Connecting Nintendo DSi to WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi: Only WEP Supported Natively

The Nintendo DSi and DSi XL only support WEP encryption. They cannot connect to WPA or WPA2 networks natively.

Workarounds

1. Create a WEP Hotspot (Easiest)

Use a smartphone, laptop, or travel router to create a WEP-secured hotspot bridged from your main WPA network. Connect the DSi to this hotspot.

• Warning: WEP is insecure. Only use in trusted environments; disable when done.

2. Change Router to WEP (Not Recommended)

Downgrade your main router's security to WEP. This exposes your entire network to trivial cracking. Strongly discouraged.

3. Third-Party Wi-Fi Adapters

Some homebrew-compatible adapters (e.g., certain R4i/RTS cards with Wi-Fi) claim WPA support via custom firmware, but these are unofficial, complex, and may violate terms of service.

Best Long-Term Solution

Upgrade to a Nintendo 3DS/2DS or Switch—both support modern WPA2/WPA3 security natively and play DS games via backward compatibility.