Nintendo.com Reveals Details on Wi-Fi Features

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For a decade, fans of Pokémon video games have been entertained by exciting adventures, dramatic battles and hundreds of new Pokémon. Now the record-setting franchise is evolving with Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version, two new games available April 22 for the top-selling Nintendo DS.

The in-depth games feature enhanced graphics that make Pokémon jump off the screen like never before. In addition to the 380 Pokémon available in previous versions, players can collect, train and battle more than 100 new Pokémon. After completing certain objectives, they can also import Pokémon from their Game Boy Advance games. Starting March 18, fans who pre-order a copy of either game will receive one of two collectible Pokémon styluses (retailer may require pre-order deposit).

But the game's wireless abilities are what will have everyone talking - literally. Using a local wireless connection, up to eight trainers can connect and play. Both Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl are fully Wi-Fi compatible, meaning players can log onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's wireless gaming service, and compete with players all around the world. The microphone built into the Nintendo DS even lets players talk with friends before, during and after battles. Only players who have entered one another's Friend Codes can communicate using this Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, feature so players can control with whom they communicate. For kids, it's like having a cell phone that can only connect with their friends. The Nintendo DS Headset, sold separately, makes these conversations a breeze.

"The amazing wireless and voice chat features of Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl offer gamers something completely new," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "We make games for everybody, and these Pokémon titles are sure to be a hit with new and returning players."

Players can trade Pokémon or battle with players anywhere in the world, even without voice communication. The Global Trade Station allows players to post Pokémon they want to trade on a board and browse through Pokémon other players have posted. The Battle Tower allows players to battle with seven Trainers who have registered their player data in the Wi-Fi Battle Dome. After the battle, players can upload their data so other Trainers can battle them virtually. The more games a player wins, the higher his or her ranking.

Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl feature the ability for players to control their Pokédex using the touch screen controls of Nintendo DS. As time passes in the real world, the look of the games changes. The Pokémon characters that appear change, and the evolution of some Pokémon is affected.
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There's nothing really new here, but it kind of sums up all of the Wi-Fi features and a few other things. Also mentions when the pre-orders will, more openly, begin. Presumably that's also the date that PokemonCenter.com and the other official Nintendo stores will start offering to pre-order.

I'm curious as to what they mean by "as time passes in the real world, the look of the games changes." Is it just a reference to the night/day function, or is there something I'm forgetting/haven't heard about?
 
I think it's just a reference to the sun setting.
 
Interesting little article. ^_^

I can see my little brother now:

"OMG I CAME OUT OF THE GYM AND ITS ALL DARK WTF"
 
Good article. Hopefully my Target will have the styluses ready on Sunday...

I am expecting a teaser site to open very soon, as it is usually up around the beginning of the taking of pre-orders.
 
It's good to hear that the Wi-Fi features are being retained in full for the worldwide release.

*is so gonna get smashed on Wi-Fi battles*
 
I'm amused that his name is George Harrison. In addition to being a Beatle, that's also the name of the owner of the comic book shop I used to go to when I lived on the other side of town.

How much do you want to predict that the voice function, secure as it is, will rile the soccer moms?
 
Hell yeah. I mean, heaven forbid your kids will actually hear their voices. But I guess they can argue it'd make them more succeptable to divulging information.
 
"So...*heavy breathing* I heard you like Mudkips..."
 
*insert something about kids arguing about ice cream here*
 
How much do you want to predict that the voice function, secure as it is, will rile the soccer moms?
Click to expand...

To paraphrase Penny Arcade:

"Pedophiles are stalking your children by typing messages into their DS using their phalluses!"

Gotta love news sources these days. "If you don't watch our program, you won't find out how to protect your family, and every child YOU know, will be RAPED AND KILLED! Stay tuned for news at 11 to find out why everything ELECTRONIC is FULL of E-pedophiles!"
 
Not sure if this should go here, but Nintendo.com has updated their DP pages with screenshots (finally). Revealing the English names for a few of the new items and showing a few other things like night/day and the search feature of the Pokedex.
 
They really think kids won't get their hands on worldwide Friend Codes? C'mon!

Site like Pokémon Highway basically require you to have your opponents Friend Code!

I wonder if they'll shut the Wi-Fi leagues down somehow?
 
HA. I knew they wouldn't take out Wi-Fi, that would ruin the game. You guys who don't have DP like me cause I have the Japanese version like some other peoples, trust me, you'll like Wi-Fi, it usually does things fast, and although the talking feature isn't that clear, you can still hear the other voices of other people. Wi-Fi is fun, trust me.
 
Just a question, so excuse my ignorance.

But do you have to use the voice chat option when on WiFi with someone? OK, well obviously you could just sit there in silence, but what I mean is if it has to be on, or if there's an option to turn it off? I'm just curious. I personally hate talking on the phone - I do so much better talking to people in person than over the phone - so I was wondering. XD
 
As I understand from the language of the text, you can WiFi with anyone in the world, but you can only use VoIP for people with whom you have exchanged Friend Codes. Is this true or not?
 
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