USB Access Point (Nintendo DS & Wii)

Some people have wondered why they'd get a Nintendo wi-fi adaptor (especially if they already have a normal wi-fi router) and here's the two main reasons why:

1. If you want better security on your wi-fi connection: The Nintendo wi-fi adaptor has better security than using a DS on a normal wi-fi router. The DS can only cope with an older poorer form of security, so if you want a DS to work with a router you have to drag the whole security level down on your wi-fi network. If you use the Nintendo adaptor, any existing wi-fi network is untouched, and the adaptor has better security anyway because it will only talk to DSes, it has a shorter range than routers, and it will only work while the PC is switched on. Also, if you're not using the DS it's easy to just pull the adaptor out of the USB socket for total security.

2. If you want a relatively hassle-free way of getting wi-fi on your DS: The installation procedure for the Nintendo adaptor is very simple indeed, just pop the disc in and follow the instructions. However, here's where I hit the adaptor's only real snag: I had to alter a fairly obscure setting on my Firewall software in order for the adaptor to work properly. (If it's any help to others with a similar problem, I had to set my Firewall to see the Nintendo adaptor as a "trusted network adaptor".)

The reason this product loses a whole star is that Nintendo's support for the adaptor's problem was highly misleading and actually made me far less likely to be able to fix what was wrong. When I looked up the error code on Nintendo's official wi-fi website it claimed the code indicated an error in my broadband modem's firmware, and that I'd have to buy a totally new one. Luckily I didn't take this advice and found it was just a Firewall setting problem.

But... apart from that this is a great little device, and as other people have noted it's also handy for taking with you to places where there's a computer with an internet connection but no wi-fi.

I've been using it with Animal Crossing with no problems whatsoever, once I'd got the Firewall sorted out.

Oh yeah, and it gets a bit warm when you use it, but that's normal on this kind of device apparently.

I purchased the Nintendo WiFi USB for use with my nintendo Wii on the 1st March 08 and was amazed to receive it on the 3rd March 08
After having a nightmare with a cheaper USB link i took the plunge and went for the Nintendo USB,and followed the on-screen instructions on my PC,after 10 minutes i had my internet connection.
i would recommend this product to anyone with Windows XP or Windows Vista

This quite expensive for a portable console accessory.. but it really is worth it, it will help you get alot more out of the compatable games, and the fact you can fully enjoy them then- the multiplayer, makes it worth the initial cost.
I have MarioKart and Animal Crossing, and both have the online implemented in a very safe and easy to access way.
You just plug the USB thing in, and after the initial installation on the computer, connect and all the compatable games should be able to connect without any problems...
So far I haven't had any problems with the USB thing, a few times I've failed to connect, but trying again seems to sort it out!
You don't need this if you have a wireless router already, and you need broadband for it to work at it's best. I haven't tried dial up, but I played with someone on Animal Crossing who did, and there was pretty bad lag.
There is an unnofficial one available which is cheaper, but I don't know how good it is.
The problem with this is that it doesn't work with Macs, and I think needs Windows XP, so look into this before you invest!
Neither of these were a problem for me, so I can't say.
You can find hotspots around if you keep your eyes open, but this is alot more convenient than sitting in the train station!
There is a good selection of online games- Mariokart, Animal Crossing, Tony Hawk, Metroid, Tetris are the one's avaliable now or this spring, and hopefully a Four Swords Zelda will rear it's head sometime.
I can highly recommend this if its compatible with your computer, as there is already a good selection of genres, and playing games like MarioKart online freshens them up again if you've already finished them.
The 2 games I've played have been made very safe online thanks to the "friend code" system. You exchange codes with someone and then play each other- this can be done via online message boards and it makes games like Animal Crossing more safe.. but on more competetive games like Mariokart you can just play anyone who is online with no chat feature.
Metroid has a voice chat feature, I don't know how this is implemented, but I'd guess it's only for games where you've exchanged friend codes to keep it family friendly.
I have no problem with this, as I can easily access online boards, but it may be a hassle for some people.