Nintendo & GameSpy have announced a new service set for launch later this year that will use the wireless service of the DS to create a portable gaming network anyone can use.The announcement follows earlier reports of Sony negotiating a similar service to provide free PSP WiFi that would be supported by advertisements.
There's a big focus on ease-of-use in the Nintendo announcement, and in Satoru Iwata's detailing of the plan; DS owners will be able to play with others around the world as easily as if they were face-to-face through a minimal setup procedure, and best of all, the service will be completely subscription free:
"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."
The service will be used by a variety of upcoming games, including the previously announced Animal Crossing® DS. Other titles will be revealed in the coming weeks. When using the service, DS owners can choose whether they would like to play with friends or strangers, whether nearby or on the other side of the world.
Nintendo Reveals DS Online Service
Iwata Talks DS Wi-Fi Connectivity
Nintendo DS Official site
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