Nintendo Warns Customers to Stop Using Its Wi-Fi USB Connector/Wi-Fi Network Adapter

We see newer and newer technology appear every day, and the older tech has to pave the way for them. Although there is a sense of nostalgia that goes away when support for older hardware is stopped, sometimes it is necessary due to safety concerns.  

This is the case with Nintendo, as it has warned customers to stop using the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector and the (Japan-only) Wi-Fi Network Adapter due to concerns over the users’ safety. 

“Request to discontinue use of” Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector “and” Nintendo Wi-Fi Network Adapter “” has been posted.

Twitter Translate, English Translation

The two devices were released in 2005 and 2008, respectively, and allowed users to establish a Wi-Fi connection to their DS system or Wii via a broadband-connected PC. The devices allowed those without a Wi-Fi connection or compatible network to get their consoles online. 

Nintendo Warns Customers To Stop Using Its Wi-Fi USB Connector/Wi-Fi Network Adapter
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector and Wi-Fi Network Adapter

These devices were very handy in an era when Wi-Fi wasn’t as prevalent as it is today, and many homes still relied on Ethernet connections. The USB devices were plugged into a PC with broadband internet, and the Nintendo Wii and DS consoles could connect to the internet via the adapter.  

Nintendo posted the statement on its Japanese website where the company states that- 

If you continue to use these devices, there is a risk of unauthorized access from the outside or infection of the connected terminal with a computer virus. For security protection, we ask that customers who are currently using the product stop using it immediately and switch to a commercially available network device. 

Nintendo
Nintendo Warns Customers To Stop Using Its Wi-Fi USB Connector/Wi-Fi Network Adapter
Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector and Wi-Fi Network Adapter

The Wi-Fi USB Connector and Wi-Fi Network Adapter for the Wii and DS use the WEP security protocol, which has long since been surpassed by WPA, WPA2, and the latest WPA3. WEP has several known security issues, can be easily hacked, and could result in an unexpected security breach for Nintendo Wii and DS owners. 

The USB Connector stopped being shipped by Nintendo in 2010, and the Adapter received the same treatment in 2013. It’s therefore unlikely that many people are still using the two accessories, as most will have already moved on to newer and safer technology.  

Therefore for users still attached to their Wi-Fi Wii or DS dongles, unfortunately, it’s probably time to say goodbye. 

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About Nintendo

Nintendo is a Japanese video game and electronic company. They are well-known throughout the world for rolling out best-selling consoles and games.

Game Boy, Wii, and Nintendo Switch, etc., are some of the consoles that Nintendo is credited for. They are also applauded for making gems like Mario, Pokemon, The Legend of Zelda, etc.

From rich finances to high honors, Nintendo has it all!

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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