Back when the DS was still just a series of cryptic tech specs and randomly leaked photos, there was much excitement over the handheld console's potential WiFi capabilities. Those frenzied months have passed, punctuated by the launch of the other WiFi-enabled handheld console, the PSP, and the "world in your pocket" dreams that Nintendo promoted have only really surfaced in a few "Gotta Catch 'Em All" promotions at Pokemon movies.
A new development has forced its way into the inboxes of technology journalists across the nation, as Nintendo announced today that it is seriously kicking off its WiFi madness in partnership with BT and Swedish company The Cloud. The team are WiFi'ing the UK, offering DS gamers "an unprecedented step forward into a new era of gaming, allowing anyone to play against friends and family across the globe simply, safely and best of all - for free."
From the release:
Gamers will be able to visit any one of over 7,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at locations across the UK. These include McDonalds restaurants, Coffee Republic coffee houses, Hilton and Ramada Jarvis hotels, Road Chef and Welcome Break service stations, First Great Western railway stations, over 25 student unions and city centre BT Payphones and airports, football stadiums and even the British Library and Canary Wharf.
McDonalds?! City centre BT payphones? Welcome Breaks? We'll be able to play Mario Kart DS while pumping gas, stuffing a "hamburger" into our gobs and loitering around BT payphones? There's no mention in the release how far the WiFi signal's radius will broadcast. Property near MickyD's has never looked so good.
For those who have WiFi installed in your homes, you can get an add on which allows you to play in the house as well, which is convenient for the forthcoming Nintendo Revolution.
This is a step up to the plate for Nintendo, but with the hacks already giving it their all with the Sony handheld, I imagine it won't be long before the DS's WiFi hotspots will be enabled for the PSP.
The new service is rolled out on 25 November.
