Mario Kart, Nintendo Wi-Fi Launch

We bet there are maybe three Nintendo DS owners who don't know this already (and they're all being kept in strict isolation), but we have to report it anyway: Mario Kart DS is now in stores. With the arrival of the game Nintendo launches its Wi-Fi service, letting DS gamers compete online via wireless Internet connections.

Mario Kart DS takes the lauded franchise onto Nintendo's dual-screened handheld. Along with online play, the title features more than 30 courses, including classic tracks from Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

Nintendo's Wi-Fi service is accessible via existing wireless connections, via the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, or at hotspots such as Wayport-enabled McDonald's restaurants.

While Mario Kart DS is the first title to go online with the new service, upcoming titles like Animal Crossing: Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters will also support Wi-Fi play.

"Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection removes the barriers that have prevented many mainstream players from going online," said Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime. "We have made the service incredibly simple to use and free at select hotspot locations -- but this is just the beginning."

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