DS Wi-Fi Breaks 5 Million Users
via IGN,
Despite the fact that Nintendo still seems scared to plunge fully into the realm of online gaming, the company seemingly has no problem with announcing milestones for the DS Wi-Fi Connection service. Today, Nintendo announced two more milestones: More than 5 million unique users have played online using the Wi-Fi Connection, and more than 200 million gaming sessions have been held.
Nintendo has yet to fully involve itself in the rapidly changing world of online games, but that hasn't stopped the company from racking up a huge number of unique users for its handheld's service. The DS launched in November 2005, and to date there are 65 games that can be played via the Wi-Fi Connection. The top five most popular games worldwide have been: Animal Crossing: Wild World, Mario Kart DS, Metroid Prime Hunters, Pokemon Diamond, and Pokemon Pearl.
"Nintendo DS gamers globally use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection as an easy, fun place to find fellow players, all without paying anything extra for the service," asserted Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "The milestones represent millions of hours of fun and camaraderie despite miles between players."
Nintendo also brought attention to the popularity of the DS among traditionally non-gaming demographics. According to "internal Nintendo demographic tracking studies," over the last month, DS sales have increased by 42% among women, 127% among people aged 30-35, and 212% among people 35 and older.
