Nintendo Wi-Fi USB?

[Raye]

I thought about getting this in the past to play online DS games but now that I've read it won't for anything but Windows XP, my decision has been swayed. I find the fact that your computer has to be on in order to use this is pretty energy-consuming at the same time. Is there a better alternative, or should I just get a wireless router?

[ADC]

I thought about getting this in the past to play online DS games but now that I've read it won't for anything but Windows XP, my decision has been swayed. I find the fact that your computer has to be on in order to use this is pretty energy-consuming at the same time. Is there a better alternative, or should I just get a wireless router?
Just get a wireless router, I'd say. Usually you can configure it over a wired connection to get it set up, so you don't have to worry about adding WiFi to your PC.

Just be aware that the DS only supports WEP (tissue-thin encryption) and not WPA 1 or 2 (much stronger), so if you're the kind to get all freaked out about security and whatever, you probably will want to keep your computer on a wired network and either (1) shut off its wireless access or (2) don't add wireless if it doesn't have it. (Truth is, if your neighbors are really that likely to hack your WiFi, the best solution is to MOVE.) And also, do yourself a favor and give your WiFi network a real name and password.

Because if I'm in your neighborhood and I see LINKSYS and PASSWORD, I won't be the one wondering why your connection is so slow. ;)