Create a WiFi signal only for the DS or Wii (Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector)

Member Name: randomreviews

Product:	Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector
Date:	12/09/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: allows you to play online in ds/wii games

Disadvantages: somewhat slow, expensive

If you've got a broadband internet connection and that doesn't have WiFi capabilities then the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is a must-have for you. Its a small, easy to install device which creates a signal that only a Nintendo Wii or DS can connect to for online play in various games like Pokémon Battle Revolution or Mario Kart. Online play allows you to play with or against players all over the world, and in games like Pokémon Platinum, you can even have a free voice chat session with them too.

Before we go further, it only works if your operating system is Windows XP or Vista (version 1.06 and up) - so this is strictly for PC users. Ok, so is it difficult to set up? It comes with an installation CD which isn't brain surgery. Put it into your PC and in a minute or two everything should be ready. You plug the device right into your USB drive and you should be ready to go. On your DS or Wii, in the WiFi connection settings simply select the USB option and then go to your PC and your DS/Wii name will appear in the Nintendo program and you simply check it off to have WiFi access.

Is it guaranteed to work? There's a lot of troubleshooting help on the official Nintendo website - so you should really consider going there if you run into problems. Perhaps your router or firewall settings could be disrupting the connection. Its also worth noting the official Nintendo website provides links to updated versions of the installation program which addresses some issues that may disrupt service, so if you run into problems, you may want to try downloading that.

How well does it work? Overall the connection seems alright, but you need to avoid stressing your internet signal so its best that no one is using a computer or laptop otherwise you'll experience a lot of lag or even get disconnected. It seems best if you play against people in neighboring states or closer to your area. You'd probably experience heavy lag if you're trying to use it in the UK to play against someone from the US for instance.

It gets hot pretty quickly, like within 30-40 minutes. It never burned out on me or stopped working but I noticed it was pretty hot to the touch so you should probably only plug it in whenever you plan to play online on the DS or Wii.

You can buy it online for £29.99 or less. Its been discontinued here in the US. Seems pretty expensive to me so if you do intend to purchase, make sure your internet service definitely does not offer WiFi access - because most do so why waste money when you can do it for free? The alternate way is to go to hotspots in your area for free Wi-Fi access but if you'd rather stay home for convenience, this'll do.

[this was also added to ciao.co.uk on 9/17/09 under my username there, randomreviews2)

Summary: The WiFi USB is decent but far too expensive when you can get a free signal.

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