Nintendo unveils Wi-Fi Connection dongle for DS

Nintendo has unveiled the new Wi-Fi USB connector that will allow DS owners to take their handheld online if they don't already have a wireless Internet connection.

The USB connector will go on sale in Europe on November 25 - the same date as online enabled title Mario Kart DS - priced £30.

Once it's inserted into a USB port on a PC, a window is opened to establish a link between the DS, computer and Internet. The user must then complete a three-step on the DS to get connected. The connector will not work with Macs as Nintendo is only supporting Windows at present.

As previously announced, DS owners will be able to construct a Friends list but no usernames or passwords will be used. Instead, gamers will be able to swap 12 digit "Friend Codes" to add each other to their lists. There will also be an option to play with a random opponent selected by the Nintendo servers according to skill level to ensure an evenly matched game.

The USB connector was unveiled at the DS Conference 2005 in Japan, where three new titles for the handheld were also announced.

Eigo Zuke teaches Japanese speakers how to write and speak English using the DS's touch screen and microphone. Motto Nou wo Kitaeru Otona no DS Training is the sequel to the chart topping Brain Training, and will be in the shops by Christmas. Daredemo Asobi Taikai is a collection of more than 40 popular board games, with game sharing and wireless support for up to eight players. So far all three games are down for a Japanese release only.