How to setup Nintendo DS Wi-fi
This section will demonstrate how to setup a wireless connection with your Nintendo DS or DS Lite. With Wi-Fi connectivity, you'll be able to battle and trade with players all over the world in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Note that this guide shows you how to setup your DS's Wi-Fi with a basic wireless home network; or wireless LAN.
You Have: A Nintendo DS or DS Lite not currently connected to any network.
You Want: To establish a connection with your DS or DS lite to your home network.
Things You'll Need
- A Nintendo DS or DS Lite.
- An Internet Connection
- A computer with a wireless network card built-in or USB wireless network card.
- A Wireless Router that complies with 802.11 WLAN standards.
That's all you need. It's really not that hard to do this, so let's begin, shall we?
Step 1: Ensure you have a Wireless Home Network
If you already have a wireless home network, setup then you can just skip this section and go to Step 2.
The idea behind a wireless network, is so that your devices (whether a Laptop, Printer, or in this case your DS) can communicate with the router receiving signals called "microwaves".
If you're setting up a new wireless network, you need a wireless network card, and a router.
Most new and late model computers already have a wireless network card built-in to the system unit. It's pretty easy to quickly find out if you have one pre-installed on your computer. In Windows Vista, go to "computer", and then select "System Properties". Next, select "Device Manager" located on the left. If you have User account control (UAC) on, it'll ask for your permission to continue. Once the window opens, go down to "Network Adapters". If you click the plus button, you should then see what kind of wireless adapter you have. If you don't have one, that’s ok; just read the next paragraph.
My old Gateway computer didn't have a wireless adapter, so instead I just bought a wireless adapter card that plugs into a USB. Alternatively, you could just buy an internal Network Adapter Card and slide it into the bus, ...but I'm assuming you wouldn't be comfortable installing that in your system unit. Therefore, I recommend a USB wireless adapter card. To set it up, just run the CD to install the drivers. That's about it.
Next, the router.
This is my router pictured below (click the image for the full size):
This is your basic network router. It's a Linksys model WRT54GS to be precise. At the time, I had a DSL modem provided by my internet service provider, and I had to buy the router separately. To setup your router, just run the CD software that comes with it. I can't really explain this step too well since all routers will have a different software installation guide with them, and your network setup will vary slightly.
The placement of where the router sits is important for the best connection for your DS. Be sure to place the router:
- In the center of a room (if possible)
- Away from all obstructions. For example, don't put it under your desk...
- In a dust-free area.
- And have the antenna's directionality pointing towards your computer and DS.
Alright so at this point, your wireless home network should be established, and we're now ready to connect the Nintendo DS to our network.
Step 2: Establish the Connection
Alright, so now go ahead and start up Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, or whatever game you're trying to establish connection for, really. Here's the steps:
- Once in the game's menu, go to "Nintendo WFC Settings".
- Tap the "Nintendo Wi-Fi connection settings" box.
- Select "Connection 1" (It should say (none) under it at this point.)
- Then hit "Search for an access point".
Your DS will now search, and should find your wireless network. If it doesn't, be sure to move closer to router, making sure nothing is blocking the path between your DS and Router.
If your network is secured, it will ask you for the WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) AKA a WEP Key of your network. Usually, this information is found labeled on the router itself, or through the software your ISP should have provided you with. Your WEP key will be series of numbers and letters. Just enter it as it appears.
So that's about all there is to it; you should be connected represented by the green box in the top right corner of your screen. If for some reason your DS can't find your network, again make sure the DS and router aren't obstructed by anything. You can also manually enter your router's settings and test the connection that way.
If you need further help, or you need troubleshooting help go to: www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/selectds.jsp
