Speaking at the Tokyo Game Show Satoru Iwata said that it is Nintendo's "goal that all consumers who purchase a Wi-Fi enabled game will try Wi-Fi connection at least once." He confirmed that there will be no monthly fee to play online games on your DS, with only the cost of an existing wireless connection required.
Those that already have a home wireless network will be able to use that for the DS online games, but for those who are yet to go wireless Nintendo will be releasing a USB WiFi access point that can plug into a PC with an internet connection. The USB wireless access point will launch in Europe on November 11th alongside the first WiFi enabled game Super Mario Kart DS. The Wireless adapter has a retail price of £19.99 but can already be found cheaper online.
When you want to play an online game you'll have two options: Play against a list of friends you have built up or play against opponents which closely match your performance in the game. One disappointment is the lack of voice chat, which Nintendo say is to ensure "that there can be no untoward activity." Many high street stores will be wireless ready allowing gamers to experience online WiFi games in shops all over the country, and Nintendo is hoping to set up free wireless hotspots by the end of the year.
As already mentioned, Mario Kart DS will be released in Europe on November 11th and will be the first online enabled DS title, but Tony Hawk's American Sk8Land is also due in 2005. We will, however, have to wait until 2006 before we get to play Animal Crossing Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters.
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