Yesterday I was looking for firsthand accounts of the details behind how the Nintendo Fan Network worked. After going through the turnstyles at the Mariners double header yesterday, here are the step by step details to get connected and start using the Nintendo Fan Network:

STEP 1. Download the small application wirelessly from the Nintendo DS Download Station. You need to be fairly close to these small booths with the Nintendo logo for your DS to find the application. You’ll find them in the following locations:

Along the concourse near the signs in sections: 108, 116, 123, 134, 227, 238, 314, 327, 333 and 344. Also in front of suites 27 and 55 and in the Diamond Club and Bullpen.

STEP 2. You can either purchase a NFN authorization code or use your credit card to buy NFN access. The cost is $5 per game. Yesterday was a bonus, $5 bought access for both games. You’ll be given a card with a code that you enter in later.

STEP 3. If this is your first time, click on Register New Use on your DS and choose a username and password.

STEP 4. Enter in your seat section, row and seat separated by spaces. So if you were in section 123, row 19, seat 9, you’d enter it as follows:

123 19 9

STEP 5. Choose an option from the menu pictured above. The red numbers are explained below:

1 - Food & Beverages. If you want to order food and drinks you have to enter in a credit card number, name and zip code of the billing address. It will be saved to your account so once entered, you don’t have to worry about it again.

2 - Broadcast Video. With this option you can watch a slightly delayed (a few seconds behind) TV broadcast of the game in progress. Video quality of the game is decent, however the graphics that show on the scoreboard, like the trivia is pixelated and difficult (in some cases impossible) to read.

3 - MLB Stats & Standings. Reference the detailed player statistics. You can sort the lists by name or position. This came in handy a few times when we wondered about specific players throughout the games.

4 - MLB Games in Progress. Check in on other games happening around MLB.

5 - Fan Network Games. A few casual games you can play if you’re bored with the game.

6 - Fan Network Messaging. You can send and receive messages with others around the stadium on the Nintendo Fan Network. The messages you can send other NFN users include canned messages like: “Bad call, the umpire got that wrong” and “Where are you sitting?” You can send custom messages to the NFN representative. The one at the game yesterday was named Pat and he responded right away when I messaged him a question about the service.

Other thoughts about the Nintendo Fan Network
Disappointing that the snacks menu doesn’t have any garlic fries. That’s a Safeco Field tradition. Some other examples of pricing which includes taxes: beer is $7.25 where you can get for $6.75 from the vendors walking up and down the aisle. A Philly cheesteak and fries cost $11.95.

I asked the woman at the Nintendo DS Download Station if this service would be back in 2008 and she said it would with a slight graphical difference. She didn’t know how many other stadiums would be getting the Nintendo Fan Network. Overall, I’d say it was a cool experience and think it adds to the experience. My friend who isn’t very technology-oriented thought it was fun.

My DS was fully charged and made it through the entire first game and to the fifth inning of the second game.

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