If you have a Nintendo DS, you know it can connect to Wi-Fi networks. However, if you are using WEP to protect your wireless network, then connecting to Wi-Fi may seem impossible initially because the security key isn’t shown on the DS’s screen. However, the real solution is simple and won’t take up much of your time. With a USB Wi-Fi adapter or Wi-Fi hotspot, you can connect a DS console to Wi-Fi without WEP.
This post dives deeper and guides you on how to connect your Nintendo DS to Wi-Fi without WEP. Keep reading!
What’s Nintendo DS?
Nintendo DS is a handheld console that Nintendo released in 2004. It has two screens, the bottom of which is a touchscreen and uses a stylus for input. The console also has a microphone and supports wireless connectivity.
The original model of the Nintendo DS could not connect to the Internet out of the box, but later models included this feature. To connect your DS to Wi-Fi, you will need an access point that is not WEP security enabled. You can either set up a hotspot on your phone or purchase a USB Wi-Fi adapter for the DS.
Go into Settings -> Internet Connection Settings -> Wireless LAN Setting -> Select Wireless LAN Network. You’ll want to select Create New Connection if it’s available. Otherwise, scroll down until you find one with SSID (Network Name) and password shown on the screen.
Select Create New Connection from the available options or choose from those with SSID (Network Name) and password shown on the screen.
Can Nintendo DS Connect to Password Protected WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi?
Yes, the Nintendo DS can connect to password-protected WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi, but it cannot connect to networks that require a web browser login. To connect your DS to a password-protected network, you’ll need the SSID and password for the network. Once you have those, follow these steps:
- Tap Settings on the home screen of your Nintendo DS.
- Select Wireless Settings.
- Enter a name for your connection in Connection Name (like Wi-Fi at Home).
- Enter the name of your wireless router in Access Point Name (this is usually the name of your wireless router, like Linksys or Netgear). It’s typically found near the SSID or Wi-Fi settings on most routers.
- Set your security type to WPA or WPA2, which is compatible with Nintendo DS consoles. If you don’t see this option, select None and enter the key or passphrase in Network Key. You’ll need to create this key/passphrase if it doesn’t already exist on your wireless router.
- Click Save when done, and then press the Home button twice, so you’re back at the main menu.
- Select any game from the menu and click Start Game for your DS to connect to Wi-Fi.
How Do I Connect My Nintendo DS Console to Wi-Fi Without WEP?
You’ll need a few things to connect your DS without WEP: a broadband Internet connection, a router that doesn’t use WEP security, and a compatible game or application.
First, ensure your router is turned on and connected to the Internet. Next, open the Settings menu on your DS and select Connection Settings. Choose Connection 1 and then select Wireless Connection. If you see a message saying security is not configured, your router is not WEP security enabled.
Suppose you don’t see that message, select Search for an Access Point. Your DS will now scan for available networks. Once it finds your network, select it and enter the password if prompted.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Get Your Router’s SSID
The first step is to get your router’s SSID, which is the name of your wireless network. To do this, you’ll need to log into your router’s web interface. If you don’t know, check your router’s documentation or contact your ISP. Once logged in, look for the SSID on the interface’s main page.
It should be listed under Wireless Settings or something similar. Next, scan for networks by opening your DS’s wireless connection status screen and clicking scan. You will see all the available networks after a few seconds.
Step 2: Open Up Your Wi-Fi Settings
You’ll want to look for the option to add a new connection to your Wi-Fi settings. Once you select that, you should see a list of available networks.
If you don’t see any, try moving closer to the router. When you select a network, it will ask you for the password. Enter the password and then click OK. From there, you can choose how you want to connect.
If this is your first time connecting with a DS or 3DS, choose DS Connection Type and click OK. You may also opt to connect via Access Point Mode or Soft AP mode. These are advanced options that allow your device to be seen by other devices on the same Wi-Fi network, so if you’re just looking to play locally on one device, these might not be necessary.
Step 3: Put in the Router Security Code
To connect your DS to a Wi-Fi network, you’ll need the router’s security code, usually at the bottom or back of your router. If you can’t find it there, try looking in the router’s manual. Enter the code into your DS, and you should be good to go!
If not, ensure the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough and that other wireless devices are not interfering with yours. Also, check any channels available for use. Some nearby routers might interfere with your router, leading to a poor connection.
Step 4: Change Your Computer Wi-Fi Settings
You must change your computer’s Wi-Fi settings to connect your DS without WEP.
- Open the Control Panel on your PC, and navigate to Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Manage Wireless Networks.
- Find your network’s name in the list and click on it.
- In the next window, click Properties.
- Go to the Security tab and find the Encryption type drop-down menu.
- Click on that and select None from the list of options.
- Click the OK button, and you’re done.
The DS should now be connected to your wireless network. If you still have trouble connecting, try changing channels or updating your router firmware.
Step 5: Change Your Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Settings
On your Nintendo DS;
- Choose Settings from the main menu.
- Scroll down to the Internet, and select Connection Settings.
- Choose the connection that corresponds with the router you are using.
- If you are using a WEP connection, select WEP. If you use a WPA or WPA2 connection, select WPA/WPA2.
- Enter the correct key into the Key field. The key is usually found on the bottom or back of your router.
- Click Next at the bottom of your screen.
- You will be prompted for your password again – enter it now and click Next again.
- Select Don’t check for firmware updates if this applies to you, then tap Finish at the top right corner of the screen.
Congratulations! You have successfully set up your Nintendo DS so that it can connect to Wi-Fi without WEP!
How Do I Create a Hotspot to Connect to Nintendo DS
If you want to connect your Nintendo DS to the Internet without using a Wireless Access Point, you can do so by creating an ad-hoc network or hotspot. Creating a hotspot is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:
- Open the Control Panel on your PC and click on Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Set up a new connection or network.
- Select Ad-hoc and click Next.
- Give your network a name (SSID) and set the security type to None.
- Click Next and then Finish.
Your computer’s wireless adapter will now be broadcasting an SSID. Ensure that this is enabled for other devices to see it. If it is not enabled, follow these steps:
- Right-click on your connection icon in the system tray at the bottom right of your screen.
- Open Properties > Configure > Enable Broadcasting > OK.
Now your computer should be broadcasting an SSID, which means that other devices should be able to see it when searching for networks. To connect to this newly created ad-hoc network from the Nintendo DS, you’ll need to enable Wi-Fi Connection Mode on the device and search for available networks.
You’ll notice that under Available Networks, there is one called “Computer Name” followed by some numbers – this should be the SSID of your newly created hotspot. Select it and enter the password if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Doesn’t Nintendo Connect to a Secured Network?
For some reason, the Nintendo DS will not connect to a network that uses WEP security. This is a problem because many public Wi-Fi networks use this type of security. The good news is that there is a way to connect your DS to these networks. By using a special program, you can bypass the security and get online.
What Are Access Point Mode and Soft AP Mode?
Access Point Mode and Soft AP Mode are two modes that allow the Nintendo DS to connect to the Internet wirelessly. Access Point Mode is the more traditional method, which requires a router and a connection to the Internet, while Soft AP Mode turns the Nintendo DS into its own mini-hotspot which other devices can connect to. You’ll require a wireless network adapter and a broadband internet connection to use Soft AP Mode.
The Bottom Line
You’ll need to find an unsecured network or set up your hotspot to connect your DS to a Wi-Fi network without WEP. Once you’ve found a suitable network, select it from the available networks on your DS list and enter the password if prompted. You should now freely enjoy your DS’s features without worry!
Reference 1: https://certsimple.com/how-to-connect-your-ds-to-wifi-without-wep/
Reference 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9VDJVQNE5c