Nintendo's DS-accessible Fan Network now free at Safeco Field

Nearly a year after the innovative (albeit not-entirely-practical) Nintendo Fan Network went live at Safeco Field in Seattle, the powers that be have decided to nix those pesky access fees and give every DS-toting guest access gratis. That's right, folks who show up to catch a Mariners game can now check out other MLB scores, dig deep within player stats, order up grossly overpriced grub and even watch a terribly pixelated version of the game they're currently at without handing over one red cent. The nosebleed section never had so much potential.

[Via Joystiq]

[bartoron @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:02AM]

"If Ichiro gets a hit, we'll play Mario Kart DS. If he doesn't get a hit, we'll play Pokemon Diamond."

[Rocketboy @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:19AM]

It looks like the pointless snark alert is on red for this article.

[jimmy @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:22AM]

video isn't very useful at a live game, but if they could stream the local radio station's commentary, that would be pretty awesome.

[lou @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:06AM]

live vdieo isn't but if they offer user controllable live replays, pitch count, match up highlights(pitcher v. batter, that kind of stuff would be cool, and painful to the server.

[Ray @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:42AM]

I did this back when it was new and I think it's cool. They video is useless for watching the actual game, but I always get the crappy seats where you can't see the Jumbotron so I use my DS to play the Hat game and Speedboat race, lol.

[shanoboy @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:23AM]

Damn, I wish we could get this at every ball park. This is freaking awesome!

I wouldn't feel like such a loser being 25 year old carrying around the same videogames you see 5 year olds toting around all the time!

[Ivan @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:48AM]

ewww thats an OLD DS! ewww

[bartoron @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:58AM]

It's not old, it's retro. ;D

[FrankTheCrank @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:15AM]

DS phat...ha ha. That's so 2004.

[NHAnimator @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:53AM]

Not sure about the "Fan Network Games" icon. I can see someone playing My Virtual Ichiro and getting bonked by a foul ball because they WEREN'T PAYING ATTENTION.

I'm all for taking personal responsibility. But when a ballpark invites you to "come on in, have a seat, and then stare into your lap", you gotta wonder.

[Munkcy @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:04AM]

I don't see the full point of having the game broadcast on the DS when you're already sitting at the game. But I do see some benefit in having the DS display real time stat updates on players currently in the game. A player comes up to bat and your DS would display his lifetime results against the current pitcher. Maybe even a screen that shows the pitch location of the pitches during that at bat.

I also agree that streaming a local radio stations broadcast of the game would be more useful than streaming the video of the game.

[Ivan @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:14AM]

i can even see like a 'predictify' type of program or game that lets you predict the next pitch...would love for them to spread the love around the mlb though....

[anabouboula @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:51AM]

Take that Apple!

[beisbol42 @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:51AM]

Don't count out Apple so quickly...www.vividskyco.com

I believe these guys are with the Cardinals this season.

[01 @ Apr 23rd 2008 6:49PM]

Right...because Apple and Nintendo are in so much competition...

[nathan.wong @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:10PM]

Awesome!

[DAK @ Apr 23rd 2008 12:48PM]

DAK
Apr 23rd 2008
2:07AMI used this tonight for the first time since its now free and as a free service, its really really good. It detects the network rather quickly, goes into sleep mode, and the quality of the video is really impressive and the delay is maybe 3 seconds, just enough to whip out the DS after a questionable play to see the video footage.

I am very impressed with this service along with the fact that you can have friends from around the stadium on this network and updates from around the league, traffic information, order food, and even find out where certain concession stands are.

For a free service, this is amazing, for $5 like it was before, it's pretty good.

[Vexorg @ Apr 23rd 2008 1:16PM]

I've actually got a ticket to the Mariners game on Saturday, so I'll have to make sure to bring my DS and check this out.

[YoMomma @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:43PM]

does iit work with my homebrewed PSP?

[oki @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:52PM]

This thing is really great! i just used it on opening game. having the big screen behind my head but haivng the ds showing the same image was really nice