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Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection: Difference between revisions
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The '''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''' (abbreviated WFC; Wi-Fi is short for ''Wireless Fidelity'') is [[Nintendo|Nintendo’s]] online match making service available for use by a specifically designed game on a Nintendo system specifically designed to make use of the service. While the system itself is very capable as far as actual matches are concerned, the manner in which it was designed severely limits the creation of an online community. Currently, both the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo Wii]] make use of the system. Twenty-nine North American games are compatible with the system. | The '''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''' (abbreviated WFC; Wi-Fi is short for ''Wireless Fidelity'') is [[Nintendo|Nintendo’s]] online match making service available for use by a specifically designed game on a Nintendo system specifically designed to make use of the service. While the system itself is very capable as far as actual matches are concerned, the manner in which it was designed severely limits the creation of an online community. Currently, both the [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Nintendo Wii]] make use of the system. Twenty-nine North American games are compatible with the system. | ||
==History | ==Utilizing the Service== | ||
{{LLQuote|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is simple to use. Beginning with free access… we have removed one of the major barriers that have kept people from going online to play games.|Reggie Fils-Aime}} | |||
When creating the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo aimed to remove the barriers faced by users when attempting to play games online. The system is currently free, and Nintendo has made no indication that they will charge in the future. Secondly, the system has been designed to be easy to use. However, logging in is not as simple as clicking a button. | |||
===Logging In=== | |||
First, players must find a wireless access point or hotspot. The most common access points are those in people’s homes in the form of wireless routers. Often used to connect computers, printers, and other electronic devices, the router’s settings can be adjusted to accept the system as well. The first time a player attempts this, he or she must modify and save a connection file on their system using a step-by-step process. After the router and the Nintendo system find each other and the router gives access, the player can log in at any time. Common problems faced by first-time users include firewalls and parental controls. | |||
In an attempt to enlarge the user base, Nintendo released the [[Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector]]. This device connects Nintendo hardware to the Internet and is particularly useful for players without normal routers. Also, a player can link his or her Nintendo DS to the Connection at Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s restaurants for free. When no other option is available, it is also possible for a laptop connected to the Internet to create a hotspot. | |||
===Match-Making=== | |||
Once logged into the service, the game system takes players to the online lobby of the video game they are playing. Each game has its own lobby and separate [[Friend Code|Friend Codes]] or [[Wii System Code|Wii System Codes]]. There are no user accounts. | |||
While each game makes a different use of the system, there are typical options for Wi-Fi enabled games. In Worldwide play, games are matched with a random player from anywhere around the globe. Regional play allows players to battle other players who have the same regional version of the game. For example, a player with the European version would battle another player with the same version. Next, Rivals mode pairs players of similar skill levels. Friends mode allows players to compete against other players with whom they have exchanged their Friend or Wii System Codes. This mode often includes more features, including voice chat. | |||
==Games Using WFC== | |||
A handful of games covered by the Super Mario Wiki utilize this feature. The following list is in order of North American Release. | |||
*''[[Mario Kart DS]]'' | |||
*''[[Diddy Kong Racing DS]]'' | |||
*''[[Mario Strikers Charged]]'' | |||
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' (upcoming) | |||
==History== | |||
Looking back, Nintendo’s online plans for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Super Nintendo]], and [[Nintendo 64]] ultimately failed to create a reliable online system that would serve Nintendo for as long as it desired. When the [[Nintendo GameCube]] was released, it technically had the ability to go online with the use of a special adapter, but Nintendo left it up to developers to create a reliable service. When the GameCube’s rivals, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, supported flourishing online services, many critics attacked Nintendo for having an archaic view of online games. | Looking back, Nintendo’s online plans for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Super Nintendo]], and [[Nintendo 64]] ultimately failed to create a reliable online system that would serve Nintendo for as long as it desired. When the [[Nintendo GameCube]] was released, it technically had the ability to go online with the use of a special adapter, but Nintendo left it up to developers to create a reliable service. When the GameCube’s rivals, the PlayStation 2 and Xbox, supported flourishing online services, many critics attacked Nintendo for having an archaic view of online games. | ||
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While the Wii had utilized the connection since its release for software updates and [[Wii Connect24]], its first online game was released by [[Nintendo of Japan]] on December 14, 2006, ''Pokémon Battle Revolution''. Soon after, [[Nintendo of Europe]] released ''Mario Strikers Charged'' on May 25, 2007. [[Nintendo of America]] intends to bring the American Wii online on July 30, 2007 with the release of the same game. | While the Wii had utilized the connection since its release for software updates and [[Wii Connect24]], its first online game was released by [[Nintendo of Japan]] on December 14, 2006, ''Pokémon Battle Revolution''. Soon after, [[Nintendo of Europe]] released ''Mario Strikers Charged'' on May 25, 2007. [[Nintendo of America]] intends to bring the American Wii online on July 30, 2007 with the release of the same game. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||