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While it’s true that the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi era has come to an end, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t ways to circumvent this situation. What if I told you that there are still people out there connecting to the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi in 2024 and playing Mario Kart DS online with their friends? And that there are also a few trainers who still trade their Pokémon on GTS? This is all possible!
What is Wiimfi?
The process is quite simple, but first let me introduce you to Wiimfi.
Wiimmfi is what makes all this possible. It’s an unofficial online multiplayer service for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii as well. As soon as word got out that Nintendo was about to discontinue their online services, some talented people created Wiimmfi, and now we can enjoy some of our favorite games online once again!
Emphasis on “some” — not every single game is supported, so be sure to check which ones are on their website.
Changing the DNS
To make all of this work, the only thing you need to do is to change your Nintendo DS or Nintendo 3DS DNS, and it works without the need for any kind of custom firmware:
However, on the Nintendo 3DS you might need also configure the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi connection (Setting>Internet Settings>Nintendo DS Connections)depending if the games isn’t one of the lucky one to have enhanched Wi-fi capabilities brought by DSi. More on this below.
Problems with modern Routers
Although the process above is simple, there are some issues you must be aware of. In simple terms, with the release of the DSi, some games were lucky to have access to further internet features, and one of them was being able to connect to modern-day routers.
Meaning ,only games on this list will be able to connect to your Wi-Fi if you don’t have WEP security.
There are some surefire ways to access the online features on these older games, like using your phone as a hotspot with no password or a personal hubspot.
But if you insist on using your own Wi-Fi, there is something you can do:
- Access your router using the provided credentials. Usually, they come with the router next to the Wi-Fi’s credentials.
- (Optional) If your router has two separate networks, one for 2.4GHz and 5.0 GHz, separate them in the settings.
- Set the SSID (network name) to hidden.
- Remove the password protection or choose WEP if available.
- (Optional) Add a MAC address filter to your network. Doing so will ensure that only your Nintendo DS connects to your unprotected network. You can find your Nintendo DS MAC address in the internet settings. This adds a much-needed layer of protection and it’s great if you separated your network. If not, you’d need to add the MAC addresses of every device you own.
- Nitendo DS MAC Address: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Setup > Option > System Information
- Nintendo 3DS MAC Address: Setting > Internet Settings > Other Information
Remember that despite no one being able to find your network, there’s still some danger, so I highly advise you to use the MAC address filter and make sure you have two networks to work with… I can do this comfortably because I live in a place where there aren’t that many people who are tech-savvy…
And even so, I always reset my settings when I’m done playing!
That's all have fun!
As you can see, the process is really simple, and anyone can do it! Just by changing your DNS, you’ll be ready to experience the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi in 2024 just like the good old days!
And since you can go online, don’t limit yourself to just playing with your friends; there’s a bunch of online content that can’t be accessed anymore, like the GTS in Pokémon Black/White:
Here’s a list of the Best Nintendo DS Online Games you can play today!
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