Need help figuring out wireless for Wii and DS

[Yuri-G]

Ok, so I feel like this is a really dumb thing to ask for help on, but after googling endlessly, searching all over places like bestbuy.com and ebgames.com, and even hunting all over ebay, I'm still not sure how to get my Wii and DS online without having a wireless network.

I know I can use a USB adapater to generate a wireless signal that uses my computer's broadband, but I can't find a good device to do it. I know I could just buy the official Nintendo device, but that's hard as hell to find since it was discontinued, and I'd rather avoid ebay if I can (though if I have to, I'll do it).

So is there an easier way to find a USB wireless adapter for the Wii and DS than just buying one off of ebay? I've found a ton through google and ebay, but I'm not certain they're going to be compatible or that they're even the right device for the task.

Sorry for asking for help on what should be such an easy problem, but I just want to make sure I get the right device from a reputable source.

[Cephius]

Wait, what? Maybe you confused me but if you don't have a wireless network, you can't buy anything that will let you hook up the Wii or DS to the internet wirelessly. Both of them have internal wireless adapters, why would you need to buy one?

What you need is a wireless router to hook up to your modem. Hook it up, log into it, set up a wireless network, and away you go. Get a WRT54G or whatever Linksys sells these days.

Again... unless I'm missing something here.

[Dmitry]

There was an ethernet-USB adapter for the Wii, but that may have also been discontinued. The only other way that I know of is that Nintendo USB that you mentioned, or anything that could somehow broadcast in Wireless b for the DS (I don't know if the DSi's can use anything higher or not) and I'm not sure but I think the Wii can use Wireless g

[Yuri-G]

@ cephius: I could go that route, but my PC is old as shit and doesn't support wireless, so I think I'd either need a wireless card or a usb wireless adapter for it. Unless I'm missing something, which considering my knowledge of the subject, I could be.

What I'm looking for is a usb device that takes my computer's broadband connection and converts it into a wireless signal. Something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/New-USB-Wifi-Wir...item5ad617c138

which I might just have to go for. it looks cheap and shady, but the seller has some stellar feedback, so I'm sure it's fine. I just hate using ebay since it takes forever... hmm, maybe amazon would be a better option. I'll check on that.

[Yuri-G]

There was an ethernet-USB adapter for the Wii, but that may have also been discontinued. The only other way that I know of is that Nintendo USB that you mentioned, or anything that could somehow broadcast in Wireless b for the DS (I don't know if the DSi's can use anything higher or not) and I'm not sure but I think the Wii can use Wireless g

yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking of. I was just hoping someone was familiar with this stuff and would know of a particular device they could recommend. I might just have to take the amazon plunge, though, which I guess is fine. certainly better than dealing with ebay, if a bit more expensive at times.

edit: fucking hell, this is the first time amazon has ever failed me. all I found were devices that did the opposite of what I want - convert an already existing wireless signal into something your computer can use if it's not wi-fi compatible. that is literally the opposite of what I want to do, lol

guess I might be taking the ebay plunge, unless anyone has any better options?

edit: I just went with a seller on ebay that had really high ratings, hopefully his product will work. thanks for your help though!

[toonces]

with wireless routers you can still hooked up directcly via cable. (kinda gonna have to set up the wireless anyways).

So your old PC is via cable, Wii + DS via wifi. Just a tiny router upgrade. That USB thing could be helpful if you find it, but thinking ahead (If you get a PS3, psp, xbox). You better off buying a router.

[Yuri-G]

haha, goddamnit, I didn't know you could do that with wireless routers. and now it's too late.

oh well, the usb thingy I bought says it works with PS3 anyway, if I ever get one. so I guess I'm alright.

[Cephius]

Yeah... a wireless router doesn't preclude you from hooking up via an ethernet cable. In fact, most wireless routers usually come with 4 physical ethernet ports on it, making it easier to hook up multiple devices (along with enabling a wireless network) which was why I suggested it to you

[Dmitry]

Sorry Yuri, I wish I'd have checked back sooner to let you know that you can have a wired connection with wireless routers.

[Yuri-G]

thanks anyway, I'll keep this wi-fi access point deal until my PC dies, so I'm sure I'll get my money's worth out of it.

[toonces]

well the bright side is, this usb access point things are easy no? Is like tell the system you gonna use it, press a button and done?

[Dmitry]

You should be able to just plug it in and maybe install software if it comes with any or prompts when plugging it in, but other than that should be just plug and play.