Opera Hints at Wii Browser Tech

It could work exactly how you think it will. Maybe.

Nintendo revealed a lot about the Wii before the Electronic Entertainment Expo earlier this month, but it did save a few secrets for the show. One of these was WiiConnect24, a feature of the console that allows it to be permanently online - even when on standby.

The company is still considering ways to use this in games, but it confirmed that it's working with Opera on a new browser to turn the console into a cheap, TV-based gateway to the Internet.

Exactly how this will work is still unknown, but if you're imagining using the Wii controller to point and click on links directly, you're probably not far off.

"We are providing Nintendo with a custom version of the Opera browser, incorporating the Wii remote control into this unique browsing experience. Much like we have done for the Nintendo DS, we are creating a browsing experience especially suited for the Wii," Opera's Scott Hedrick told IGN.

"Imagine the possibilities in terms of surfing with a motion sensitive remote control. I cannot specifically comment on the lack of keyboard, but many devices running Opera don't have keyboards, such as the Nintendo DS, and feature on-screen keyboards to solve this problem."

Nintendo currently sells the DS's Opera browser on a separate cartridge but it seems that you won't need to hand over more cash should you want to browse on your Wii.

"Nintendo has not yet announced how Opera will be available on Wii, but I can confirm that it will not be sold as a separate item, as it is for Nintendo DS," said Hedrick.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games