DS WEB BROWSER, MEMORY EXPANSION ANNOUNCED
Nintendo wrenches the DS into the mulitmedia age with web browser functionality and a TV tuner in the works
10:04 In one of those out-of-the-blue style announcement blowouts Nintendo's so very good at, the company has confirmed rumours started by Reggie Fils-Aime recently by unveiling its web browsing plans for the DS.
Its web browsing software will be provided courtesy of Opera, enabling users to surf the 'net using both screens via the Nintendo Wi-fi Connection service. The software will be sold on a DS cart for 3,800 Yen, roughly equating to 19 GBP. Interestingly though, and not mentioned in the initial press release, it seems that a DS RAM expansion card will also be bundled into the pack, which slots into the GBA port for a more pleasurable browsing experience.
We asked Nintendo whether we can expect to see DS titles utilising this additional RAM in the future but were told no plans are currently in place. If this turns out to be the case though, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, given that Nintendo chose to release a similar expansion for the N64 back in the day. Then, the RAM expansion was used for a variety of functionality upgrades including higher resolution textures, increased anti-aliasing and more enemies on screen for games like Majora's Mask, Donkey Kong 64, Perfect Dark, Turok 2 and Banjo Tooie. Who knows what Nintendo might have planned this time around?
As part of its announcement avalanche, the company also revealed a 1Seg Digital TV Card, enabling Japanese users to watch TV on the burgeoning handheld. However, given that 1Seg is a mobile terrestrial broadcasting service in Japan, it's unlikely we'll ever see the peripheral in the West. In fact, Nintendo confirmed that the device is unlikely to leave Japan when we spoke to the company earlier.
As for the web browser, it's currently hoped to make a European appearance, but an official announcement has yet to be made. We'll keep you posted.
