Nintendo to Start WLAN Service for Nintendo DS in 2H of 2005
May 12, 2005 16:09
Nintendo Co.,Ltd. will launch network service for the Nintendo DS in the second half of 2005. The new service uses the built-in wireless LAN as the network. As long as the wireless LAN environment is provided in a user's home or hotspots, users in remote locations can enjoy playing games together "just like in the face-to-face situation."
Starting with the already released game software "Animal Crossing DS", many more network-compatible games will be available in a few weeks. The network service can be used free of charge regardless of the place where the service is used. Nintendo has adopted the GameSpy, a network technology provided by IGN Entertainment, Inc. IGN also distributes the development kit targeted for the software houses. The kit includes the middleware required for the development of the network games, and the additional services such as file hosting and beta testing.
The GameSpy has been already supported by about 300 titles of game software for use in the PC and home game machines. The Nintendo DS is the first portable game console to adopt this technology.
Guessing Revolution will follow the same model.