Nintendo of America

support.nintendo.com

Choosing a Wireless Router

The Wii is designed to be compatible with most home wireless routers and security standards. While we do not have a list of specific supported routers, checking for the following features on a router can help ensure you pick one that is compatible with the Wii. Remember that you must have a highspeed Cable or DSL internet connection in order to connect your Wii online.

What to look for:

  • 802.11G/ 802.11B (or mixed)
    Most routers currently sold offer these settings. Check the box to make sure the router supports these broadcast standards. Routers that mention 802.11N or pre-N (as well MIMO) may not be compatible with the Wii.

  • WEP and WPA/WPA2 encryption
    The Wii is compatible with WEP, WPA and WPA2 encryption methods if you wish to enable wireless security on your router.

    There are several different WPA variations. The Wii is compatible with:

    • WPA - PSK (TKIP)
    • WPA - PSK (AES)
    • WPA2 - PSK (AES)

Have a particular router in mind? Click here for a list of routers Nintendo has determined are likely to not be compatible with the Wii.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Requirements to Connect the Wii Console Online with a Wired Connection

In order to connect the Wii console online with a wired connection, you will need the following:

  • A Wii LAN Adapter (where to buy)
  • An active broadband internet connection, such as DSL or Cable.
  • A compatible Internet Service Provider (ISP). Some ISPs require a sign-in every time you connect online, or are otherwise incompatible. Contact your ISP for more information.
  • Either a cable modem or wired router with an available ethernet port. (DSL users: while some DSL modems may be compatible, our experience has shown that many are not. We recommend using a router.)
  • An ethernet cable.

If you have all the required items, click here for step-by-step connection assistance.

Please note that the Wii console is capable of a wireless connection without the need for any additional accessories. If you have a router, check to see if it is wireless or not (wireless routers usually have a visible antennae). For more information on setting up a connection with a wireless router, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchasing the Wii LAN Adapter

The Wii LAN Adapter is available only through Nintendo.

Residents of the U.S. and Canada can purchase the Wii LAN Adapter from:

  • Nintendo's Online Store - you can use a Visa or MasterCard, or print out a mail-in form and send in a check or money order. Click here to proceed.
  • Call our Consumer Service Department at 1-800-255-3700 to order over the phone with a Visa or MasterCard.
If you live outside of the U.S. and Canada, please consult your local or online retail stores for information on ordering the Wii LAN Adapter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting online using the

Wii LAN Adapter

    Please click here for step-by-step connection information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting the Wii LAN Adapter

  1. Make sure you are using the Wii LAN Adapter made by Nintendo, which is gray with the Nintendo logo molded into the plastic, and has the model number RVL 015. LAN adapters not made by Nintendo likely will not work with the Wii console.

  2. Are you receiving an error code? If so, click here and enter the number to look up any available information for that specific error code.

  3. Make sure you are using a "broadband" internet connection, such as high speed cable or DSL. Slower connection types, such as dial-up, may not work properly with the Wii console. If you are unsure what type of connection you have, please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for more information

  4. It is possible that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is not compatible with the Wii console. For instance, if you need to login with a user name and password when you try to go online for the first time after restarting your PC, your ISP is likely not compatible. Please contact your service provider for more information.

  5. Your access point (wired router, broadband modem*) may have certain firewall settings that are preventing a successful connection. Please review our firewall information by clicking here.

    *DSL users: while some DSL modems may be compatible, our experience has shown that many are not. We recommend using a router.