Start Your Engines

Only a week left until Mario Kart DS is officially released in Australia, and Aussie Nintendo has released some awesome new info for the game. But firstly, it seems my previous list of "confirmed" MKDS unlockable characters were... not confirmed. Apparantly it has not been revealed that Koopa, Toadette and Petey will be playable characters in the game. The only confirmed player is R.O.B, as seen the screenshot below:



Argh, stoopid robot, this guy has to be the only Nintendo invention I dislike. And if he's in the game when Toadette's kicked out... ah well, 36 available karts makes up for the disappointment... kinda. Alright, on to some positive news.

I'm sure you've all seen the final cover boxart for Mario Kart DS, and now the back cover has been revealed. Picture courtesy of aussie-nintendo.com:



Aussie Nintendo have been kind enough to clear up some confusion regarding the DS and its Wi-Fi connection, this page is a useful resource for anyone having doubts on how to cnnect and play online.

http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/content/news_archives/ds.php?subaction=showfull&id=1131554079&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2

Summing up the article:

- The first Wi-Fi game ,Tony Hawk DS will be released on the 16th of November, Mario Kart launching a day later.
- Currently there are two ways to play online for Australian DS gamers. The first is to setup a connection with a home wireless router. Simply follow instructions on the DS and players can be connected in minutes. The second is to purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi adaptor.
- The adaptor is available from Nintendo, on 1300 362 746 (Nintendo Australia). The cost is $49.95, but comes with free shipping for Australians. Payments methods are credit card, money order or cheque.
- You can purchase and pay for the adaptor prior to the 17th, but no orders will be processed before that date.
- Currently, nintendowifi.com is only available to American gamers to share their high scores and discuss Wi-Fi gaming, though the service will be made available for Aussies in the distant future.
- Nintendo.com.au will be having updates regarding Wi-Fi and Mario Kart DS next week, so stay tuned for more details.