Nintendo DS Handheld Leads Portable Gaming Devices with Wireless Internet Connectivity

There is no doubt that video game culture and technology is changing; a new focus on head-to-head competition over the Internet is emerging in the gaming industry. The Nintendo DS Handheld is a perfect example of this trend, and the device has the added twist of being light, portable and compatible with any high speed wireless network.

Nintendo has sold more than 10 million units of the DS Handheld, 4 million of which were sold in the United States. 5 million devices have been sold in Japan since its launch in December 2004, making it the fastest-selling video game machine in Japanese history. Together with the Nintendo Game Boy Advance, Nintendo now holds 78% of the mobile gaming market in the U.S.

Portable Video Games Online: Wi-Fi Connectivity and Handheld Gaming Devices

What truly makes the Nintendo DS Handheld unique, and mostly likely contributes to its impressive popularity, is the portable gaming device’s compatibility with wi-fi Internet networks. This allows Nintendo DS users to go online and participate in head-to-head competitions on light, portable hand-held devices anywhere a wireless network can be found.

Seven weeks after launching the online service, Nintendo reports that 10 million connections have been made with 550,000 unique visitors logging in. Partially because of its handheld gaming device product line and focus on gaming through wireless connections, Nintendo has seen stronger growth in 2005 than both of its major rivals in the gaming industry, Sony and Microsoft.

This explosive growth is in keeping with the latest gaming trend championed by Microsoft with the Xbox 360, which is turning gaming consoles into digital entertainment centers with expanded functionality and a focus on online networking.

Nintendo has announced that its new console will include some form of “expanded functionality” the company has not yet elaborated on. In the meantime, the Nintendo DS Handheld is leading the way into a new generation of gaming consoles focused on competing over high speed Internet connections. Handheld gaming enthusiasts are jumping at the chance to be part of this revolution in technology and gamer culture, which is part of the reason the Nintendo DS Handheld has enjoyed such success both in the United States and abroad.

Nintendo DS Handheld and Your Wireless Broadband Internet Connection

In the gaming arena, speed and reaction time are keys to victory over your opponent, and online gaming using the Nintendo DS handheld is no exception.

Because the portable device relies heavily on wireless Internet networks for its unique function of allowing users to play online from anywhere, it is important to invest in a high speed Internet connection to ensure a competitive edge. A home wireless network would also be advantageous, so you no longer have to sit glued to your console or computer to game online.

A fast, wireless connection is the best bet for getting the most fun out of your Nintendo DS Handheld, and remaining competitive while being matched head-to-head against other online gamers.