Nintendo DS Wi-Fi: No External Ports—Built-In 802.11b/g Chip Only

The Nintendo DS (all models) has **no external Wi-Fi ports**. It uses an **internal 802.11b Wi-Fi radio** (DS Phat/Lite) or **802.11b/g** (DSi/3DS family) soldered to the motherboard.

Connection Details

• Antenna: Integrated into hinge (Phat/Lite) or chassis (DSi/3DS).
• Security: WEP, WPA-PSK (TKIP), WPA2-PSK (AES) — **no WPA3, no Enterprise (802.1X)**.
• Configuration: System Settings → Internet → Connection Settings → Search for Access Point / AOSS / Manual.
• WFC (Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection): **Shut down May 20, 2014.** Official online play (Mario Kart DS, Pokémon, etc.) **no longer works** on original servers.

Modern Online Play

• AltWFC / Wiimmfi: Community-run replacement servers. Requires DNS patch (auto via Wiimmfi Patcher homebrew) or custom firmware (TWiLight Menu++, HiyaCFW). Restores Mario Kart DS, Pokémon Gen 4/5, Animal Crossing WW/CF, etc.
• Local Wireless (Ad-Hoc): Still works DS-to-DS / DS-to-3DS for multiplayer (PictoChat, Download Play, local trade/battle).

No USB/Ethernet dongle works. The DS has no host USB port (only client for Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector — discontinued, WinXP only).