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Broadband gaming

Our Broadband Expert says...

Dear Jonathon, a Nintendo Wii can be great fun, especially with the option to play online against your friends and other gamers around the world. By connecting Wii to the internet you can benefit from downloadable Virtual Console games via the Wii Shop Channel, news and weather updates in the News and Forecast Channels, and messaging functions in the Wii Message Board.

My guide to online gaming should help answer all your questions:

Online gaming

For those who have a passion for gaming, a broadband connection can provide an opportunity to play against anyone in the world - “networked gaming”. The Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 consoles all allow for network gaming.

Network gaming can comprise of anything from teaming up to fight evil in games such as Call of Duty 4, or hijack cars in digital simulations of real environments like Grand Theft Auto 4. Online communities are nurtured through multi-player gaming, linking gamers across the globe.

There is nothing more frustrating than having a slow connection when playing online games though, so it is important that you choose a broadband package that suits you.

What do I need to get my Wii online?

If you want to be able to play Wii online you will need:

1. A broadband internet connection. This can be ADSL (phone line), cable or fibre optic. For more information about your connection type, please contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

2. The Wii console must be able to access your broadband connection. This can be accomplished in one of three ways:

A wireless router (recommended) - The Wii is compatible with most wireless routers and their security features.

Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector - Originally released for the Nintendo DS, the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector inserts into a USB port on a PC and creates a wireless access point for your Nintendo DS or Wii. However for this to work you must have either Windows XP or Windows Vista.

A wired router using the Wii LAN Adapter - If you have a wired router, the Wii LAN Adapter can be used to enable an ethernet connection from your wired router to the USB ports on the Wii console. This is sold separately, and can be bought online.

What you need from a broadband package for playing games online

If you’re choosing a broadband package suitable for online gaming, there are a few key things you need to look for:

• Fast download speed

• Unlimited downloads or a very high download allowance

• Fast upload speed

• Reliable connection

• Low latency and pings

• A compatible modem or router

Read this article to find out more on choosing a broadband package for online gaming.

Broadband packages for gaming

There is nothing more frustrating than having a slow connection when trying to play online with your Wii, Xbox 360, or PlayStation 3.

Here I’ve listed some of the broadband packages that are ideal for playing games over the internet, as well as their connection details:

Be Unlimited and Be Pro are packages from provider Be Broadband (www.bethere.co.uk) that both offer a download speed of 24Mbps, a free wireless router and unlimited usage.

The only difference between the two packages, bar the price, is the upload speeds. Be Unlimited gives an upload speed of 1.3Mbps and costs £18 a month, while Be Pro is £22 a month and has a faster upload speed of 2.5Mbps.

My opinion is, if you’re going to be doing a lot of online gaming, opt for Be Pro – it’s only £4 more expensive a month and with a faster upload speed, the lag time between your and your opponents’ moves/play will be less, providing a more compelling and less frustrating gaming experience.

O2 Broadband (www.O2.co.uk) have two packages that are suitable for online gaming.

For £15 a month O2 Premium offers download speeds of up to 16Mbps, and upload speeds of up to 1.3Mbps. The package also comes with a free O2 wireless box, unlimited usage and has no connection fee.

O2 Ultimate costs £20 a month and also gives you a free O2 wireless box, unlimited usage and has no connection fee. The only differences between the packages are the download and upload speeds, which are up to 20Mbps and up to 1.6Mbps respectively. Again, it depends on the amount of gaming you’re going to be doing as to which package you choose.

Another plus of going for an O2 package it that O2 offer discounted rates for existing O2 mobile customers, so be sure to mention that you’re a customer with them already to get a better deal.

Lastly, Virgin Broadband (www.virginmedia.co.uk) are currently offering their XL package with a download speed of up to 20Mbps, an upload speed of 768Kbps, as well as unlimited downloads and a free wireless router is included. If you end your contract with Virgin Media though, you will have to return the hardware.

As Virgin Media is a cable provider, you’ll only be able to sign up to its broadband if you’re in a cable area. Click here to a postcode check to see if you’re in a Virgin area.

The cost of online gaming

This depends on the console you’re playing on. Both the Wii and PlayStation 3 offer online gaming for free, however Xbox charge a subscription fee.

A 12-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold costs £39.99. The membership allows gamers to engage in online multiplayer matches, tailor their matchmaking via feedback and accomplishments, and chat with a group of friends at the same time.

What do I suggest?

As you are in the postcode area to receive PlusNet (www.plus.net) you could choose a package designed especially for gamers. PlusNet’s Broadband Your Way PRO is perfect for hours of online gaming on your Wii, PlayStation 3 or Xbox.

As well as a download speed of up to 8Mbps and an upload speed of 448Kbps, you will receive a number of added extras with this package:

• 15GB usage allowance, with the option to increase this if needed

• Prioritised traffic at all times

• Low latency and pings

• A reliable and stable connection

• A static IP

• Free usage between midnight-8am (which is perfect for scheduling large downloads, such as films or music)

You also have access to PlusNet’s gaming servers. These include servers for Counter Strike, Team Fortress 2, Enemy Territory and Insurgency.

However the package’s set monthly cost of £19.99 doesn’t include line rental, and while the wireless router is free there is a £6.99 postage and packaging charge.

The best thing to do before you decide on any package is to weigh up just how much online gaming you're going to be doing - if it's not that much then you may find that your existing broadband package and ISP is adequate.

Hope this helps you get online with your Wii Jonathon.

NB Best buy tables (orange background) are always current.

Examples in the text of the article (white background) are correct at time of publication.

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