GameSpy and Nintendo Partner for Nintendo DS Connectivity

After formerly taking the attitude that online gaming was unprofitable, and releasing no online titles for the GameCube, Nintendo has officially announced its entry into online gaming with the Nintendo DS. Its partner in the effort will be IGN Entertainment and the middleware-focused part of its GameSpy unit, which has signed a deal to provide multiplayer services and middleware for online Nintendo DS games. The Nintendo DS online service will apparently be accessible through any standard Wi-Fi spot, judging from a statement made by Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo's VP of sales and marketing. "Accessing the service will require no added Nintendo subscription charges," said Fils-Aime, "whether users hook up using a home broadband Wi-Fi connection or access a Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop, library or elsewhere." Fils-Aime also stressed that the service would be easy to use, requiring minimal setup. The only currently announced game to use the online capabilities of the DS is Animal Crossing DS, but more are expected to follow. Announcements may be made at the upcoming E3 2005 event. Speaking for GameSpy, General Manager of their technology group Mark Steiglitz commented: "We're honored that Nintendo is choosing IGN's GameSpy as their middleware partner, and look forward to a very long relationship." Gamasutra also recently covered Nintendo president Satoru Iwata's comments to Japanese news sources, discussing the fact that Nintendo is also planning 1,000 new Wi-Fi connection points across Japan for the DS online service.