As promised at several previous announcements, including last May?s E3, Nintendo is poised to launch its wireless online gaming service for the Nintendo DS on November 14, 2005. At the time of the press release, Nintendo DS games slated to support this feature include [i]Mario Kart DS[/i] (to be released simultaneously with the online service), [i]Tony Hawk?s American Sk8land[/i] (also slated to release simultaneously), [i]Animal Crossing: Wild World[/i] (Dec. 5), and [i]Metroid Prime: Hunters[/i] (first quarter 2006).

Those who have access to a Wi-Fi network at home can access the new online service directly from home, as the DS will connect directly to it with ?minimal setup procedures.? Those who do not have Wi-Fi at home, but have high-speed internet connections, can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector (sold separately, of course), to connect the DS to one?s computer via USB, and access the Wi-Fi Connection network that way. For outside of the home (face it, what good is a portable if you don?t play it outside the house), Nintendo plans to install thousands of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots nationwide. Details about these Nintendo-exclusive Wi-Fi hotspots, and other means of connection outside of the house, have not been released but should be announced soon.

Most importantly, the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service will be offered free of charge. Connectivity to this service will also be standard with the upcoming Nintendo Revolution console. More information about Nintendo?s upcoming Wi-Fi Connection service, and the Nintendo DS in general, can be found at http://www.nintendods.com/.