Japanese firm Nintendo has announced plans to launch a free wireless Nintendo DS online gaming service.

The service, dubbed Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, will launch in the US on November 14.

"For the first time, characters from the Nintendo universe will be playable online, as part of a unique wireless community, accessible inside or outside the home," Nintendo said in a statement.

Nintendo DS games like Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing: Wild World and Metroid Prime Hunters will require no additional charge for online play. Each is scheduled to launch in the coming months, along with the first third-party title using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Activision's Tony Hawk's American SK8Land, developed by Vicarious Visions.

From home, if the user already has a Wi-Fi network, the Nintendo DS unit will connect directly to it with minimal setup procedures. Those who have a high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL, but no wireless network, can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, sold separately, that will plug into a computer USB port to create a wireless access point to connect to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Outside of the home, players will be able to connect in a variety of ways, including at thousands of free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots nationwide.

"Nintendo has taken the online video gaming model and rewritten the definition of community," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing.

"With easy setup and no added service fees, players far and wide will log in and play with one another as easily as if they were sitting in the same room."

Mario Kart DS will support online multiplayer for up to four players via Wi-Fi. Players can pick opponents from a roster of friends, match against unknown users, or compete against players with comparable skills. Mario Kart DS launches on November 14.

In Animal Crossing: Wild World, players can travel to other player's towns or invite up to three players to visit their town. Wild World is set for launch on December 5.