Mario Kart DS - Wi-Fi FAQ

When Mario Kart DS launches on November 25, it will be a landmark moment in the history of the hit series, as it’s the first Mario Kart to be playable online.

It’s all thanks to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection - the new service launching in November that lets you race, battle and compete with players across the world.

To explain what Wi-Fi Connection is and what it means for the future of Nintendo gaming, we’ve put together the following Frequently Asked Questions…

What is Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection?

The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows you to play games over the internet, either at home or at an internet hotspot, using a Nintendo DS and a Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection compatible Nintendo DS game.

What do I need to access it?

To play Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection compatible games on your Nintendo DS at home over the internet, you must have a wireless access point, like a wireless router, and an active broadband internet connection.

If you do not have a wireless access point, you can purchase a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector (available November 25 for around £30) which plugs into a PC and automatically sets up a connection for you.

You can also play at special Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Access Points in stores and also at Wi-Fi hotspots around the country.

What are these ‘hotspots’?

A hotspot is generally a public location that offers wireless connection to the internet. Nintendo has partners throughout Europe to provide free Wi-Fi access in many of their hotspot locations; also Nintendo will offer free hotspots in many retail locations. More details about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Access Points and hotspots will be revealed soon.

Does it cost anything?

Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is free. You only pay your normal internet connection charges. (In the future, it’s possible that games publishers other than Nintendo could charge to play their games online via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.)

Who can I play with?

In Mario Kart DS, you can take part in online races with up to three other people, in four different modes: Friends, Rivals, Continental and Worldwide.

Friends lets you race against people you know, Rivals pits you against people with similar skills, Continental lets you choose players from your region (in this case Europe) and Worldwide lets you race against any Mario Kart DS owners in the world.

How do the Friends and Rivals modes work?

Nintendo’s unique new Friend Roster enables players to play online with their friends. All you need to do is set up a Friend Code by swapping a number with your friend, they will then be added to your Friend Roster and you can select to play with them online anytime, anywhere. Alternatively you can play with someone of a similar skill level. This is done seamlessly via Nintendo’s servers through the use of a skill mapping system to ensure the environment is open to users of all ages and skill levels.

What games can I play online?

The following games have been announced as featuring online play with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection:

Tony Hawk’s American Sk8land (Activision) - November 18

Mario Kart DS (Nintendo) - November 25

Animal Crossing DS (Nintendo) - Release date to be confirmed

Metroid Prime Hunters (Nintendo) - Release date to be confirmed

Where can I find out more?

More details about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, including the location of Wi-Fi hotspots, will be announced soon.