Does Nintendo DSi Work with a Non-Wireless Router? Only With a Bridge

The DSi only connects via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g). It has no Ethernet port. If your router is wired-only (no Wi-Fi radio), the DSi cannot connect directly.

Workarounds

• Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector (discontinued): Plugged into a PC with internet; created a soft AP for DS/DSi. Hard to find, driver issues on modern Windows.
• Travel router / Wi-Fi bridge: Plug a cheap travel router (GL.iNet, TP-Link TL-WR902AC) into the wired LAN → broadcasts Wi-Fi for DSi.
• Phone hotspot: Enable hotspot on phone (2.4 GHz band only—DSi doesn't support 5 GHz). Watch data.
• Laptop ICS (Internet Connection Sharing): Share Ethernet via Wi-Fi adapter (Windows: Mobile Hotspot; macOS: Internet Sharing). Set to 2.4 GHz, WPA2/AES.

Best cheap fix: $15–$20 travel router in AP mode. Plug into wall + Ethernet, done.