Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (WFC) was a free online service run by Nintendo. Several Nintendo DS and Wii games utilized the service for purposes of online multiplayer. The user merely required a wireless internet connection to connect with either system. It closed on May 20th, 2014, but it is still possible to download contents from the virtual shop.

Friend Codes

The service used "Friend Codes". These were 12- to 16-digit numbers that were swapped between players in order to add each other to their friend lists within the games. In most games on the service, the only way to reliably play with a certain person was to do this. Many games also came with an "Anyone" mode which allowed the player to play with anyone who was connected, usually without functions that were present in Friend Code play (such as voice chat).

Zelda Games Utilizing the Service

Phantom Hourglass was the only game in The Legend of Zelda series to use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The purpose of the WFC in Phantom Hourglasswas to use the game's multiplayer mode, with another player.

Criticisms

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection was often criticized because of it lacks of many features which have become common and even expected in an online service. Features such as voice chatting were present in very few games, and the necessity of Friend Codes (as opposed to merely asking someone on a game a player has played to be added to their list) was regarded by many as a poor decision on Nintendo's part.

Names in Other Regions
Language		Name
	French	Connexion Wi-Fi Nintendo
	SpanishLA	Conexión Wi-Fi de Nintendo