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With its dual displays, one of them a touchscreen, the Nintendo DS has the potential to be more than just a mobile game console. By and large, though, this potential isn't being realized.

Still, Opera Software is doing its part. A version of this company's eponymous web browser for this device is now available in N. America. It debuted in Europe last year.

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Dual Screen Browsing

Users can take advantage of the dual screens of the DS to view sites in either Overview mode, which presents the complete web site on the lower screen with the highlighted area zoomed in on the upper screen, or with Opera's Small-Screen Rendering, where the upper and lower screens are combined to act like a single display.

As the DS already includes Wi-Fi, users of this browser can access the Web on a home wireless network, at one of the free Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection hotspots, or at public access hotspots.

"With the DS Browser, Nintendo continues to expand the possibilities for users of this tremendously popular game platform," says Scott Hedrick, EVP Marketing, Opera Software. "DS Browser makes it easy to check news, popular user generated content sites or comparison shop while in a Wi-Fi hotspot."

Pricing and Availability

Packaged as a game cartridge, the DS browser costs $30.

There are versions for the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite systems. Both can be found on Nintendo.com, while the browser for DS Lite is also available at locations where video games are sold.

More information is available on Opera's web site.

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