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Some Leipzig DS Online News - DS

An interview with Jim Merrick (Nintendo-Europe) at the German Game Convention has revealed some rather large morsels of information about the Wi-Fi service.

- Developers will have wide latitude to develop their own online architecture and fee schedule (if desired). Overheads can be very low (as in the case of Mario Kart DS) or may require more financial commitment from a developer

- Nintendo will not charge developers for match-making services. Match-making will use a "Buddy list" system, and you can add buddies locally or via the online connection.

- There's no password authentication required by Nintendo

- Duplicate usernames will be allowed, but are used only for display.

- You will be able to restrict your game sessions by skill level or buddy list. To play rounds with friends you use a context-sensitive menu created by the developers inside the game. This is rather than having to go through an external buddy menu.

- The launch of the DS online service will be simultaneous, worldwide. Nintendo is in discussions with retailers about the availability of hotspots in their stores.

- Online play will not affect graphical performance of your game. Mario Kart, Tony Hawk, Animal Crossing and the "Ultimate" series (Ultimate Card Games, etc.) are slated to use the online service initially... followed by other projects that have not yet been announced!

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