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[size=2]Nintendo has joined forces with McDonald’s to offer free wireless internet access in the US for its DS handheld games console. [/size] [size=2]The service means McDonald’s customers will be able to play selected DS titles against other gamers around the globe. [/size]
[size=2]Rivals Sony and Microsoft already offer online gaming on their game consoles. [/size]
[size=2]Nintendo’s online gaming service, is due to be launched in the US on 14 November, followed by Europe on the 25 November. [/size]
[size=2]‘Removing barriers’ [/size]
[size=2]McDonald’s already offers wireless internet access in many US restaurants, but charges a fee. [/size]
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Nintendo DS competitor, Sony’s PSP, offers wireless online play
The access points are being supplied by US firm Wayport, which will receive an undisclosed sum from Nintendo. [/size]
[size=2]“This agreement with Wayport will bring countless people together to play games in a single, simultaneous wireless community,” said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales and marketing. [/size]
[size=2]“Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is simple to use. Beginning with free access at participating McDonald’s, we have removed one of the major barriers that have kept people from going online to play games.” [/size]
[size=2]The first online games, Mario Kart DS and Tony Hawk’s American SK8Land, are due to be released next month. [/size]
[size=2]Two more games, Animal Crossing: Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters, are due to be available by the end of the year. [/size]
[size=2]In its statement, Nintendo said that its forthcoming next-generation game console, set for release in 2006, would also connect to the online gaming service.[/size]
[url=“BBC NEWS | Technology | Nintendo in McDonald's wi-fi deal”]
[center]http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4353480.stm
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