Original Style DS Web Browser now on sale...

[UncleBob]

I *just* got this e-mail from NoA and *just* got off the phone from ordering mine.

For those who are interested, this version of the DS Browser will work in both the original style ("Phat") DS and the newer DS Lite, although the RAM cart will stick out of the bottom of the DS Lite (just like a GBA cart).

This item is $29.99 + $5 shipping (flat rate, so if you order more items, it'll cover it) + tax where applicable. It came out to $37.17 for me.

Additionally, if you just want to order the original style DS RAM expansion pak (say you have a DS Lite and an original DS and you want the RAM pak for both but will only use the browser in one at a time or something...) you can order it for $15. (+tax/shipping).

I dunno if I'd really call this a "deal", persay, but from looking at the resale value of some of the other Nintendo.com exclusives (Electroplankton, Pokémon Box, GCN Componet Cables and to a smaller extent, DDR Mario Mix), this could be something worth picking up at this price.

Call 1.800.255.3700 to order. Choose Option 4, then option 0. Tell them you need to order the Original Style DS Web Browser and that UncleBob sent ya!

[chewster777]

Hmmmm

[seanw]

It kills me that I have to spend $37 for this, and that there's never going to be a deal. Although I guess I could buy the DS Lite browser during the TRU Buy 2 Get 1 and then try to find another source for the DS RAM expansion pak ....

[UncleBob]

Yeah, I complained about that same thing in my original e-mail.

Yesterday, when I called in to try to order it, the guy asked if I had already purchased the Lite version - and said they were going to offer some kind of swap program for those who bought the wrong version, but he didn't have any details on it and since I'm a consumer whore of Nintendo items, I didn't ask again today as I had to purchase both anyway.... ;)

[Justin42]

Is the original browser a "limited edition" in any way? I'm not really sure I want to get one, but I do have an original DS. Just not sure if Nintendo is going to have them around for a while or if there's one production run and that's it.. (I know supply and demand play a role here but I mean in general)

[ChaoticClimax]

What was so great about the original browser?

[UncleBob]

Unknown at this point. It's worth noting that the Browser card itself is supposed to be exactly the same, it's just the RAM expansion pack that's different - and they're selling the RAM expansions by themselves. It's highly possible that games in the future could make use of the RAM expansion - meaning that they'd probably produce the original style expansion pak for awhile. Or, they could just do the limited supply, that's it, then when the next cool game comes out that does require the expansion pak, you're SOL...

It's a hard call on if you should grab this now or wait...

[UncleBob]

What was so great about the original browser?

Nothing, persay. The "Lite" version will *not* work on the original DS though, so if you have an older DS and want to be able to use the browser, this could be your only chance to get one. The original style browser will only be sould through Nintendo - and there's no telling how limited it'll be.

[GunPanther]

Wow.

I never thought that the NDS Opera Web Browser would ever get released stateside.

I've had my European version of this thing for about 6 months now and I can honestly say that it's one of the more 'un-useless' DS items I have.

I own the original DS (yes, the larger one, with the not-so-bright screens) and although it works, it usually only works about 40% of the time when I'm out in public, trying to use a WiFi access point.

The problems that really bug me about it are the connectivity issues. Usually, finding an access point to use is no problem, but since WiFi access points are not really all configured the same, you're more than likely to run into some incompatibility issues which will bring up various error messages.

Think of it like this; If you find an access point which is unlocked and free for usage, there's a chance it might be 'too fast' for the DS Opera Browser software. That being said, you'll never be able to use that particular access point, unless you can actually configure the access point so the DS Browser can handle it.

Even then, if you do manage to connect, there can sometimes be issues with the browser/connection yet again, so you might be able to use, let's say, "Google", but for some strange reason, no other websites at all, even if you try clicking on the URLs through Google or by directly typing in the url in the browser bar.

The other gripe I have is that the browser is S-L-O-W. I kid you not. It's as if you're using a 28.8k modem to check on simple websites like Google & Hotmail. It's even worse if you have to deal with a graphic & html/java intensive website like Ebay.

All in all, I kind of regret buying the DS Opera Browser, since I hardly ever use it. I'm always near computers readily available for internet usage, so to me, my DS browser is pretty much useless. Nonetheless, it may be useless, but it does work and is a great idea, had they worked out more of the 'kinks'.

[Rozz]

So why are there two different broswers for the two different types?

[UncleBob]

The DS Browser requires you to have a RAM expansion pack in your GBA slot. The DS Lite version comes with one the size of the GBA Slot2 Cover that came with your DS Lite. The original DS version comes with a version that's the same size/shape of a GBA cart - so it'll fit into your DS, DS Lite and GBA/SP/micro/GameboyPlayer (although it wouldn't do anything in those).

[crunchewy]

I don't quite understand why you call both "useless" and "un-useless". :)

I presume you meant "useless" in both cases, becuase it is indeed quite useless. Usually stuff that doesn't completely suck is what becomes a collectors item, so I wouldn't worry about missing out on a "golden opportunity" when it comes to the DS Browser. It is too slow, too cramped, too cumbersome and too unreliable. There's is absolutely no reason to have it in your library IMHO. It sounds like a cool idea, but it proves not to be. It would be faster and more convenient to bike/drive/fly/etc home from wherever you are and use your computer to access the internet.

[LiK]

didnt Cheapy say it was really slow and not that good?

[GunPanther]

I don't quite understand why you call both "useless" and "un-useless". :)

I presume you meant "useless" in both cases, becuase it is indeed quite useless. Usually stuff that doesn't completely suck is what becomes a collectors item, so I wouldn't worry about missing out on a "golden opportunity" when it comes to the DS Browser. It is too slow, too cramped, too cumbersome and too unreliable. There's is absolutely no reason to have it in your library IMHO. It sounds like a cool idea, but it proves not to be. It would be faster and more convenient to bike/drive/fly/etc home from wherever you are and use your computer to access the internet.

I agree with most of the things you pointed out.

What I meant by 'useless' and 'un-useless' is that while actually having a usage, it is deemed to be 'un-useless', but with it in my collection, I personally deem it to be 'useless', because as we can both agree to, the damned thing is too slow and too problematic to really be of any use, especially when we can certainly browse the internet by many other means.

I would say that it's a kind of redundant item to have, especially if you have a decent PC/MAC at home with at least a 56k connection, so you can surf the internet without any major hangups.

The really crappy part is if you get an error message, it gives you an error serial number (i.e. 55100 or 50100, etc) and sometimes, that error number might not be contained within the instruction booklet. The solution? You either call the 800 number given to you at the prompt screen or you check out the Nintendo DS/Opera Web Browser website to look up the problem. (Now how the hell am I going to check out the website if I can't even connect to the internet?) lol

[Nemo_Hyde]

Just got the DS Lite browser for my wife - she loves it. Just uses it for gmail and minor surfing (local library site, etc) and while she' s in the house most of the day she can't always get to the computer. This makes a great add-on to make her DS a portable internet machine.

As most reviewers have said, gmail works great with it. nice and fast...

[karkyco]

So this DS Browser basically just allows you to get online via the DS?

That's it? And they want $30 for it? Are you fucking kidding me? I can't understand why anyone would want to even try to connect to the internet via a microscopic screen in the first place - even worse are the cell phones. What exactly can you see on a 1.5 inch screen?!?

[sdp]

Have we seen any [new] reviews?
I remember reading they added Java/Flash on the American version so it might be worth getting for youtube/java games. The European/Japanese version didn't support that.

[Ogami Itto]

Agreed, charging for a browser is the lowest form of greed. Also, the PSP is now $10 more expensive than a DS + Browser.


My post was to Karkyco.

[karkyco]

Agreed, charging for a browser is the lowest form of greed. Also, the PSP is now $10 more expensive than a DS + Browser.


My post was to Karkyco.

Yup, plus bigger screen and a lot more functionality right out of the box. Ah well, I'll just use my DS for gaming and my PSP for gaming plus browsing and 'other things'.

[UncleBob]

You can now order your original DS Browser online at http://$$$$$$$$$$$$/2wjoen

[Damian]

Agreed, charging for a browser is the lowest form of greed.
The Opera browser is not free to redistribute. Nintendo has to pay for it, or more likely, give Opera a cut. Second, there is a physical cartridge and RAM expansion involved.

[keithp]

Have we seen any [new] reviews?
I remember reading they added Java/Flash on the American version so it might be worth getting for youtube/java games. The European/Japanese version didn't support that.

Reports are the reports were false.

Can someone that's bought it confirm or deny Java and/or Flash support please?

[UncleBob]

That info is better obtained straight from the horse's mouth....

http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/systems/dslite/browser.jsp

"The Nintendo DS Browser does not support Flash, animations, sound, video, PDFs, or any other files or programs that require a separate plug in, such as Java."

[Lord Alfred]

Agreed, charging for a browser is the lowest form of greed. Also, the PSP is now $10 more expensive than a DS + Browser.

I just wanted to add that the PSP's browser, while it does more, is so slow that all but the most patient people will abandon using it after trying it out a few times. It's handy in an emergency and that's about it.

Wished the DS browser was at least faster but that doesn't seem to be the case. Too bad.

[sky03]

I just wanted to add that the PSP's browser, while it does more, is so slow that all but the most patient people will abandon using it after trying it out a few times. It's handy in an emergency and that's about it.

Wished the DS browser was at least faster but that doesn't seem to be the case. Too bad.

my psp load pages in 5-10 sec...not too bad

[Hibiwa]

It's still a lot of money for a DS browser with not much in return.

I ran through the scenarios and ended up with a PSP because I wanted to browse the net. It's fine for reading text heavy sites like CAG and loads alright for me. Wouldn't call myself patient either.

[SonicPower]

Have we seen any [new] reviews?
I remember reading they added Java/Flash on the American version so it might be worth getting for youtube/java games. The European/Japanese version didn't support that. Lies. This version is exactly the same as the European/Japanese versions.

Impressions: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161380

No buy. No one needs to pay $35 for a browser that does nothing. My laptop does more plus it has superior web browsing. If you're carrying your DS around you, it's likely in a backpack. If it's in your pocket, you need to do something else, especially if it's just a web browser.

[Valkryst]

'un-useless' would mean it's useful. I.E. Worth it.

[VidgamesgivemeA_D_D]

This is one time Nintendo fails.

Dreamcast- free web browser
Wii- free web browser
PSP-free web browser
DS-$35 web browser

I've used all 3 of the other browsers and they're all the same. I don't see how the DS one could be much of an improvement.

[tubtub]

Why's everyone saying the browser is $35? Everywhere is selling it for $30 except Gamestop/EB.

[UncleBob]

In addition to the DS Browser, you also get the RAM expansion. Which, granted, is only used for the Browser (right now), but you have to include that in the cost. How much was the N64 RAM expansion by itself when it came out?

[Damian]

I've used all 3 of the other browsers and they're all the same. I don't see how the DS one could be much of an improvement.
They're the same except.....the DS one comes on a physical cartridge with a RAM expansion cartridge as well.

Also, the Wii browser is only free for a few more weeks.

[djbooba]

Thanks for directing me to the Nintendo Website to get my copy of the Browser. I almost forgot about the difference in the 2 versions.

[VidgamesgivemeA_D_D]

Also, the Wii browser is only free for a few more weeks.

True but as long as you download it before the deadline it's yours for free for the life of the Wii.

[sky03]

This is one time Nintendo fails.

Dreamcast- free web browser
Wii- free web browser
PSP-free web browser
DS-$35 web browser

I've used all 3 of the other browsers and they're all the same. I don't see how the DS one could be much of an improvement.

they're not all the same.. the wii browser is way better then the psp...