Customer Reviews

Nintendo DS Wi-Fi USB Connector

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(16)

 

 

Nintendo's Wi-Fi USB connector is a simple device that turns your PC into a Wi-Fi hub for your Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS to connect to the internet. The installation is quick and the unit just plugs into your computer's USB port. The connection itself seems relatively secure, and is especially nice for PC-novices. The software installation is simple and only takes a few minutes.

Unless it doesn't. Then you're just out of luck.

Nintendo does not offer a lot of support for this device, and if it doesn't work... well, they're sorry, but there's not a lot they can do. At the time of this writing, the device had the following issues:

- It doesn't work with the ZoneAlarm firewall. At all. Period. In order for the device to work, you have to completely uninstall ZoneAlarm (not just turn it off). Other firewalls may also cause problems. There is no planned fix for this.

- At the time of this writing, it doesn't work with Windows Vista. Nintendo may or may not be working on a fix for this.

- The device gets HOT when plugged in. Not just a little warm, but downright uncomfortable to the fingers. I haven't heard of any of them catching on fire, but it is a bit disturbing.

So, if you DO NOT use ZoneAlarm, DO NOT use another firewall, are not disturbed by a warm object sticking out of your computer, and DO use Windows XP, this device will probably work well for you. Otherwise, find an 802.11g-compliant wireless wi-fi router for your PC and hook it up for better results.

Edit (10 Dec 2007): Nintendo has released new software for the Wi-Fi connector. The program is almost twice as big as the previous version, and is supposed to work with Vista. While I can't vouch for the Vista aspect (other reviewers, however, have said they got it to work), I can report that the new version still is not compatible with many firewalls, including ZoneAlarm. Still, the changes make this Nintendo connector a valid option for many gamers that want online play but that couldn't use the device previously - it is definitely a step in the right direction by Nintendo.

These days, everyone has a video game system that has a internet connection. Although it seems to be a must right now, it is very difficult match for those who don't have the wireless connection to the high-speed internet highway, Nintendo has now made it more exciting for gamers who just thought it would be all about the Nintendo DS. The Wi-Fi USB Connector from Nintendo, which worked with the Nintendo DS, now works as a accessory for the Nintendo Wii. You can use this for the DS to play against players from the internet on handheld DS games like Mario Kart DS, Tetris DS, and many other great games. Also, it is now a great tool for Wii owners as well. You can simply use this to download great games for the Wii's virtual console like Super Mario 64, and Bonk's Revenge from the Turbographx 16 classic system. I definitely think this is a great buy more than ever for anyone who owns a Wii and for DS owners too.

Price: B+

Convience: B

Overall: B 1/2+

You should be very pleased with this product. In comparasion to the datel wi-fi max, well, that product may work better for the PSP, but overall the nintendo WiFi usb connector is superior. If you have a nintendo DS this is truely a good product. You intall the software, plug the thing in, and that really is about all you do. you're online after that. yeah, i was surprised too. there's no mess of configuring this or that. the software asks ONE time if you want to connect to a particular DS, you say yes, and that's all there is too it! i am not sure about the overheating issue. i don't want to contradict anybody. nintendo may have recently improved this product because i can have mine on for a few hours and it doesn't get warm. i don't plan on keeping it on for days or nothing. the signal is strong, i live in a trailor but it can still go through two walls to my furthest bedroom (with both doors closed.)i don't have a small trailor, either. i am confident if your wii is close enough it will be an excellent product to use to go online with,too. i did have one issue with this, but even that issue is gone. my firewall wasn't allowing it to connect. this lead to disabling the firewall (mcafee.) then going online. my sollution was to enable the WINDOWS firewall and leave the Mcafee one off. i am not sure but i believe every windows XP comes with a windows firewall. simply go to the control pannel and it's under the security center. there's all sorts of tabs there (actually only three i think) one lets you turn on windows firewall and the second one allows you to grant access to this product. it is very simple even if this sounds difficult. so pick one of these up, i am sure you will be pleased. just don't get it for the PSP or laptops or anything silly like that.

Up until awhile ago, I was using the Nyko Wii Net Connect Broadband Ethernet Adaptor to connect my Wii to the Wi-Fi Connection, which worked great, but I had to carry my Wii downstairs from my bedroom to the modem in my livingroom every time I wanted to play online.

Since all I really have that uses a Wireless connection in my house is my Laptop & Wii, I just could justify getting a whole Wireless Router, so I did some research and found this.

There were alot of reviews saying it had compatibility issues, and I wasn't too sure that I'd be able to connect since my laptop's Desktop had been wiped clean, and I had to use the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete to access any of my programs. But I found one here on Amazon in Like New condition for only [...] Dollars, and figured I'd give it a go.

Setup & Installation was easy, and I had my Wii online in no time! (Keep in mind desktop is trashed, so that's really saying something)
The connection is simple and reliable, and uses an intuitive Registration Tool to prevent unwanted guests from stealing your signal.

Now to put your mind at ease, allow me to debunk any rumors you heard about the Wi-Fi USB Connector from other reviews...

1. The USB Connector by no means gets "HOT" I've had it plugged in all afternoon and it gets warm, but not hot. Hot is a word that describes something to get to high enough temperature to burn you or toast a grilled cheese sandwich in my opinion, and the USB could never get that hot.

2. You DO NOT have to reinstall the Software everytime you want to turn on your PC and play your Wii online!
The Wii's Registration Tool (The Little Wi-Fi Connection icon that appears in the Task Bar once you've installed the Software for the first time) is designed to keep unwanted guests from stealing your signal, so the signal gets cut after you've removed the USB and turned off the computer.
In order to Wake Up the signal again so to speak, you need to Click on the Registration Tool. (Wi-Fi icon in Task Bar)
You don't have to reregister the Wii, so don't worry about that, but you do need to click on the Registration Tool to get the Signal to transmit again after you've turned your PC back on.

3. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector WILL WORK with Windows Vista!
You just have to download the latest software from Nintendo's website.
(I originally posted a direct link to in, but amazon edited it for some reason, I'll try posting it as a comment to this review)

4. Although Nintendo no longer manufactures the USB at the moment, they still provide online support for it on their website and it still works with the Wii & DS without any problems.

With that said, you should have no further reservations about buying the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector for your Wii or Nintendo DS.
So if you want to take your Wii online for a cheap price, and don't need something as big as a Wireless Router, you can't go wrong with the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.

EDIT: Nowadays as this item becomes harder and harder to find, it's best to spend afew dollars more on a Wireless-G Router, I recommend Belkin for easy setup. After awhile my Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector wasn't cutting it anymore, and I now own more devices that can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi, so I recently switched to a Belkin Wireless-G Router. Setup was easy, (just plug one end into your Modem, the other end into your computer and you're done) and I get a more reliable signal that I did with the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. -Poe the Ghost 11/27/09

I'm new to Wii, and didn't realize that wireless capability is built-in to the console. If you already have a wireless computer network set up, you probably don't need this usb adapter since it's likely that the Wii can acquire your network settings automatically. I connected my Wii to the internet features in a few minutes using the on screen menus. This usb adapter is for Wii owners that don't have a wireless network - in effect it creates its' own Wii wireless connection.

After reading numerous reviews on issues with firewalls and such, I decided to go ahead and try this, knowing I could return it if it didn't work out.

First off, I researched to ensure it would work with Vista and I found the v1.06 drivers and downloaded them from the Nintendo website.

Here is what I'm running:

D-Link DI-604 cable router with firewall
Kaspersky Internet Suite 7.0.0.125
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit

I first installed the drivers and then connected the USB Dongel when prompted. Vista noticed a new network had connected and I told it to use it locally.

Next, I fired up the Wii and configured the network and it immediately connected and started downloading updates to the Wii. Next, I tested the news and the weather and they worked. I didn't have to open up any "holes" in the router firewall or Kaspersky Internet Suite.

It was VERY easy but this might not work for everyone, considering the "horror" stories that are abound in here.

I would say the worst you can do is try it and have it not work. Just ensure you can return it if it doesn't work.

Overall, I'm happy with the performance and it appears to be working just fine. It is warm to the touch, but nothing like others have stated where it's too hot to touch. I'm also using the extended USB cable they give to ensure it has a clear path to the Wii.

01/03/2008 Update
Well, even though it worked great for me, I decided to return it and go with a wireless router just because it is more flexible and there was one minor issue that bugged me but didn't detract from the WiFi connector from performing it's job. There was also a major issue that had me concerned, but it had nothing to do with the functionality.

The minor issue I had was that the icon in my Windows task bar would occasionally pop up a balloon message stating someone had connected to the WiFi USB connector. This apparently was due to the Wii connecting to the internet on occasion to download news, weather and system updates. It was just annoying to see that message pop up in the lower right-hand corner of my screen and it appeared to occur at least once every 10 minutes or so and I couldn't find any way to turn that off.

The major issue that has me concerned is that the Nintendo website states this WiFi connector is temporarily unsupported at this time. It gave
no explanation as to why this has happened. This had me worried since they don't say when they will support it again, if ever and why it's no longer supported.

Otherwise, this thing still worked like a charm! I downloaded some software with it and it worked flawlessly. It's still a great thing to have if you don't have a wireless network set up and don't want to have to set one up and you're not concerned about it not being supported. But, for the same price, you can get a pretty decent wireless router that will allow you to connect other devices. You'll just have to set up the security yourself, but most routers these days make it very easy to do so.

I purchased this a few weeks ago. It was very easy to install. It works great (although it does get rather warm during use - but that's probably normal) and I haven't had any problems. It's very easy to use.

My wireless DSL router stopped connected to my DS after a firmware upgrade. After purchasing the USB Connector, I can connect both my DS, and my Wii. Two for one, and now I can connect to pretty much any wireless network on my laptop. Great buy, totally recommend it for any DS owner, regardless of if you have a wireless modem or not.

The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector plugs into your internet connected home computer via USB port. When your computer is on your Wii is able to connect to the internet. Yes, the connector gets warm, not hot. There is a CD Rom included for the driver installation. It took about 3 minutes for the process to complete.

My one complaint is about the software that is installed on your computer. The software issues a yellow warning bubble from the Windows task bar every 3 or so minutes. The warning indicates that someone is connected to the Wi-Fi connection. The reminder is appreciated but I would prefer to be notifed once.

Once the installtion was complete my Wii was internet ready. Simple and worth it! I vote 5 stars, value and quality are A-.

This is the perfect little tool for me. I don't have wireless internet and the closest wifi hotspot is 30 miles away. I can now play Diddy Kong Racing with people all over the world! This package comes with the USB adapter, an extension cord(which i don't use) and the installation CD. You have to install the CD first, then plug the adapter in, then turn on your DS or DS lite or Wii and go to wi-fi settings(not told how in the adapter booklet, look in the wi-fi booklet included with the game)then grant permission on your PC to your DS(or lite or wii). I would rate this as medium difficulty because the instructions included aren't very detailed. You must have Windows XP and internet, no exeptions. You must have a wi-fi game beforehand. I would recomend this because it is the only way to get wi-fi access if you don't have another source. And for $29.99+free shipping, you can't go too wrong. My package arrived quickly, before Amazon estimated. The adapter does get a little warm, but will cool down if you right click the wi-fi icon and select stop wi-fi connector.Overall this is a very good product dedicated to work with The ds's and Wii.