Nintendo with those fries?

October 18, 2005

Nintendo players can now get free WiFi with their fries at McDonald's.
The company announced Tuesday an agreement with Wayport, a provider of wired and WiFi high-speed Internet access in public locations, to extend WiFi service to Nintendo DS handheld games console users at nearly 6,000 McDonald's restaurants across the United States.

Through the agreement with Wayport, Nintendo will offer complimentary access to the Nintendo WiFi Connection, the videogame giant's new wireless gaming service that goes online Nov. 14.

"This agreement with Wayport will bring countless people together to play games in a single, simultaneous wireless community," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "Nintendo WiFi Connection is simple to use. Beginning with free access at participating McDonald's, we have removed one of the major barriers that have kept people from going online to play games."

Wayport CEO Dave Vucina said, "By enabling Nintendo DS customers to access Nintendo WiFi Connection via our WiFi World network and business model at McDonald's, we are continuing to drive more customers to the restaurants we serve and increase the relevancy of WiFi to a broader customer base."

He added, "Nintendo is a pioneer in providing a new way for their customers to play the games they want to while away from home or the office, and McDonald's is the perfect venue based on their ubiquity and accessibility."

Copyright 2005 by United Press International