In a bid to boost its ailing sales Nintendo has inked a new deal to secure an additional 5,000 free WiFi hotspots for 3DS console owners.

The deal will see Nintendo partner with UK Wi-Fi company The Cloud to deliver the new wireless hotspots.

The new access points are set to go live Tuesday evening and promise to allow 3DS owners to make use of all the console's online functions. These include the 3DS Spotpass, eShop and internet browser -- the features that allow 3DS owners to surf the internet, download new games and interact with other 3DS console owners online.

"The Cloud partnership represents another exciting step that will continue to expand its appeal and encourage owners to take their Nintendo 3DS systems with them wherever they go, offering different and unique experiences everyday," commented Nintendo UK marketing director Dawn Paine on the new deal.

"Nintendo is a fantastic addition to our list of strategic partners and site owners who are making the most of Wi-Fi's potential to give their customers a better entertainment experience," added The Cloud's managing director Steve Nicholson.

Nintendo