3DS to use same web browser as PS3

Nintendo is ditching the Opera browser it used for the DSi and Wii in favour of Access's NetFront set-up for the 3DS, according to reports.

Siliconera has pointed to a story on Japanese site IT Media in which Access boss Tomihisa Kamada said his organisation was honoured to be collaborating with Nintendo.

There's no official word on exactly how the browser will be implemented on the new handheld but Access's website reveals a few details of what might be in store.

"Specifically designed and optimized to deliver high performance in resource-constrained environments, NetFront Browser supports almost any OS and CPU, and offers low power consumption, easy customization, and a broad range of plug-ins," reads the product description.

Both Sony's PSP and PlayStation 3 also use the NetFront browser, the latest version of which supports HTML5 and Flash.

Siliconera's story adds that, thanks to the 3DS's multi-tasking functionality, you'll be able to open it up mid-game to browse the web for hints or check your email. It's thought that the browser will arrive in a system update due in May.