comfortable with it. As long as they can get people online, fine, but if they can go to someone who is in the business of making these products (say, LinkSys) they'd be happier, you'd be happier and LinkSys would be happier. It all works out in the end.

I'm thrilled to death that apparently Mario Kart works as promised. That's refreshing. I haven't gotten it yet, but I can't wait to try it.

Karmakaze

11-22-2005, 09:14 AM

Abednigo

11-22-2005, 09:14 AM

I just connected through my own wireless network here at home and it was a breeze (once I found out where to get my DS's MAC address to add it to my wireless router). Got one game with one person. He "disconnected" during the third race when I had just passed him. :rolleyes:

But I can't wait to try it out some more.

Abednigo

11-22-2005, 09:16 AM

Ok, is it just me or has everyone online travelled back in time to already have had this game for 6 months and perfected their skills? The only time I haven't gotten last place was when someone dropped out on the last lap...

It's not just you. But then again, I've only played one person and they were 0-3 and about to go 0-4, then they magically disconnected and the race ended.

Bone

11-22-2005, 09:38 AM

31 Flavas

11-22-2005, 09:57 AM

I believe Nintendo said they would not sell the USB dongle in stores.Well, reggie himself, at a recent press confrence, said they are working on getting it in stores for the launch of Metroid Prime Hunters. A video of the event and reggie uttering the words is available on gamespot.

But, yea, you're honestly just better off getting a $20-$30 WiFi router.

31 Flavas

11-22-2005, 10:04 AM

Makes no sense to not have it in stores, but whatever.If you ask me... I'd say Nintendo is doing it this way (at least until Hunters) so that everyone understands you do not NEED the dongle except in limited situations. Just setup your own cheaper WiFi router and be done with it.

Because the first thing the Nintendo phone operator (or website) will tell you is that you DO NOT need the usb dongle to use Nintendo WFC.

CapnBob

11-22-2005, 01:37 PM

Not just you. Apparently, I have no skills in Mario Kart. Is there another button that makes you go faster? A Go Faster button? I know about the powerslides, but it doesn't seem to help me... maybe the timing is off and I just need to practice, but damn if I don't get left completely in the dust every time.

Keep in mind that I've been playing versions of this game since the early 90's, and the basic play mechanics have not really changed too much since then. It's all about the powerslides and creative weapon use.

LilAbner

11-22-2005, 02:21 PM

For my purposes it was perfect. I think idiot 14 year olds calling me a "faggort" would have detracted from the experience.

How is that possible? There's no voice or text chat.

Nessus

11-22-2005, 02:21 PM

I think one technique the more advanced players are using is "snaking" where you go right from one powerslide into another on straightaways.

There is also the dimension of them most likely choosing the fastest kart.

I know my prefered kart isn't the fastest (Dry Bones' Dry Bomber) but I really like the handling on it. Plus it's a tank.

Pantsmonkey

11-22-2005, 05:31 PM

I ordered my Donle last week Australia time from Ninty Aus. It arrived the following monday.

Mario Kart DS made me purchase a DS and Dongle and allready ive played it more than Xboxlive which I never actually got around to setting up.

Matchmaking service is good and I dont want to communicate with the other opponants. When I win I am happy when I lose I am cursing there sniping evil!

The no coms thing is cool I just wish you could easily setup some kind of 4 - 16 people rotating tourney.

Is it just me that gives serious consideration to flinging there wireless DS at the wall when you lose in extremly frustrating conditions.

Well done Nintendo are all my wifi feers are welayed. the USB dongle has a range of about 8 - 10 Meters through walls doors etc. It covers my house and whereever else ive been work etc I pickup wireless constantly =)

Nice

Savok

11-22-2005, 06:41 PM

If you ask me... I'd say Nintendo is doing it this way (at least until Hunters) so that everyone understands you do not NEED the dongle except in limited situations. Just setup your own cheaper WiFi router and be done with it.

Because the first thing the Nintendo phone operator (or website) will tell you is that you DO NOT need the usb dongle to use Nintendo WFC.
I really don't trust wireless. Ah well, off to Nintendo's site.

Bone

11-23-2005, 12:04 AM

Keep in mind that I've been playing versions of this game since the early 90's ...
I have too :(
Although I played very little Double Dash, I played the hell out of SNES and N64 Karts. We mostly played Battle mode, so I guess it was a totally different skillset than the racing.