3DS to get free Wi-Fi throughout 5,000 hotspots in Europe

Nintendo's announced this morning it'll offer 3DS users free wi-fi between 5,000 hotspots in 21 European countries.

The service, being offered by free-hotspot.com, will allow users to hook in places like McDonalds, KFC, Subway and Burger King, as well as hotel chains Ibis Hotels and Etap Hotels. 3DS will pick up any signal automatically.

"With such an extensive European-wide Wi-Fi access network, partnering with free-hotspot.com made absolute sense. The access points are largely located in popular restaurants and hotels – places where Nintendo 3DS owners are likely to want, and to unwind in," said Nintendo Europe marketing and PR director Laurent Fischer.

"With such an extensive European-wide Wi-Fi access network, partnering with free-hotspot.com made absolute sense. The access points are largely located in popular restaurants and hotels – places where Nintendo 3DS owners are likely to want, and to unwind in. We also urge all Nintendo 3DS owners to also take advantage of the latest System Update which has brought an array of new features and enhancements, including 3D video capture.”

Those who use the wi-fi service will be able to receive content from SpotPass, including video from Nintendo Video, downloading software from eShop and checking out the web browser.