May 12^th, 2005 (2:05am) - Speaking to Japanese website Game Watch, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has revealed some new information regarding the Nintendo DS’ Wi-Fi capabilities. Iwata-san confirmed that Nintendo’s dual-screened handheld will indeed be able to connect wireless to the company’s upcoming next-gen console, codenamed Revolution.

Unlike the typical Nintendo we know, which often withholds all information until their E3 press conference, Iwata-san shed some light on how the company will support the DS’ online service. For starters, he mentioned that 1,000 Wi-Fi hot spots are being set up across Japan to support the service. Like stated previously, the service will be free for all DS owners and will not require any additional hardware. In addition, there will be no need to adjust any type of software or hardware configurations. However, those DS owners who will want to play the DS online at home will have to adjust their setting appropriately. Thankfully, Iwata has said that this will not be a difficult task, and will be even less of a hassle if using a router approved by Nintendo itself.

While Nintendo has said repeatedly that it will not charge users any type of fee for its online game services, the company has revealed that third-party publishers will have the option to charge fees for online RPGs and for downloading additional game content.

We hope to shed some light on Nintendo’s online plans next week during the company’s Pre-E3 press conference.