DS goes online with GameSpy @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on May 10, 2005

News: Nintendo signs a deal to bring Wi-Fi to the DS.

Nintendo has announced that they have partnered with IGN's GameSpy Technologies to provide the online infrastructure for the DS.

The DS' network will be free with no additional subscription charges and the first game to use the system will be Animal Crossing DS. Animal Crossing's release date is still unknown at this time, but Nintendo has said they will reveal more Wi-Fi enabled games "in the coming weeks" (translation: E3).

"With minimum setup procedures, Nintendo DS owners will be able to enjoy Wi-Fi gaming just as easily as if they were playing with their friends in the same room," explains Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "To realize this simple and seamless transition to Wi-Fi gaming, we're partnering with one of the leaders in the multiplayer gaming world. Accessing the service will require no added Nintendo subscription charges, whether users hook up using a home broadband Wi-Fi connection or access a Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop, library or elsewhere. It doesn't get any easier than that."

GameSpy Technologies has provided the online capabilities for many games (including Mortal Kombat: Deception and Fight Club), but this is their first attempt with portable software.