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[StreetsAhead]

App is coming to Docomo Android smart phones & tablets from tomorrow (via the Google Play Store) to allow 3DS to connect online via the mobile network. App is free and will apparently allow customers who have never used tethering before to set up the process easily. Will make use of the WPS protocol.

Compatible models:
Smartphone
Galaxy S5 SC-04F (On sale May 15th)
Xperia (tm) Z2 SO-03F (On sale May 21st)
AQUOS ZETA SH-04F (On sale May 23rd)
ARROWS NX F-05F (On sale end of May)
Xperia (tm) A2 SO-04F (On sale mid-June)

Tablets
AQUOS PAD SH-06F (On sale mid-June)
Xperia (tm) Z2 Tablet SO-05F (On sale end of June)

*Compatible models will be expanded over time.

Release Date: May 15th, 2014
Cost: Free
Compatible Systems: 3DS OG, 3DS XL (Note: 2DS is not available in Japan)

[/IMG]

For people who download and use the software (and then complete a survey) Nintendo will offer an un-specified VC game for the 3DS via download code. Survey to be available from early July to September 30th, 2014.

Link: http://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2014/140514.html
http://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/2014/140514_2.html

 

[Tripon]

Seems like its only related to Domoco as well. Hope to see it expanded to the U.S. and Europe carriers.

Come on T-mobile, be the first ones to do this!

 

[Sgt.McTigerbuns]

Don't know if I'd really use it if it came West. Still pretty cool.

 

[InfiniteNine]

Seems like its only related to Domoco as well. Hope to see it expanded to the U.S. and Europe carriers.

Come on T-mobile, be the first ones to do this!

Can't you just use the mobile hotspot app on the phone for that?

 

[killatopak]

My phone's kinda old now. I hope they still support SGSIII.

 

[Tripon]

Can't you just use the mobile hotspot app on the phone for that?

Yeah, but the app allows me to just say to them, just download that and click on it vs trying to explain how to do it in five minutes, get frustrated, grab their phones and 3DS', and do it for them.

 

[Azure Dream]

Hey, now this is actually a thing. Not that it's extraordinarily hard to set up tethering on the average smart phone, but still.

 

[Persona7]

WPS? I thought that was really insecure.

 

[GulAtiCa]

Neat. Would it bypass the phone's normal tendency to try to block that? Cause, correct me if I'm wrong, but done some android phones, depending on carrier in NA, have to be rooted to even do do tethering?

If this could make it so I can play 3DS games on the go without paying Verizon extra or rooting my phone, that be great. Assuming I don't need to do either right now

 

[SolsticeZero]

WPS? I thought that was really insecure.

It can be if someone is searching at the same time you are. I never liked WPS myself.

 

[cafemomo]

Sony at the forefront of bringing east connectivity to the 3DS

 

[tim_pkmn89]

Neat. Would it bypass the phone's normal tendency to try to block that? Cause, correct me if I'm wrong, but done some android phones, depending on carrier in NA, have to be rooted to even do do tethering?

If this could make it so I can play 3DS games on the go without paying Verizon extra or rooting my phone, that be great. Assuming I don't need to do either right now

The app is being produced for only one carrier's phones (Docomo), so I'd say it's still restricted.

 

[Elija2]

How well does online even work over mobile networks? Does it use up much data?

 

[watershed]

That's cool for Japanese gamers but it seems like something so small and easy that Nintendo should have made this app years ago. But better late than never I guess.

 

[bobbytkc]

I fail to see any point. Practically all phones can do tethering to just about any other device already, with or without Nintendo support.

 

[Garou]

WPS? I thought that was really insecure.

You are thinking of WEP, WPS is just for device discovery.

 

[StreetsAhead]

How well does online even work over mobile networks? Does it use up much data?

In Japan coverage is generally pretty good & fast, especially in the highest populated areas. I only ever lose coverage up in the mountians and even then that's uncommon.

 

[DragonSworne]

I fail to see any point. Practically all phones can do tethering to just about any other device already, with or without Nintendo support.

Spyware maybe? Gather data about consumers who download the app?

 

[Persona7]

You are thinking of WEP, WPS is just for device discovery.

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2011/12/new-tools-bypass-wireless-router-security/

http://www.netstumbler.com/2013/01/18/wi-fi-security-the-rise-and-fall-of-wps/

http://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/723755

 

[StreetsAhead]

Spyware maybe? Gather data about consumers who download the app?

Nintendo already collects data about how users play with Wii U & 3DS, which iirc, is an opt-in system. Maybe they'll do the same if they're interested in collecting data on this.

 

[clay_ghost]

Will download if this come to the west for the free VC game.

 

[KHlover]

I hope this comes to Europe too some time *_*

 

[Celeryface]

On my last two Nexus phones, I've tethered them to my 3DS for online play to downloading games from the eShop. Is this not available for all Android phones, or is this app a way to make it easier to do so?

 

[jwk94]

Neat. Would it bypass the phone's normal tendency to try to block that? Cause, correct me if I'm wrong, but done some android phones, depending on carrier in NA, have to be rooted to even do do tethering?

If this could make it so I can play 3DS games on the go without paying Verizon extra or rooting my phone, that be great. Assuming I don't need to do either right now

Nah, that was made illegal I think? Basically carriers can't block tethering anymore. I tethered my vita to my phone to download Jetpack Joyride when that came out.

 

[FrostuTheNinja]

Cool for the people who'd make use of it. Maybe I'll change my mind when Smash comes out.

 

[sonikokaruto]

I hope this comes to Europe too some time *_*

why?

you can already do this, already.

Just WHY!?

 

[L~A]

Yeah, you don't need this app for tethering, but setting up tethering is actually quite easy.

 

[Crimsonclaw111]

On Xperia phones? A conspiracy I tells ya.

 

[L~A]

List of free games you can chose from (until September 30):

Source