BigRedPimp no DSDev

So, I figured it was about time for me to speak my piece on the Wi-Fi network now that it’s getting closer to launch.

Nintendo wants to make its network available to all who have some sort of Internet connection, be it cable, DSL or some other broadband connection. On top of that, they want to make it easy to use for even the most inept computer users. To make up for the “intelligence” of some of the users out there, they’re going to release a USB-based Wi-Fi dongle.

Source: Nintendo

From what I’ve read, this will be from the partnership of Nintendo & Buffalo Tech. I guess it makes sense for us homebrew devs seeing that it’s a Ralink chipset. This should be fairly interesting to play with from the dev standpoint.

Of course, you also have the pairing of Nintendo/McDonald’s/Wayport to provide wireless access points inside all participating McDonald’s restaurants. While I see this as a good start, not everyone wants to go to McD’s so some other outlet may be necessary.

Source: McDonald’s & Nintendo

Sure, you can use any hotspot you’d like (with minimal setup) but the advantage of the McDonald’s ones will most likely be from their use of Buffalo’s AOSS technology in the games as well as the hotspots. One-touch connections & security are very important to Nintendo because they pride themselves on using technology that makes it easier for everyone to use. However, they need to make this infrastructure a little more widespread. Just targeting McDonald’s won’t fully expose one-touch connections to everyone and will be underused unless you either go to McDonald’s or buy the Wi-Fi dongle from Nintendo.com.

Source: apreche @ flickr

Of course, this leads to something else Nintendo should take advantage of. While they’re going to have an existing Wi-Fi infrastructure, this should give them the added bonus of offering demo downloads to their users. A network similar to the DS Download Service (Touch!Try!DS) could be very beneficial to them. Not only will this allow them to send the user demos of upcoming content, they can also offer exclusive games (eg. Game & Watch, Nintendo arcade classics ala Punch Out, etc.). This would aid them in getting user feedback in how well their service performs before they launch the Revolution and its own content distribution system.

Source: Nintendo.co.jp

As an added bonus, this would enable more outlets for Wi-Fi play: toss download kiosks into your major retailers (in the US: Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy, "EBStop" – pairing of EB Games & GameStop, Toys R Us, etc.) which also double as hotspots for connecting to the Wi-Fi network. Since said hotspots are just Wi-Fi, this could also enable those using “inferior” *coughpspcough* portables to connect to other users around the world. A major drawing point when trying to bring customers to their stores. Of course, it may create a camper/flashmob mentality where people just go there to play and sit there instead of buying games. At least it’s exposing the network to potential new users, especially if they can open their newly-purchased DS unit and be able to try a wireless game right away.

Nintendo: your current and potentially new users are calling you. Make your Wi-Fi network easy to use, easy to access and capable of giving us demoable content. We will be eternally grateful and buy your Revolution when it comes out. ^_^

Tags: Wi-Fi Network // 1 Comment »