Functionality
The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is a rebranded Buffalo WLI-U2-KG54-AI,[4] which is based on the Ralink RT2570 chipset and as such is different from most other Wi-Fi adapters in that it can operate as a software access point (also referred to as a soft AP). Few adapters can do this under Windows, as Windows lacks both the software necessary to configure a soft AP and capable drivers for natively supported hardware. By bundling a soft AP compatible device with their own proprietary software, Nintendo was able to overcome this and at the same time greatly simplify the otherwise complicated process of putting a supported device into soft AP mode, configuring it, and routing Internet traffic over it. There is a way for Linux users to use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector for WifiME and Wireless Multiboot, so that the DS can receive Homebrew games and demos.
While not officially supported by Nintendo, the USB Connector can function as a standard wireless adapter by using modified Ralink or Buffalo Technology drivers. In addition, these drivers also provide support for Windows 9x and 2000. Detailed instructions on how to modify and install said drivers can be found in Section 4.4.2.1 of the (Unofficial) DS Wireless Networking Guide.[5]
Criticism
There have been a number of complaints and criticisms made of the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector since its release. While the device works as advertised for the majority of users, there have been some complaints brought up about its design and functionality. These users often fall outside of the target audience for the Wi-Fi USB Connector (namely Microsoft Windows users without a pre-existing wireless network or the technical expertise to configure one),[6] which likely explains the lack of an official response from Nintendo in regards to some of the issues.
Proprietary authentication
One criticism of the Wi-Fi USB Connector is that it uses a proprietary authentication mechanism. Because of this, the Wi-Fi USB Connector works only with approved devices, which at this time is limited to the DS and Wii consoles.[7] This behavior was an intentional design decision on the part of Nintendo, as it prevents outside parties from connecting to the Wi-Fi USB Connector with their computers and accessing the user's Internet connection or computer.
While the Wi-Fi USB Connector can be modified to circumvent this,[5] the modification is beyond the capability of most users and is naturally unsupported by Nintendo.
Operating system support
Initially, the Wi-Fi USB Connector only supported Microsoft Windows XP. A main concern at that time was the lack of support for older versions of Windows, principally Windows 2000. After the introduction of the Windows Vista operating system, however, criticism shifted to lack of support for the new platform. Though Vista drivers were eventually released by Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo of America,[8][9] it was two years after the first XP drivers were available and several months after Vista's launch.
Support for older versions of Microsoft Windows is highly unlikely at this point. These operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft and lack the advanced networking features and functionality present in modern versions of the Windows operating system.
Even less likely is full support for Unix-like operating systems, including Linux, Mac OS X, and BSD. The situation is not an uncommon one for users of such operating systems, as proprietary hardware manufacturers have a tendency to focus on Windows first (and often only) simply due to the larger user base. However, it is possible to use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector in client mode (that is, as a device to connect to a wireless network rather than create one) under Linux and BSD when using the appropriate drivers.[10][11]
Additionally, there is currently no official support for Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
Internet connection sharing
The core functionality of the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is provided by Windows' Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature, which allows a Windows computer to act as a router and automatically configure client devices for Internet access. Unfortunately, due to limitations in ICS, there are a number of caveats with this method.
Like the Wi-Fi USB Connector software itself, ICS offers the user no configurable options. This means that ICS may not function as expected, or at all, in complex network environments. In addition, Windows cannot handle multiple ICS configurations simultaneously, or in other words, only a single application or network device can use and configure ICS at one time. This means that if your network is currently relying on ICS or you use software that utilizes it (such as Windows Media Center Extender for the Xbox 360),[12] you may not be able to use the Wi-Fi USB Connector at all.
Software firewall compatibility
Though not an innate fault with the Wi-Fi USB Connector itself, due to the nature of the device, a software firewall like those commonly installed on Microsoft Windows computers hosting the Wi-Fi USB Connector will interfere with its operation. To alleviate this issue, the user must allow the software full access to the Internet, or manually specify acceptable port ranges to allow through the firewall; depending on how that particular firewall is configured.[13]
Unfortunately, some firewall products (like ZoneAlarm) are incompatible with the Wi-Fi USB Connector software and must be either uninstalled or disabled,[13] leaving the computer open to possible attack from external sources. The user's only option in this scenario is to risk connecting to the Internet unprotected, or install a different firewall product.
Network topology
A common complaint from more advanced users is the complete lack of user-configurable options in the Wi-Fi USB Connector software and installer. For the novice user this is seen as a much-welcomed advantage of the Wi-Fi USB Connector over a traditional wireless router, but for those users who wish to use the device in a more complicated network environment, it can be an insurmountable obstacle.
For example, the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector will cause an IP conflict if an existing network is using the 192.168.0.x or 192.168.1.x IP schemes, both common IP ranges used in consumer routers.
Packaging
The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector includes a USB extension cable, a manual, and a software CD. It is recommended that you download and install the latest version of the Wi-Fi USB Connector software rather than using the version on the CD, as important updates have been made in the newer versions. Devices shipped with software driver versions below 1.05 are incompatible with Windows Vista until updated.
Discontinuation
Although Nintendo have yet to release an official statement concerning the discontinuation of the device, manufacturers Buffalo Technology are reportedly no longer licensed to distribute it due to a successful recent lawsuit[17] by Australian technology research agency CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation). As a result, the company has been prevented from trading in any products adhering to the 802.11a/g standards in the US, including the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB connector.
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