2006 · Opera · Web browser

Nintendo DS Browser

Nintendo exclusive

A web browser for the Nintendo DS that runs on Opera 8.5

Released: 24 July 2006
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genres: Web browser
Developers: Opera
Publishers: Nintendo
Modes: Web browser
Perspective: Text
Engine: Presto
Country: Japan
Languages: English

About

The Nintendo DS Browser is a port of the Opera 8.5 web browser for use on the Nintendo DS, developed by Opera Software and Nintendo, and sold as a standalone game cartridge. Two versions were sold, one for the original Nintendo DS and one for the Nintendo DS Lite, each with a different Slot-2 memory expansion pack to fit the respective system.

The browser received mixed reviews from critics, largely focusing on its slow speeds despite its functionality. It was later rendered obsolete by an improved browser on the system's upgraded version, the Nintendo DSi, which, unlike its predecessor, was onboard software.

Keywords

non-game software

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Reception

Reviews for the Nintendo DS Browser were generally mixed. Craig Harris of IGN rated the software 3.5/10 points, noting shortcomings such as extended loading times and lack of Flash support for audio and videos, and suspecting it was due to the system's "underpowered" hardware. Will Greenwald of CNET rated it 4.7/10 points, saying that it failed to live up to its potential. Justin Towell of GamesRadar+ called the browser "sluggish but functional", remarking that it worked better on some sites than others.

Legacy

In August 2007, the Nintendo DS Browser was discontinued in North America. The Nintendo DSi is incompatible with the browser and any Memory Expansion Pak, but it is a more powerful system, with faster processors and 16 MB of RAM. The Nintendo DSi Browser was free, and outperformed its predecessor. Both of Nintendo's next systems, the 3DS and Wii U included a web browser built in, although this feature was omitted from their following systems, the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.