Getting Online with Your Nintendo DS

Once it comes down to getting online with your Nintendo DS, it's sometimes hard to think about what it is that you're really missing out on until you get online with your DS.

The Nintendo DS is a portable, handheld gaming system with plenty of different options for game play. From using the unique stylus to drag around items on a touch screen, to the microphone that allows for vocals in game play, the DS has many features that other handhelds do not. One great feature that it shares, however, with its competition the PSP (PlayStation Portable) is the ability to play games online, through the Internet, with friends throughout the world.

In order to use your DS online, you need two things: a wireless connection, otherwise known as WiFi, and a game that is meant to be played online. A couple of great examples of these games are Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing: Wild World. Once you have a game that is going to be played on the Internet, you will need to get that WiFi connection. Most people achieve this by purchasing a wireless router for their Internet at home -- but be careful. Not all wireless routers are compatible with the DS, so be sure to check Nintendo's website before purchasing and installing one. Installing a wireless router is simple, and should be easily done by anyone with a bit of technical know-how.

The final step is to make sure that your Nintendo DS can reach the WiFi connection. The easiest way to do this is to insert a cartridge that has WiFi capabilities. Once you're in the game, find the setting for Network and allow your DS to search for the nearest WiFi connection. If you have set up your wireless router to be open (not using a security password) you should be good to go. If not, you may need to enter the password to use your router as according to your router's instructions.

Now, have a great time playing online!