After debuting first in Asia, and then Europe — this week Nintendo DS users in the USA can finally get their hands on a version of the Opera web browser designed specially for the hand-held game console. Optimized for use with the DS’s dual-screen and touch-screen stylus input, the software comes on a Nintendo DS game card, and transforms the device into a portable web browser which connects through the built-in WiFi.

When I got a chance to test the European edition of the browser earlier this year, I was impressed with the user interface which does make good use of the DS’s unique design. However, similar to my experience with Sony’s PSP, I found browsing to be on the slow side, although whether this is the fault of the built-in WiFi or the time it takes for the device to render web pages, I’m not sure. The other down-side, compared with the PSP, is that because the web browser is stored on a game card, you have to keep swapping it out to actually play games, and then change cards again every time you want to browse the web. It would be much more convenient if the browser came pre-installed in the device’s internal memory. Where the DS browsing experience does trump the PSP though is through having a touch-screen for inputting web addresses on the virtual keyboard. With no touch-screen on the PSP, I found typing to be a miserable experience.

The DS browser has a recommended retail price of $19.99.

Other posts that may be of interest

• Rumor: New Nintendo DS to encroach on iPod territory
• Taking aim at Apple and Sony, Nintendo announces new DSi portable media device
• Nintendo seemingly plays it “safe” with “Wii Music” and other casual games
• Xbox Live Video Marketplace gets content from NBC, Universal and other E3 tidbits
• Wii Media Center?
• Sony’s PS3 firmware update adds nifty new features

This entry was posted on Friday, June 8th, 2007 at 5:12 am and is filed under Mobile. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.