Nintendo and BT Openzone have today announced the roll out of over 600 BT Openzone/Nintendo Wi-Fi connection hotspots to retailers across the UK and Ireland.

The hotspots will mean Nintendo DS gamers will be able to play with other gamers over a wireless connection for free.

Over 500 of the Wi-Fi enabled stores will also offer anyone the chance to download playable demos of current and upcoming Nintendo DS titles via Nintendo DS "Download Stations" attached to their Nintendo DS interactive units - again absolutely free.

The company hopes that the all 607 stores will go live by summer 2006.

BT Openzone/Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots and Nintendo DS "Download Stations" will be located in GAME, Gamestation, HMV, Toys R US, Smyths Toys and other selected independent retailers across the UK and Ireland.

To access the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service all you need to do is walk into a store with your Nintendo DS console and any Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection compatible game, turn on your console and choose the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection option from the game's main menu.

Earlier this month Nintendo boasted that its wireless gaming service has over one million unique users, in less than 4 months.

>> Nintendo - Official website of Nintendo