Few Wi-Fi adapters could do this under Windows at the time of the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector release as Windows lacked both the software necessary to configure a soft AP and capable drivers natively supported by hardware. This differentiated the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector from most other Wi-Fi adapters as it could operate as a software access point (also referred to as a soft AP).

The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is a re-branded Buffalo WLI-U2-KG54-YB (although this is often confused for the Buffalo WLI-U2-KG54-AI - the two adapters are almost identical, and only differ in that the latter features flash memory to allow for auto installation) based on the Ralink RT2570 chipset.

On September 9, 2005, Nintendo announced the Nintendo Wi-Fi Network Adapter, an 802.11g wireless router/ bridge which serves a similar purpose.

According to the official Nintendo website, the product was the best-selling Nintendo accessory to date on 15 November 2007, but was discontinued in the same month. When inserted into the host PC's USB port, the connector functions with the Nintendo DS, Wii, DSi and 3DS, permitting the user to connect to the Internet and play Nintendo games that require a Wi-Fi connection and access various other online services. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector is a wireless game adapter, developed by Nintendo and Buffalo Technology, which allows the Nintendo DS, Wii and 3DS users without a Wi-Fi connection or compatible Wi-Fi network to establish an Internet connection via a broadband-connected PC.

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