Reggie has given us some more information about how Nintendo DS will work as an online platform.

Reggie was keen to stress that Nintendo did not invent online gaming, but they will re-invent it. With this in mind he emphasised how there will be no additional charges for going online. This means there is no connection charge, be it via wireless hotspots or connecting via a cable, and no monthly charges.

Nintendo are keen to overcome the "overly macho" nature of the online gaming community, and feel that by offering their services for free more gamers will go online. As Reggie said, it is about "control, ease and entertainment."

Reggie stated that there will be two games released by the end of the year that are supported by the online features, Animal Crossing DS and Mario Kart DS. As Reggie said; “We intend for you to be playing Mario Kart DS and Animal Crossing DS, both by DS wireless internet and both by the end of this year”. Activision are also working on a Nintendo DS exclusive version of Tony Hawks. This version will utilise online play by offering players to form worldwide groups, and the DS touch screen will make doing tricks easier.

There are currently twenty five independent publishers working on titles that will utilise the DS's online features, including EA, Ubisoft, Activision and much more.