HTC Desire HD Hotspot with Nintendo DS: Not Compatible for Pokemon

You cannot connect a Nintendo DS/DSi/DSi XL to a phone hotspot for Pokemon online play.

Technical Reasons

• DS Wi-Fi Hardware: 802.11b only (11 Mbps max), no WPA2/AES support — only WEP or open networks.
• Phone Hotspots: Broadcast WPA2/WPA3 — DS cannot authenticate.
• Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (NWC): Shut down May 20, 2014 — official servers gone.
• Game Server Dependency: Pokemon Gen 4/5 (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum/HGSS/Black/White/B2W2) used NWC for GTS, battles, trading.

What Works / Workarounds

1. Local Wireless (No Internet)

• Union Room (Gen 4/5): Two DS systems within 30 ft — trade/battle locally.
• Infrared (HGSS/B2W2): Touch screens together — quick trades.
• DS Download Play: Single cart multiplayer (some games).

2. Fan-Restored Online (Requires CFW / DNS)

• AltWFC / Wiimmfi: Community servers replacing NWC
  • Requires: DS/DSi/3DS with custom firmware OR DNS change (no CFW needed for some).
  • DNS Method: Primary DNS 164.132.44.106 (Wiimmfi) or 172.104.88.237 (AltWFC).
  • Works with retail carts on original hardware.
  • Supports GTS, Battles, Trading, Mystery Gift.
• Setup Guide: wiimmfi.de / altwfc.net.

3. Modern Pokemon Games (3DS/Switch)

• 3DS (XY/ORAS/SM/USUM): Native WPA2 support — works with phone hotspot.
• Switch (SwSh/BDSP/LA/SV): Full modern Wi-Fi — works with any hotspot.
• Pokemon Home: Cloud storage — transfer from Bank (3DS) → Home → modern games.

Recommendation

For Gen 4/5 online: Use Wiimmfi via DNS change on original DS/DSi/3DS. No CFW, no hotspot needed — just change DNS in DS connection settings. For modern play: upgrade to 3DS/Switch.