Nintendo DS Wi-Fi compatible games support may ways of setting up high-speed connections - by using it's search for an Access Point function, using an AOSS compatible router, by configuring high-speed connection settings manually, or by using the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.

As soon as you insert a Wi-Fi compatible game into your Nintendo DS, you will be automatically presented with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings screen sequence. If not, look into your game manual for specific information/details on how to setup WiFi (high-speed) connection for your new game.

Before you attempt other connection options (using AOSS, USB Port Connector, etc.), you may first want to try establishing a Wi-Fi Connection using the Search for an Access Point function of the Nintendo DS. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to get your WiFi link up and running.

Here is how to configure your Nintendo DS for WiFi:

• Using Search for an Access Point Method: Follow the steps outlined below for establishing your wireless link by letting your Nintendo DS search for an AP.
  
  • While at the Setup screen, tap on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings
    
  • Tap onto one of the three Connection (Connection 1 through 3) slots
    
  • Tap on Search For An Access Point
    
  • Your Nintendo DS screen will now show one of the following:
    
    • The name of your wireless access point with a blue, unlocked icon next to it: Tap the Access Point name, and then on 'OK.' Your Nintendo DS will now have established a connection with your router. Time to tap your way back out to the main screen of your game, and to start playing it online.
      
    • The name of your wireless access point with a red, locked icon next to it: Your Nintendo DS has detected WEP key security on your router. Tap the name of that Access Point on the Nintendo DS, enter the WEP key for that router on the next screen, and tap 'OK' to save your settings. Tap 'OK' again and your Nintendo DS will now be ready to play online.
      
    • The name of your wireless access point with a gray, locked icon next to it: your Nintendo DS has found your router's security settings to be incompatible. Correct it.
      
    • No Access Points Listed: Search again, or see additional diagnostic information available near the end of this document.

    If you still do no have a working wifi link, follow the diagnostic steps outlined near the end of this document.

• Connect Using an AirStation One-Touch Secure System (AOSS) Compatible Router: AOSS compatible routers are capable of not only automatically detecting the Nintendo DS, but also of auto-configuring both (the Nintendo DS and the Router) with the settings needed for establishing a wifi connection between the two. Try this option if your router has an "AOSS" button. Verify in the documentation for your router that it is indeed AOSS capable, and then try the following steps:
  
  • Launch the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Setup screen
    
  • Tap on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings
    
  • Tap on one of the three connection (connection 1 through 3) options
    
  • Tap on AOSS
    
  • Confirm that you have an AOSS-compatible router
    
  • Locate and press the AOSS button -usually located on the back of your router.
    
  • Within a couple of minutes, you will see a confirmation message letting you know that the test was successful. A WiFi link between your Nintendo DS and your AOSS router is now ready.

  If you do not have a working wifi link by now, diagnose your connection problems using the information provided near the end of this document.

• Connect using the Manual Setup Feature: Follow the steps outlined below to manually setup a wifi link between your Nintendo DS and your Wireless Router:
  
  • Launch the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Setup screen
    
  • Tap on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings box
    
  • Tap on one of the three connection (Connection 1 through 3) files
    
  • Tap on the Manual Setup icon
    
  • Enter the details: After you have correctly entered your router's SSID, IP address, Netmask, DNS Settings, Default Gateway IP address, etc., click on the Save Settings button
    
  • Test your connection. If successful, you will get a confirmation message on your Nintendo DS screen. As soon as you tap your way out of the Nintendo WFC setup screens/menus, the wifi link between your Nintendo DS and your wireless router will be ready for you.

  If you get an error message on your Nintendo DS, follow the diagnostic steps listed near the end of this document.

• Connect Using Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector: If you do not have access to a wifi network, you can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector to setup your own Access Point. Up to five Nintendo DS systems can be registered to the USB Connector -thereby allowing up to 5 Nintendo game players to enjoy online game play at the same time. Check out our document titled: How to Setup Nintendo USB Wi-Fi Connector on Your Windows XP Personal Computer for step by step instructions.

Diagnosing Nintendo DS WiFi Connection Problems:

While there can be many reasons why you are not able to establish a wifi link between your Nintendo DS and your Wireless Router/Gateway, most common causes are: Incorrect WEP security settings, No access points available within the close proximity of your Nintendo DS, Excessive radio interference from nearby sources (such as wireless telephone, microwaves, etc), or SSID broadcast being disabled on your wireless router.

Disable security on your router/access-point, manually enter your router's SSID into your Nintendo DS User Interface and try again. For additional help, review Identifying potential conflicts that may prevent you using your Nintendo DS along with any Wireless LAN Routers, Internet Gateways, VPNs and Software Firewall Applications.