Nintendo UK have risen from their summer slumber to announce the launch date for the DS browser. The Opera software will launch across Europe on the 6th October, priced around 30 quid. The browser is available as a standard DS cartridge and comes bundled with a memory expansion pack that will help heavier pages load a bit quicker - hopefully. Tempted? I think I am, especially as the stylus should make navigation intuitive. But how will it display?
Web sites can be viewed through the Nintendo DS Browser using two main modes. Overview Mode shows the complete web site on one screen and areas which are highlighted will enlarge on the other screen. It also features Opera's Fit-to-Width Mode where web sites will be adjusted to fit inside the two Nintendo DS screens, eliminating the need for horizontal scrolling.
Parental controls are built in too, although I have sneaky feeling the browser is more likely to be used by dad on the sofa rather than little Johnny/Jane who are more likely to be hogging the PC/laptop for games, chat etc. Having said that, does anyone actually use the browser on their PSP? Still, the Opera browser launch continues the evolution of the DS from Game Boy's awkward cousin - with great games - to sleek n' sexy multimedia device - with great games - in the space of 18 months.
