Mario Stadium

Wi-Fi Guide

Wi-Fi is an online service that allows Nintendo DS owners (with a selection of games) to play against other people across the globe. By using hotspots (areas where players can go online), or a wireless broadband Internet connection you can logon to Nintendo Wi-Fi and play against people across the globe.

Mario Kart DS around the world

Here are a few questions that have been answered for your convenience, that will help you setup Wi-Fi or solve any misunderstanding. For anymore Wi-Fi problems do not hesitate to contact me.

Wi-Fi Setup & Troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

Mario Kart DS Wi-Fi?

Mario Kart DS online is quite a great experience.

Once you logon Wi-Fi, you'll be asked to choose one of these four settings:

When you choose one, you'll have to wait a few seconds, or minutes depending how lucky you are. You may not get three other opponents, however you will get one at least. Their stats will appear after a while, showing how many games they have won and lost along with their decal. Remember that worldwide play is not likely to show a good connection of the other players.

The Bad

Unfortunately only four players can play. Also all courses aren't included, because some will lag (load slowly) the gameplay. These are the courses that aren't included:

However, some people have hacked and allowed these to be acceptable to play. Don't do it, as the gameplay will be slower. Another disadvantage is that you can only race; meaning that there isn't an online Battle Mode. Also you can't communicate to the player you're playing against, so they're just a random person. Despite these downsides Wi-Fi is still a good experience.

The connection in some cases is poor; especially if you're playing someone in Japan for instance. You may see players flying across the edge of the track. Another downside is "quitters". Usually people losing get frustrated and turn off their Nintendo DS; there isn't much of penalty for doing so which encourages people who are losing to do it.

The Good

You can use Mario Kart DS to create online tournaments and organise matches, even if your friend is on another side of the world. Its great to play against others and hopefully learn some new techniques such as shortcuts for example.

In addition, you can also play against your friends, if you obtain their Friend Code, or have played them in real life. When you go online and your friend is online also, a small "friend icon" appears to alert you that a friend is online.

How do I get started?

Firstly you need a Nintendo DS and Mario Kart DS of course. If you have a compatible wireless router at home, its all good. You'll be able to just connect to it straight away using you WEP or WPA key. Just remember the password key. However if you don't have a wireless router, you'll have to settle for a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, which are not easy to find. I would however recommend a Wireless Router, since you'll be able to connect to the Internet from all wireless communicators within your house. There are several cheap routers that are the same price as the USB Connector, so its a worthy purchase.

USB Connector

I need to get a Nintendo Wi-Fi Connector. What do I do?

Firstly you must see if your PC is compatible. Is it Windows XP? Then you'll be able to use one. You can find a Wi-Fi Connector online or in your local store if you were luck enough like me. If you can't find one in the store order one online. Websites such as Lik-Sang will have some available.

Wi-Fi Connection Settings

How do I use the Connector?

You should receive a CD with your Connector. Install the CD, and follow the instructions. Soon you'll be asked to plug the Connector into a USB port. Then on Mario Kart DS Main Menu screen go on Nintendo WFC Settings and test your connection. Go on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings then Connect to your Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. Afterwards on your PC you'll see a Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen in the taskbar. Click it and then click on Grant Permission for whatever your nickname on Mario Kart DS is.

Sorted. Now. If it connects, then you're OK to play. The green light on the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connector will blink to confirm that it is working and functioning properly. If it doesn't read on...

My USB Connector doesn't connect?

Don't worry. I had the same problem. Basically the only problem I had was that I was blocking the Wi-Fi Connector from accessing the Internet without even knowing. So if you have a firewall, you'll have to go on Program Control and allow access for the Nintendo WFC Registration Tool. If you have a different problem, then you'll receive an error code. Sometimes these error codes mean nothing. If you have an error code you'll have to go to the Nintendo Wi-Fi website and enter your code in, and see what's wrong.

My USB Connector connects but my Nintendo DS can't find the Access Point

In this situation, it is best to uninstall your current Wi-Fi Registration Tool and download the latest version from here.

I can't get online using my wireless router

Unfortunately, it may be because your router isn't Wi-Fi compatible with the Nintendo DS. There is a list located at Nintendo Wi-Fi. All of those work on Nintendo Wi-Fi.

If it is compatible and your online test the connection and see what error code you receive. In most cases the wireless router's connection becomes static, therefore requires resetting; a simple power on, power off should do the trick.

How Do I Transfer my Wi-Fi ID onto another DS?

Go onto Wi-Fi Connection Settings > Options > then Transfer Nintendo WFC Configuration. Visit here for more help.

Friend Codes

Friend codes are used to identify each player. The Nintendo DS and Mario Kart DS cart will create a unique Friend Code. This 12 digit Friend Code will be used to play against other players. If you wish to play online with someone, you can exchange your Friend Codes. If a friend is online when you're logged into Wi-Fi a small blue 'friend icon' will appear, showing you that a friend is currently online.

There are cheaters on Wi-Fi!

Well. I wouldn't like to think so. Sometimes the connection is poor (more than often) especially if you're playing Worldwide. On tracks such as Rainbow Road you may see someone fall off the track, and then reappear right in front of you. Sometimes you may see people zig zagging across the track going at great speeds. That is because they are snaking. On other occasions, you sometimes may think that you have hit an opponent with a green shell. More than often, this is basically because the connection is poor. What you see on your screen is not exactly the same thing your opponent sees. Sometimes, players may use Action Replay to cheat through the game; however this only occurs rarely.

Why-Fi?

By using Wi-Fi you can play against players across the globe and your mates instead of playing against computer players all the time. Also by playing against humans, you may pick up one or two tricks or shortcuts from watching other players. Wi-Fi is basically a fun experience and will help you develop your own skills.