Nintendo adds web browser, eShop to 3DS

Posted on 7 Jun 2011 at 10:39

Nintendo has made good on its promises and released a system update for its popular 3DS hand-held console, brining the long-awaited web browser and eShop digital store to the platform for the first time.

Although mentioned in the user manual, the 3DS console launched without a web browser or downloadable content store - with Nintendo promising that a June update would allow users to add the missing features to the console. Released today, the second free firmware update for the console does exactly that.

The 3DS Web Browser allows users to browse the Internet whenever their 3DS has an active connection to a wireless access point. While rich facilities such as Adobe Flash aren't supported, it's a useful addition to the console's capabilities - and allows users to upload images they've taken with the 3DS camera, although sadly only in the two-dimensional JPEG format rather than the three-dimensional MPO format.

The update also brings the 3DS eShop to the platform, allowing users to download free and paid-for content including demos, add-on software, and classic games updated to include a third dimension to their graphics. While the initial selection is somewhat limited, the platform holds promise - and those who upgrade before the 7th of July can download an updated version of Nintendo classic Excitebike free of charge.

Sadly, the update isn't without its issues. Nintendo has admitted that it brings a bug which can crash copies of racing title Ridge Racer 3D, but promises that another update in mid-June will fix the problem.

The update is available now for all 3DS owners, via the System Settings menu.

You can read our full review of the Nintendo 3DS here.

Author: Gareth Halfacree

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