One Million Unique Users Now Using Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection Service
More than 27 Million Connections have been made around the World
8th March 2006 - Nintendo's wireless gaming service has hit an all- time gaming record of 1 million unique users, in less than four months in operation.
Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection lets Nintendo DS owners log on free* to compete or interact in a variety of games, from racing in Mario Kart DS to community-building in Animal Crossing: Wild World. The 1 millionth user was a player in Japan, who logged on to play Animal Crossing: Wild World.
Laurent Fischer, Marketing Director for Nintendo of Europe commented:
"We are delighted to have experienced such a high take-up of our Wi-Fi Connection service in such a short period of time. The accessibility of the service is a key factor in its success - we have made Wi-Fi gaming simple and affordable to everyone."
This month European gamers will be able to enjoy a number of Wi-Fi enabled games from Nintendo for Nintendo DS. Animal Crossing: Wild World launches across Europe on 31st March and invites players to experience a relaxing second life with friends from all over the world. Tetris DS launches on 21st April and adds a twist to the addictive puzzle game. Up to four players can compete against friends or strangers, near or far, in any of the games multiple modes. Tetris DS also features multiple modes themed with retro Nintendo characters and music. Metroid Prime Hunters, which launches on 5th May, allows players to battle with others around the world using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. This is a riveting first person shooter that lets players choose from a variety of characters and weapons, with extensive replay options.
Click onto www.nintendo-europe-media.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
For further information please contact the Nintendo Press Office team
on 0207 307 3103
Notes to editors:
Users of Nintendo Wi-Fi will be able to access the service completely free* of charge. Whether connecting at home through their existing Wi-Fi broadband connection, at a retail outlet via Nintendo's bespoke download stations, or at one of Nintendo's public access Wi-Fi hotspots, users will not have to pay any additional subscription or connection charges.
*Usual broadband line rental costs apply when accessing the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection at home.
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario® and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda® and Pokémon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy - the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.