By Lynn Little

RF Micro Devices announced today that the company has begun production shipments of its 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN)transceiver for use in the new Nintendo DS handheld system.

By enabling wireless connectivity in the Nintendo DS, RFMD’s WLAN transceiver provides a wireless link to other Nintendo DS units within range. Additionally, with its chat software and wireless capabilities, Nintendo DS gamers are able to transmit text messages, handwriting and even drawings to one another.

“RFMD’s energy-efficient wireless device enables Nintendo to include wireless technology in the Nintendo DS handheld at a low cost,” said General Manager of research and engineering at Nintendo. Satoru Okada “The embedded wireless functionality will enable developers to create rich game designs which were not considered possible in the past, further expanding the fascinating world of Nintendo DS.”

Kris Rausch, product line director of wireless LAN products at RF Micro Devices, shared Okada’s thoughts.

“We are extremely excited to be working with Nintendo, the world’s leading name in the gaming industry,” said Rausch. “Additionally, we are pleased to build upon the success of our WLAN transceiver products, which offer distinct advantages in bill of materials (BOM) cost, size, performance and power consumption.”

“These competitive advantages are driving incremental customer traction as an increasing number of electronic devices are being designed to capitalize on consumer demand for wireless connectivity.”