DS Opera browser coming in June

by James Ransom-Wiley { Apr 6th 2006 at 12:55PM }

Cubed3.com is reporting that Nintendo Power has revealed that the DS's Opera web browser will launch in June in Japan. The browser will be released on a standard DS cartridge, retailing for 3,800 yen (roughly $32). $32 for a web browser? Yikes!

Note: release outside of Japan is still unconfirmed.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

nizzy1115 @ Apr 6th 2006 12:59PM

$32 for a web browser! Yikes!

Sloppy Seconds @ Apr 6th 2006 1:05PM

I agree. I'm probably going to get it and never use it. I hope it's cheaper here in the states

HalcyonGT @ Apr 6th 2006 1:08PM

Mental retardation at its finest. $32 for a web browser. LMAO.

.ed @ Apr 6th 2006 1:10PM

I think the price is fair. Considering many people will spend more hours with this than some of thier fav games, the price is already more than justified.

**** ****
Also, the ability to buy a DS lite and web browser is still the most affordable way to get a really good web experience on a decent sized screen.
**** ****

GBA, PictoChat, DS, Web, small form factor and great looks...
i can't wait, this will definately make the ds lite a must carry device for me

mandarin @ Apr 6th 2006 1:11PM

Dude its actually a memory in a cartridge. 32$ is not bad.

jay @ Apr 6th 2006 1:14PM

I hope it's better than Opera on my PowerBook. It's horrendous. Ugly looking, no spell checker. Safari is leagues ahead.

Safari DS would have been nice :)

I might buy. Depends on how many free wireless hotspots are set up in Manchester. Folk say Nintendo installed a load but I've yet to find one.

darryl @ Apr 6th 2006 1:18PM

But hold on now... remember the DS is just for GAMES! I remember all the comments about the PSP, and how the (FREE) web browser was stupid. Now that Nintendo does it, it's ok though... and for $32! The hypocrisy is sobering. Feel the love... bend over.

jay @ Apr 6th 2006 1:19PM

Hold up! $32=�18!

For gods sake that isn't much. My mind was thinking �32 in my first post. god. �18! I'd buy one with no qualms.

Tom Hayden @ Apr 6th 2006 1:25PM

@Jay,

If they follow the pricing strategy that just about everyother games/harware maker does on your side of the pond, it probably will cost �32. Suckers.

Ken Fager @ Apr 6th 2006 1:27PM

Japan typically pays more for games compared to the US. If it does come here, it most likely will carry a lower price tag.

Ken Fager @ Apr 6th 2006 1:36PM

Though I know Opera isn't a "game" technically, one can still play the interweb.

:D

Neko Tsukimi @ Apr 6th 2006 1:52PM

Considering how much a game (even the non-games) costs in Japan, that's not bad at all. I imagine the price stateside would not get above $20 and prolly quickly land in the bargain bin later. It's not free, but it's a reasonable enough price.

Scooby Doo @ Apr 6th 2006 1:54PM

Darryl, you fanboy, this isn't an issue of Nintendo somehow trying to make the DS some kind of all-in-one unit. This is simply meeting a demand. With built-in Wi-Fi capability, a lot of users wanted some form of browser, probably so they could check their e-mail and stuff. Even the TV tuner/video player/whatever device was created because there were people that wanted it. Nintendo's core system is still JUST a video game player with Wi-Fi support.

As for the price, I'm sure there are development costs associated with this device. When you add in manufacturing costs (assuming they put it on an SD cartridge), and in particular, the fact that this thing will probably not sell like Nintendogs, $32 doesn't seem that bad. It's about the price of a game, but will probably see much lower gross sales. It doesn't seem to me like they are making this price point to try and garner profits.

Gonzo @ Apr 6th 2006 1:59PM

This is a little surprising. This should've been something that was built into the ds or at least the lite but now I'm going to pay for it? I really thought this would be free for the ds and expensive for the psp. Any possibility for future browsers? Perhaps Firefox?
The price aint that bad for a game or something so if there's more to it than just a basic web browser, I'll pick it up. I'm also wondering if you have to keep the card in or do you just upgrade the ds with it.

SNES Link @ Apr 6th 2006 1:59PM

The difference between this and PSP's Web browser? First, there is going to be a better input method. Second, the PSP web browser is terrible at properly displaying web pages. And, lastly, (more of a question) did I hear that Opera DS is going to support flash?

Ln @ Apr 6th 2006 2:01PM

#7 darryl, you�re confused.

One of the reasons why the DS can be sold at a relatively low cost is because it doesn�t burden you with the cost of features you don't want/need, such as mp3/movie players, browsers/gps etc. The DS is manufactured and sold primarily as a games machine.

Do you seriously think these features come *free* on other handhelds such as PSP or Gizmondo? If you want to play games on a PSP, you pay for these extra (game unrelated) features whether you want them or not. That�s the difference.

thomas @ Apr 6th 2006 2:09PM

i wish it was available as a firmware upgrade instead.. i dont want to carry another cartridge.. + if it was a firmware upgrade then it would have been free.

Scooby Doo @ Apr 6th 2006 2:16PM

I say NO FIRMWARE UPGRADES!!! It sounds nice and all, but look at what it's done to the PSP and the XBOX. Is it REALLY that bad to carry around an SD card? (Other than the fact that I've lost two games because they're so small.) Not to mention that the ROM probably doesn't have the capacity for a program that big.

Matters @ Apr 6th 2006 2:19PM

I expected it to be closer to $25 but don't forget it comes with two cartridges. The second is a GBA cart that has extra memory because the DS doesn't have enough onboard memory for surfing.

I'd guess that's where the extra cost comes in.

BPMΩ @ Apr 6th 2006 2:25PM

"But hold on now... remember the DS is just for GAMES! I remember all the comments about the PSP, and how the (FREE) web browser was stupid. Now that Nintendo does it, it's ok though... and for $32! The hypocrisy is sobering. Feel the love... bend over."

However, the difference between DS and PSP is that DS already has an established library of great games. The web browser is an OPTIONAL afterthought to gaming. Gaming comes first on the DS. Everything else comes later (opposite to the PSP...).

However, the price is a bit much for a web browser. But, like anything else, it has its development and manufacturing costs...

Frankly, I'd like to see if the Mozilla Foundation can whip up a Firefox DS...

Mullinator @ Apr 6th 2006 2:50PM

It doesn't surprise me at all that it is this expensive. Opera is a commercial for profit company and this browswer had to be custom made for the DS. The special R&D costs combined with Opera and Nintendo needing to profit on this as well as the fact that this is being released on a physical storage medium makes the cost not seem too strange.

David @ Apr 6th 2006 3:11PM

#15 Ln

Your argument about extra features, ie the browser, is kinda irrelevent since the PSP didn't launch with one built in. Yes psp owners are paying extra for picture/mp3/video playback but not for the browser, that was added afterwards as good incentive.

Lazy American @ Apr 6th 2006 3:36PM

EF THAT! The only place I use wireless is at home to play on the wifi connection, at school you have to be able to enter a username and password, but the ds doesnt have those capabilites so really its useless to me to have a web browser on it. I will just stick to opera mini on my k750i that was FREE and i dont need to be near a wireless router

Jon Choo @ Apr 6th 2006 3:47PM

Remember folks. $32 isn't that bad if you can surf over the free Nintendo WiFi.

Considering that you have to pay to surf on BT OpenZone (�40 a month) using other methods (such as a laptop, PDA or PSP), if Nintendo allows us to surf for free through their WiFi network (including OpenZone) then this would be a bargain as you would be saving on WiFi and GPRS call charges.

Having said that, if Opera DS users can't surf thru Nintendo Wi-Fi for free, then $32 is truly a rip-off price for a browser.

Personally I can't see why Nintendo wouldn't allow Opera DS owners to surf for free on their network. The browser is light and wouldn't allow you to stream videos or music let download anything (no where to save).

GlitchCog @ Apr 6th 2006 4:16PM

Is there any word on censorship?

Is Nintendo going to allow the DS to display the worst porn the internet has to offer? In the name of free speech, I certainly hope so, but I can't help but think of all the edited out crosses and ridiculous censorship NOA implimented in NES games.

Pan Puff @ Apr 6th 2006 4:24PM

Buy a handheld with wifi for 300 bucks... or a beautiful DS Lite with Internet for an extra 32 bucks.

I'd pay 32 bucks

Definitely not an equal comparison, but checking email is the same no matter what.

Ln @ Apr 6th 2006 4:35PM

#21 David

The PSP browser didn't appear as if by magic, and Sony isn't a charity organisation. The browser may have been available only after the launch, but the research, development and planning for this feature along with others is accounted for and is surely factored into the cost of the unit.

Regardless, the point is the DS doesn�t come with the same level of features as the PSP, and the price reflects this. I could understand the criticism if the DS sold at high price, but it doesn�t. It�s an inexpensive games machine and if you happen to want a browser for it, you�ll be able to buy one. Seems perfectly reasonable to me.

BlackYoshi @ Apr 6th 2006 4:51PM

Any sort of money for a web browser is a ripoff. I'll browse at home, or just bring a laptop on the road. If it is $32, thats absolutely ridiculous. Wasn't Opera for the PC something close to $10 before it went free? And the DS version will probably lose some features compared to the PC version? I'll pass on this scam.

Sorry for my bad english @ Apr 6th 2006 4:55PM

Please please please please, it gonna have to be $19.95, then I am buy!!!

Dan Diemer @ Apr 6th 2006 5:00PM

from what i've read it won't support java or flash at launch, but the firware of the browser will be upgradable so maybe we'll get lucky.

John H. @ Apr 6th 2006 5:15PM

#24: Nintendo Wifi is only a matchmaking service really. You still have to supply your own internet connection and wireless, so if you can already access their service you probably can already browse the web.

Remember that the Opera cartridge will ship with a memory expansion for the GBA port. Maybe other games could utilize that too, hmmmm....

Kn1ves @ Apr 6th 2006 5:28PM

Its not even nintendo thats releasing it, its a third party developer. Not nintendo's idea for a web-browser

mandarin @ Apr 6th 2006 5:37PM

Hmmm DS MMO... Wonder if thats possible...

Fafalo @ Apr 6th 2006 6:02PM

OOOHHHH Man this is great news!!! I love the Opera I hope they Include the classics like the the Figaro Weedings, La traviata and Carmen, imagine conducting the opera via the stylus this is just great, great news!!!!!!!!!!!

havaloc @ Apr 6th 2006 7:58PM

Hopefully a US release won't be far behind. It would actually be very nice to have this capability and I'd gladly pay for it.

Jamesology @ Apr 6th 2006 8:09PM

LMAO.....

HAHHAHAHAHAHA on the PSP the "free" web browser is stupid, but on the DS the $32 dollar web browser is a GREAT deal HAHAHHAHA. I always thought FREE was always better than having to pay, just like how DS owners complaints on how expensive the PSP is. HMMmmm that doesnt make sense.

Then, #18, it's a great idea to put it on an extra accessory for web browser for the DS and carry it around but its stupid for the PSP to have an extra accessory of a keyboard and carrying it around.

Then, comment #30 states that it was a third party company that is making this add-on so Nintendo is not stupid, but Sony does not make games but only hardware but they get insulted for the games they did NOT make.

HAHAHHAHAHHA freakin DS fanboys are soo G@Y. They insult others and justify their hypocritical cr@p.

O yeah can someone pls tell me how much Daxter is for PSP and how much Tetris is for DS? B/c I keep hearing that PSP games are "outragiously" pricey but I noticed it was only a $5 difference. ...... And $32 web browser is more justified than a free web browser? HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA DS fanboys are AWSOME.... IT SHOOTS LAZURS!!!!

tactics @ Apr 6th 2006 8:43PM

of course, "jamesology," you have some fantastic points! lets go over a few of them, shall we?

your psp came with a "free" web browser, did it? so that was included in the low price of 299$ that you spent? wonderful. my ds cost me 129$.

"daxter" was "only" 5$ more than tetris? well. what a deal! lord knows you'll have endless amounts of fun playing that game multiplayer with 10 of your friends on only one copy of the game like tetris. it's also cool how you can play "daxter" online completely free against millions of people around the world, too, like tetris. you know, with all that added functionality and value, the fact that it costs "only" 5$ more is really a great deal!

also, i'd like to point out that it's a *great* idea to carry around a little keyboard for your psp! i mean... why have the added hardware functionality of a versatile touch-screen to emulate hardware like keyboards and notepads when you can just stuff your pockets full of extra hardware that you had to pay for?

you know, i've really seen the light thanks to you, "jamesology" thank you so much for opening my eyes.

NX @ Apr 6th 2006 9:18PM

The argument is true that having the browser as an external add-on keeps the costs of the DS down. The thing is, it's about the same price to buy a PSP as a DS Lite and Web Browser. If you are planning to do a lot of browsing, it's probably better to use a PSP because of the higher screen resolution.

�16800 - NDS Lite
�3800 - Browser
Total: �20600

PSP Standard Pack: �19800

rubaiyat @ Apr 6th 2006 9:24PM

To "Jamesology"

Of course you can find them $5 apart in price if you pick and choose vendors. Nevermind the fact at most places offering both Tetris DS and Daxter, Daxter is typically $10 more, and this is easily the most likely scenario in pricing between the two systems. So you can't even be wrong correctly...how very sad.

I personally don't need the browser, but the RAM is something I'm interested in if it can boost gameplay. And if that is the case, I'll fork over 30 bucks.

rubaiyat @ Apr 6th 2006 9:32PM

Of course NX don't forget that is the base PSP. No mem stick or any extras to speak of.

And that means no keyboard. Whereas the DS at least has the option of touchpad browsing.

rubaiyat @ Apr 6th 2006 9:34PM

Of course NX don't forget that is the base PSP. No mem stick or any extras to speak of.

And that means no keyboard. Whereas the DS at least has the option of touchpad browsing.

epobirs @ Apr 7th 2006 1:18AM

On one hand, the DS resolution, even using both screens, is a severe limitation on displaying sites that lack a version oriented towards portable devices. Which is most of them.

On the other hand, tapping a virtual keyboard with the stylus has to be better than what the PSP requires without buying an accessory that makes the free browser a bit less free. (Be cool for a PSP MMORPG if one should appear.)

Is there any detail available about support for additional RAM and/or flash storage in the GBA slot. Hopefully the browser itself has at least a few K to store bookmarks and preferences. Automated username and password entry would be very helpful for getting past the lack of a real keyboard.

jadenguy @ Apr 7th 2006 2:27AM

holy crap. suddenly this debate is a huge cost/benefits ratio study? jeez. why can't anybody be happy that the psp offers a nice huge web browser with some multimedia capabilities, while the ds offers a touchscreen enabled browser with a sizable library of good games? i never complain that my motorcycle only has two wheels, or that my car doesn't let me drive between cars in traffic. joystiq readers am phail?
and btw, the ds browser isn't 32 dollars for just the browser, it's hardware too.

nakedgremlin @ Apr 7th 2006 5:57AM

Actually, I think $32 is totally fair for a cartridge based web browser. Kudos for Nintendo to *not* develop their own browser technology and rely on a good lightweight browser like Opera (there must be a reason why Opera's used on lots of mobile devices, right folks?).

I know once the DS lite, Super Mario World, and Opera browser hits the US, I'll be more than happy to plop down the money to get this for me and my significant other.

Here's hoping that the Opera browser on the DS supports recent tech like Flash. Think of all the cool web based Flash games that can exist if you're able to "tap into" (no pun intended) using the stylus.

Mad @ Apr 7th 2006 12:50PM

It's a ripoff and a gimmick and I wouldn't be surprised if it was just sold mail order is the US like Electroplankton. I mean who uses there DS outside of their homes other than kids. So why put up with a small screen screen, a browser that probably doesn't support anything accept bog standard html. That will mean no video play back, no downloads nothing..

Why not make it free with any wifi game Nintendo..!

Russ T.C. @ Apr 7th 2006 3:35PM

Um, $32 for a web browser? Yeah, sure. More like $1.99.

Jamesology @ Apr 7th 2006 9:22PM

@37 - Tactics

$129? O yeah that is a good price, well its system upgrade now those new feature look pretty neat.. o look I just have to download mine "free", the DS download? Nope it's a new hardware of most probably $199 or even $129 again. --
-- o wait reminiscing......, i bought the GBA but wtf i can't see a damn thing i need light, o wait there it is ..........in the new SP.

So ummm what is the point of play $5 less for a tetris game. heck most cellphones now-a-day come with that game for free. I can also emulate the game for "free".
-- o wait reminiscing again...... DS fanboy: "why would I wanna play a port of a game I can play in my PS2 these PSP games suck they are all remakes of the PS2 why not create something more creative Sony." -----------still never understood why they would ask Sony to make new games when they never did make them.

Versatility of a touch screen? If soo versatile then while do Blackberry phones (actually all cellphones) or Treo's have rejected the "VERSATILITY" of the touch screens? PCs and Laptops are soo high-tech these days they even have Liquid cooling systems, heck our gaming systems are based one these computers; but what's this, they dont have touch screens? That can't be right can it?

Yeah all that extra hardware I had to pay for I remember those! I remember when I bought the GBA I had to buy an adapter to use headphones. Then, recently just to get extra memory, so you have to get Play- Yan to use SD cards. Soooo pretty much I have to buy and carry an accessory to use an accessory; but I guess I'm too stupid to think that carrying extra MS sticks was easier. O yeah I want web, better bring that cartridge, but maybe later I want my DS to rumble sweet the new rumble pack is out better bring that too!