Nintendo 3DS users now have access to 5,000 UK Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Japanese gaming giant has signed a deal with Wi-Fi network The Cloud to deliver the new access points.

Gamers will be able to use all of the 3DS' online functions at the hotspots, including 3DS Spotpass, eShop and internet browser, meaning console owners can surf the web and download new games.

The Cloud is the market leading public access provider of Wi-Fi services in Europe, with thousands of access points at a host of retailers, restaurants, leisure facilities and hotels.

"Nintendo 3DS continues to evolve and add new features all the time," said Dawn Paine, Marketing Director at Nintendo UK.

"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 every day."

The move looks like an attempt by Nintendo to rescue it ailing 3DS product. Recent figures show that sales of the consoles took a tumble between April and June this year, with just 710,000 being sold globally.