Opera has
announced today that they are currently working on a version of their
web browser for the Nintendo DS. The company plans to sell the
software as game cards that can be purchased in stores later this year. Taking a PDA-like approach, DS owners will be able type via
a keypad on the handheld's touch screen while surfing the web.
"The incredibly popular Nintendo DS is already Wi-Fi enabled to support real time gaming, so adding Web browsing capabilities was a natural evolution for this device," says Scott
Hedrick, Executive Vice President, Opera Software. "Gaming devices are growing more advanced and a great Web experience is becoming a product
differentiator for gaming manufacturers. Opera is excited to work with
Nintendo to deliver a unique dual screen, full Internet experience on
Nintendo DS."
"Within
just five seconds of turning on the system, the Nintendo DS is already
fully operational. This makes it the ideal device to enable people to
swiftly obtain the latest information from the internet, wherever they
are," says Masaru Shimomura, Deputy General Manager of Nintendo's R
& D Department. "Opera exceeded
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our expectations
with its user friendly interface, quick access to all your favorite
sites, ease of use and, most importantly, in making the best use of the Nintendo DS system's unique double screens and touch screen features. Opera is an important partner for Nintendo in our efforts to
further expand the users of the Nintendo DS."
At this time
there is no mention of the browser being released in regions other than
Japan.