Wifi

[BooJaka]

My DS isn't compatible with the security settings with my internet meaning I can't connect using it and, obviously, I have issues with turning off my security in order to play Mario Kart so I'm thinking of getting one of those USB WiFi dongle things (you know the one I mean...).

My only reservation with it is that I don't really know how it works so before I go spending my hard earned cash money on a relatively small piece of equipment I have to ask: with the Wifi dongle connected, my security settings wouldn't be a problem, would they? Is it just a case of bypassing my existing network?

Also, I'm curious as to how well they work. My computers are in my loft and so if I turn it on up there and go down in my front room (2 staircases down), will it still have a good enough signal strength?

[n0wak]

It essentially connects to the internet through your computer, so if your computer can get online it can too (assuming the drivers work, which they should). As for the range, I'm not sure.

[pilbeam]

I considered getting one awhile back and read a lot about them. What turned me off them was I had to leave my computer on to have them work, and I can't leave mine one without getting a huge electric bill. Whereas if you get a wifi router that is compliant, that's on all the time and works without the computer. I don't know if that's an option for you or not.

From what I read, most of the reviews said they were getting great reception from about 10ft away but no one seemed to say anything about further. I would doubt you'd get reception two floors away.

This site details which routers work with the DS wireless.

http://www.n-europe.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-2590.html

[General Fuzzy McBitty]

Is there some sort of splitter I can get to allow the Wii to be on a Wifi router but my PCs be on a wired one?

[eljay]

erm most wireless routers have wired ports in them, so you don't need anything extra....

[loonyboi]

Try using manual settings on your DS. I couldn't get my DS (and now Wii) to work with mine until I manually set everything.

[miffy495]

Mine works ok, but the speed is shit. It may just be that it's time to put my ancient router out to pasture, or perhaps the floor that's between it and the Wii. Still, it recognizes that it's there, and I've gotten a couple of Virtual Console games using it, so it does function. Took bloody forever though. My hope is that Ninty's networks are just really flooded at the moment and it'll get better once the rush has died down, but I have nothing to compare it to. Is it really slow for others right now, or is it just me?

[loonyboi]

It's slow as molasses right now. Actually, it was slightly better last night, but on launch day it took me hours just to download the required firmware update (and that's after many, many false starts).

I haven't bought any virtual console games yet, because I can't find the classic controller anywhere (also none of the games appeal to me yet).

[Moosferatu]

I haven't bought any virtual console games yet, because I can't find the classic controller anywhere (also none of the games appeal to me yet).

Use a GCN controller.

[loonyboi]

Use a GCN controller.

I'll die before I pick up one of those monstrosities ever again.

[vimes]

I don't understand... the GC pad was the only one that didn't give me freaking pains in the fingers, hand and the wrists after hours of play. I mus be a weirdo, cos I prefer it to the PS2 pad.

[brkl]

It's pretty terrible. The buttons don't feel responsive (I'm not talking from a technical standpoint here) and the d-pad is hard to reach. The one good thing about it is that the left analog stick is in the right place unlike in the PS2 controller.

[Kolzig]

I don't understand... the GC pad was the only one that didn't give me freaking pains in the fingers, hand and the wrists after hours of play. I mus be a weirdo, cos I prefer it to the PS2 pad.

Yeah, this has been always same with me during the GC/Xbox/PS2 era.

[miffy495]

Brkl, were you referring to the GCN pad or the Classic Controller? Anyway, I'm in agreement with Vimes and Kolzig on this one. I always loved my GCN controller (wavebird FTW) and really liked the original Xbox one (the newer S pad was just a MS branded GCN pad anyway, so it's comfy but doesn't count) whereas the PS2 controller functioned just fine but really started to cramp up your hands after a while. I have no problem playing VC games with a 'cube pad, though it'd be nice to have the Classic. It's still Mario 64 dammit.

[brkl]

The GCN pad. I have no experience whatsoever with the Classic controller.