Airports just got fun

Nintendo UK has confirmed an agreement with the curiously-named Boingo Wireless to provide free Wi-Fi access in a number of major British airports, a move that will also bring Nintendo Zone to the UK for the first time.

This is ideal news for jet-setters who fancy a bit of eShop browsing while waiting for their flight. It's important to note that 3DS consoles will only connect to the relevant network automatically if they have the latest system update.

Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity was one of the major promises made by Nintendo prior to the console's launch, and this is another step towards encouraging gamers to keep their 3DS handy.

No word on when Nintendo Zone will officially launch in the UK or what content it will include, but we'll keep you posted.

Nintendo UK today announces a new deal with Boingo Wireless Inc., offering Nintendo 3DS™ owners free access to Boingo hotspots at some of the UK’s largest airports. Your Nintendo 3DS will automatically connect to Boingo’s network in many of the main airports across the UK, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted as well as Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Connecting your Nintendo 3DS couldn’t be simpler; it will automatically search for and connect to the internet via Boingo’s hotspots, allowing your Nintendo 3DS to engage in SpotPass™ as well as enabling you to browse the internet using the Nintendo 3DS Internet Browser.

The SpotPass feature on Nintendo 3DS allows you to automatically receive a host of exciting content such as 3D videos for Nintendo Video™, notifications, extra content for your software and system updates without lifting a finger. The next time you have a spare moment while waiting to board your flight, why not browse the internet or access the Nintendo eShop? Enjoy looking through, downloading and playing the latest Nintendo 3DS Download Software and classic titles from Virtual Console™ – all available from the Nintendo eShop.

Dawn Paine, Assistant General Manager & Director of Marketing at Nintendo UK says: “Boingo is an excellent partner for Nintendo 3DS owners in the United Kingdom due to an extensive airport Wi-Fi network. This partnership announcement comes at a great time for Nintendo 3DS owners, as the latest System Update has brought in an array of new features and enhancements including 3D video capture. Whether you want to shoot your own mini blockbuster or simply capture your special family moments, you can now record up to ten minutes of 3D video in the palm of your hands.”

Colby Goff, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development at Boingo, added: "Nintendo is a tremendous addition to our list of strategic partners in the UK. Our networks will provide Nintendo 3DS users with seamless connectivity and fast, reliable service to help them make the most of their travel downtime.”

For more information on Nintendo 3DS and SpotPass, visit the official Nintendo 3DS website at www.nintendo3ds.co.uk. For information on performing a system update, visit the Support section at support.nintendo.com.