What Do You Need to Get Internet on Your DSi?

Broadband Internet Service

• Getting an account with a broadband Internet service provider (ISP) is the first step to connecting your DSi to the Internet. Any broadband connection -- cable modem, DSL or wireless broadband -- will work. For wired Internet connections, the modem or cable box connects to your wireless router to provide service to handheld devices such as the DSi.

Wireless Router or Hotspot

• A wireless router or hot spot is necessary for connecting the DSi to the Internet service. The router connects to the Internet and deploys data over a Wi-Fi network to capable devices. The wireless router's security settings must be correctly configured to enable connection with the DSi. Since every router's settings differ by brand and model, a guide with many router settings is available on Nintendo's support site.

  If you are using a connection at an outside location, such as a hotel or coffee shop, a wireless hot spot will take the router's place, and no additional setup (beyond purchasing Internet access, if necessary) is required.

DSi Setup

• The DSi's wireless Internet settings need to be correctly configured. In the "System Settings" menu (accessed through the DSi's main menu screen), tap the "Internet" button on the third tab, then tap "Connection Settings." Tap "None" to the right of "Connection 1," then tap "Search for an Access Point." The DSi will scan for nearby wireless connections or hot spots and prompt for a login and password, if needed.

Nintendo DSi Browser

• The Nintendo DSi Browser is installed by default on most DSi models and is the only program available that can browse Internet websites. If your DSi doesn't have the program pre-installed, it can be downloaded from the Nintendo DSi Shop, which is accessed from the DSi's main menu screen.