Nintendo 3DS owners can finally access the Web browser and online shop promised to them in May, thanks to a free firmware update.
The browser doesn't support Flash but will render compatible Web pages in 3D and allow users to download 3D images to the console. It can be accessed during gameplay simply by pressing the home button, and users can also upload photos taken with the built-in camera to their favourite pic-sharing sites.
The so-called eShop allows users to download both free and paid-for content, including original 3D software, 3D-remastered classic games, 2D Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles and a library of DSiWare games. There'll also be game trailers, screenshots and product information.
Newly available games include the Game Boy titles Super Mario Land, Alleyway and Tennis, with additional content being added to the store every Thursday.
Anyone upgrading before 7 July can grab a free download of Excitebike remastered in 3D. Also available is Pokédex 3D, which lets users collect data for over 150 Pokémon and then see, hear and interact with them in 3D, as well engage in augmented-reality japes.
Nintendo DSi and DSi XL owners can now also transfer most DSiWare games to the 3DS.
Finally, the update allows the 3DS to receive SpotPass content, including 3D film trailers and music videos, from public Wi-Fi hotspots.
To upgrade, ensure you're connected to your home wireless network and then access 'system settings' from the home menu, select 'other settings' and then scroll right to select 'system update'. Nintendo's servers are a tad busy at the moment, but everyone should get through eventually.
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Anonymous 8 June, 2011 00:27
No flash support is sorely missing. Not being able to watch my Alex Jones or other related news clips, as well as youtube, netflix etc... is a huge let down. Is this a limitation with the hardware? If so, I'll be selling mine and going with the new sony handheld that wont hamstring most of the internet. What a bummer.
Anonymous 8 June, 2011 15:03
Dont worry 'anonymous' it is just a matter of time until they update the rest of the features for the 3ds. There will eventually be 3D video recording which will bring netflix and then will most likely bring the capability to view videos on the browser. The reason it is not there now is because at the moment the 3ds has no supported video formats apart from the secret one nintendo is using to show trailers. :) Also the browser which is currently netscape 1.7, however if it was to be updated to netscape 3.5 it would have fully functionality of flash and java. SO i think the answer it just time they are introducing it bit by bit by the looks of it :).
anonymous 30 October, 2011 15:24
hi there dont sell your 3ds becuase the internet going 3d