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[[File:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo.png|thumb|200px|WFC logo]]
{{NintendoService
'''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''' (Japanese: '''ニンテンドーＷｉ－Ｆｉコネクション''' ''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''), also known as '''Nintendo WFC''' for short, is a service run by [[Nintendo]] that allows free online play all over the world. It is utilized by [[Nintendo DS]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], and [[Wii]] games.
|name=Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
|logo=[[File:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo.png|frameless|center|200px]]
|caption=The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Logo.
|provider=Nintendo
|launched=November 14, 2005
|shutdown=May 20, 2014
|serviceprovided=Online Wireless Communications
|accessableby=Internet
|externallink=
'''Nintendo DS'''
* [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc/en_na/ds/index.jsp Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection {{!}} Nintendo DS {{!}} Nintendo Support]
'''Wii'''
* [https://www.nintendo.com/consumer/wfc/en_na/wii/index.jsp Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection {{!}} Wii {{!}} Nintendo Support]
}}
'''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''' (Japanese: '''ニンテンドーＷｉ－Ｆｉコネクション''' ''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''), also known as '''Nintendo WFC''' for short, was a service run by [[Nintendo]] that allowed free online play all over the world. It was used by [[Nintendo DS]] and [[Wii]] games. It was succeeded by [[Nintendo Network]].
 
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection began on November 14, 2005 for DS and Wii games; however, the official service was shut down on May 20, 2014<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140523213326/http://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/detail/vyWpoM6CBIe6FjW8NIY7bvzOrgBURhzw  Nintendo.com - Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS and Wii to end in May]</ref> due to the shutdown of GameSpy servers.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/04/03/gamespy-multiplayer-shutting-down-hundreds-of-games-at-risk  IGN - GameSpy Multiplayer Shutting Down, Hundreds of Games at Risk]</ref><ref>[https://www.techspot.com/article/2170-gamespy/ TechSpot - What Ever Happened to GameSpy?]</ref> Despite the official service being shut down, workarounds exist through unofficial servers.


==Features==
==Features==
===Friend Codes===
===Friend Codes===
{{main|Friend Code}}
{{main|Friend Code}}
Every game that utilizes the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection requires players to use a unique 12-digit code known as a '''Friend Code'''. It is generated when the player logs onto it for the first time, and it is used to identify other players on online play.
Every game that utilized the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection required players to use a unique 12-digit code known as a '''Friend Code'''. It was generated when the player logged onto it for the first time, and it was used to identify other players on online play.


===Buying games===
===Buying games===
The Wii allows players to buy [[Wii|WiiWare]] and {{wp|Virtual Console}} games from the {{wp|Wii Shop Channel}}. Players must use {{wp|Nintendo Points}}, which are bought with real money.
The Wii allows players to buy [[Wii|WiiWare]] and {{wp|Virtual Console}} games from the {{wp|Wii Shop Channel}}. Players have to use {{wp|Nintendo Points}}, which are bought with real money.


The [[Nintendo DSi]], on the other hand, allows players to buy {{wp|List of DSiWare games and applications|DSiWare}} games on the DSi Shop for Nintendo Points as well.
The [[Nintendo DSi]], on the other hand, allows players to buy {{wp|List of DSiWare games and applications|DSiWare}} games on the DSi Shop for Nintendo Points as well.
Line 14: Line 30:
==In the games==
==In the games==
[[File:Connecting to WFC.png|frame|Connecting to Wi-Fi in {{v2|Platinum}}]]
[[File:Connecting to WFC.png|frame|Connecting to Wi-Fi in {{v2|Platinum}}]]
The first [[Pokémon games]] to utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, with {{v2|Platinum}} following soon after.  
The first [[Pokémon games]] to utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, with {{v2|Platinum}} following soon after.


===Features===
===Features===
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allows players to connect with the games of other players all over the world.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allowed players to connect with the games of other players all over the world.
====Features in the [[main series]] games====
 
* The [[Global Terminal]] brings the most features to the main series, with the Global Trade Station and the ability to upload, view and download several types of data including full videos of battles. In {{2v|Diamond|Pearl}}, this facility is limited to the GTS.
====Features in the [[core series]] games====
* The [[Wi-Fi Club]], for private online activity with friends registered in the player's [[Pal Pad]]. In {{v2|Platinum}}, {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, players can partake in [[Battle Frontier (Generation IV)|Battle Frontier]] challenges, games from the Wi-Fi Plaza, and spin trades, among other activities.
* The [[Global Terminal]] brought the most features to the core series, with the Global Trade Station and the ability to upload, view and download several types of data including full videos of battles. In {{2v|Diamond|Pearl}}, this facility is limited to the GTS.
* The [[Wi-Fi Plaza]] allows groups of up to 20 players to play three different games together online.
* The [[Wi-Fi Club]], for private online activity with friends registered in the player's [[Pal Pad]]. In {{v2|Platinum}}, {{2v2|HeartGold|SoulSilver}}, players could partake in {{gdis|Battle Frontier|IV}} challenges, games from the Wi-Fi Plaza, and spin trades, among other activities.
* Special [[key item]]s, such as the [[Secret Key]] and [[Member Card]] can be downloaded to obtain additional Pokémon, items, features or areas. The exact dates in which these items are or were distributed may vary by region.
* The [[Wi-Fi Plaza]] allowed groups of up to 20 players to play three different games together online.
* Special Pokémon can be downloaded to trigger additional events and unlock certain Pokémon, items, features, areas, or aspects of the game's storyline. The exact dates in which these Pokémon are or were distributed may vary by region.
* Special [[Key Item]]s, such as the {{si|Secret Key}} and [[Member Card]] could be downloaded to obtain additional Pokémon, items, features or areas. The exact dates in which these items are or were distributed may vary by region.
* Special Pokémon could be downloaded to trigger additional events and unlock certain Pokémon, items, features, areas, or aspects of the game's storyline. The exact dates in which these Pokémon are or were distributed may vary by region.
 
====Features in the Pokémon Ranger series====
====Features in the Pokémon Ranger series====
* The [[Ranger Net]] in [[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]] and [[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]] allows players to download additional missions to their games to expand the storyline.
* The [[Ranger Net]] in [[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]] and [[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]] allowed players to download additional missions to their games to expand the storyline.
 
====Features in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
====Features in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series====
* In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky, players can send and receive requests for rescuing each other.
* In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, players could send and receive requests for rescuing each other and receive [[Wonder Mail]].


====Other features====
====Other features====
* Users can purchase and download additional software to their [[Nintendo DSi]], [[Nintendo 3DS]] or [[Wii]].
* Users can purchase and download additional software to their [[Nintendo DSi]], [[Nintendo 3DS]], or [[Wii]].
** One application that can be downloaded allows users to browse the Internet on their [[Nintendo DSi|DSi]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] or TV.
** One application that can be downloaded allows users to browse the Internet on their [[Nintendo DSi|DSi]], [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]], or TV.
** On these systems, it is also possible to download an update to the console's {{wp|operating system}} to be able to use additional features, such as upload pictures taken on the [[Nintendo DSi]] Camera to {{wp|Facebook}}.
** On these systems, it is also possible to download an update to the console's {{wp|operating system}} to be able to use additional features, such as upload pictures taken on the [[Nintendo DSi]] Camera to {{wp|Facebook}}.
* On the [[Wii]], users can send messages to each other.
* On the [[Wii]], users could send messages to each other.
 
==Games compatible with Wi-Fi==
==Games compatible with Wi-Fi==
The following Pokémon games are compatible with the Wi-Fi Connection service.
The following Pokémon games were compatible with the Wi-Fi Connection service before the service was discontinued. Certain titles, like ''[[Pokémon Conquest]]'', may have had their online connections turn obsolete long before the overall service was discontinued.
 
===[[Nintendo DS]] titles===
===[[Nintendo DS]] titles===
*[[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions]]
*[[Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions]]
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*[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions]]
*[[Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions]]
*[[Pokémon Black and White Versions]]
*[[Pokémon Black and White Versions]]
*[[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2]]
*[[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]]
*[[Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia]]
*[[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]]
*[[Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky]]
*[[Pokémon Conquest]]


===[[Wii]] titles===
===[[Wii]] titles===
Line 50: Line 73:
*[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]
*[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]
*[[My Pokémon Ranch]]
*[[My Pokémon Ranch]]
*[[Pokémon Rumble]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (WiiWare)]]
*[[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon (WiiWare)]]
==In other languages==
{{langtable|color=A8E4FA|bordercolor=04A2E7
|fr=Connexion Wi-Fi Nintendo
|de=Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
|it=Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
|ko=닌텐도 Wi-Fi 커넥션 ''Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection''
|es=Conexión Wi-Fi de Nintendo
}}


==External links==
==External links==
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*{{wp|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Article on Wikipedia}}
*{{wp|Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection|Article on Wikipedia}}


{{Communication}}<br>
==Notes==
{{Project Games notice}}
<references/>
 
{{Communication}}
 
{{Project Mass Media notice}}


[[Category:Service]]
[[Category:Defunct services]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Nintendo]]
[[Category:Nintendo]]


[[de:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[de:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[es:Conexión Wi-Fi de Nintendo]]
[[fr:Connexion Wi-Fi Nintendo]]
[[fr:Connexion Wi-Fi Nintendo]]
[[it:Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[ja:ニンテンドーWi-Fiコネクション]]
[[ja:ニンテンドーWi-Fiコネクション]]
[[zh:任天堂Wi-Fi连接]]

Latest revision as of 07:07, 11 August 2023

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection logo.png
The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Logo.
Provider Nintendo
Launched November 14, 2005
Shutdown May 20, 2014
Service provided Online Wireless Communications
Accessible by Internet
Website Nintendo DS

Wii

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (Japanese: ニンテンドーＷｉ－Ｆｉコネクション Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection), also known as Nintendo WFC for short, was a service run by Nintendo that allowed free online play all over the world. It was used by Nintendo DS and Wii games. It was succeeded by Nintendo Network.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection began on November 14, 2005 for DS and Wii games; however, the official service was shut down on May 20, 2014[1] due to the shutdown of GameSpy servers.[2][3] Despite the official service being shut down, workarounds exist through unofficial servers.

Features

Friend Codes

Main article: Friend Code

Every game that utilized the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection required players to use a unique 12-digit code known as a Friend Code. It was generated when the player logged onto it for the first time, and it was used to identify other players on online play.

Buying games

The Wii allows players to buy WiiWare and Virtual Console games from the Wii Shop Channel. Players have to use Nintendo Points, which are bought with real money.

The Nintendo DSi, on the other hand, allows players to buy DSiWare games on the DSi Shop for Nintendo Points as well.

In the games

Connecting to Wi-Fi in Platinum

The first Pokémon games to utilize the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, with Platinum following soon after.

Features

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection allowed players to connect with the games of other players all over the world.

Features in the core series games

  • The Global Terminal brought the most features to the core series, with the Global Trade Station and the ability to upload, view and download several types of data including full videos of battles. In Diamond and Pearl Versions, this facility is limited to the GTS.
  • The Wi-Fi Club, for private online activity with friends registered in the player's Pal Pad. In Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver, players could partake in Battle Frontier challenges, games from the Wi-Fi Plaza, and spin trades, among other activities.
  • The Wi-Fi Plaza allowed groups of up to 20 players to play three different games together online.
  • Special Key Items, such as the Secret Key and Member Card could be downloaded to obtain additional Pokémon, items, features or areas. The exact dates in which these items are or were distributed may vary by region.
  • Special Pokémon could be downloaded to trigger additional events and unlock certain Pokémon, items, features, areas, or aspects of the game's storyline. The exact dates in which these Pokémon are or were distributed may vary by region.

Features in the Pokémon Ranger series

Features in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

  • In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, players could send and receive requests for rescuing each other and receive Wonder Mail.

Other features

  • Users can purchase and download additional software to their Nintendo DSi, Nintendo 3DS, or Wii.
    • One application that can be downloaded allows users to browse the Internet on their DSi, 3DS, or TV.
    • On these systems, it is also possible to download an update to the console's operating system to be able to use additional features, such as upload pictures taken on the Nintendo DSi Camera to Facebook.
  • On the Wii, users could send messages to each other.

Games compatible with Wi-Fi

The following Pokémon games were compatible with the Wi-Fi Connection service before the service was discontinued. Certain titles, like Pokémon Conquest, may have had their online connections turn obsolete long before the overall service was discontinued.

Nintendo DS titles

Wii titles

In other languages

Language Title
France Flag.png French Connexion Wi-Fi Nintendo
Germany Flag.png German Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Italy Flag.png Italian Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
South Korea Flag.png Korean 닌텐도 Wi-Fi 커넥션 Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Spain Flag.png Spanish Conexión Wi-Fi de Nintendo

External links

Notes

  1. ↑ Nintendo.com - Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for Nintendo DS and Wii to end in May
  2. ↑ IGN - GameSpy Multiplayer Shutting Down, Hundreds of Games at Risk
  3. ↑ TechSpot - What Ever Happened to GameSpy?


Communications media
Gen I Game Link Cable • Transfer Pak • 3DS Wireless (VC)
Gen II  Game Link Cable • Infrared • Transfer Pak
Mobile Game Boy Adapter • 3DS Wireless (VC)
Gen III Game Link Cable • Wireless Adapter • Dual-slot mode
Gen IV DS Wireless • Wi-Fi • Dual-slot mode • Infrared
Gen V DS Wireless • Wi-Fi • Infrared
Gen VI 3DS Wireless • Nintendo Network • Infrared • StreetPass • SpotPass
Gen VII 3DS Wireless/Switch Wireless • Nintendo Network
Infrared • Nintendo Switch Online • Bluetooth
Gen VIII Switch Wireless • Nintendo Switch Online
Gen IX Switch Wireless • Nintendo Switch Online


Project Mass Media logo.png This article is part of Project Mass Media, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on official Pokémon publishing, broadcasting, communications, and other media.
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