Final Wii browser released

By Tom Bramwell Published 12 April, 2007

Internet!

Nintendo has released the final version of the Opera web browser for Wii, improving start-up, scroll and zoom speeds, adding built-in Google and Yahoo search tools, and implementing various parental controls for fans of the "Internet Channel".

The new version will be available to download once you've grabbed a small system update, and is free for everyone to download until June, after which newcomers will have to pay 500 Wii points to grab it.

The Wii browser originally launched in trial form on 22nd December last year, but users came up against some irritating limitations. The final version promises increased speed, better bookmarking facilities, clearer fonts and buttons that allow you to introduce things like "www." and ".com" to your URLs without having to faff around with an on-screen keyboard. You'll also be able to use more than one Wiimote as a pointer.

Will you use any of it? Who can say, but the fact that it's there has caught the attention of various companies, with the UK's Virgin Radio this week announcing that its website is fully compatible with the Wii and PlayStation 3 web browsers, allowing surfers to listen to its music through their console.

Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (70) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Beano #1 5 years ago

    Web browsing in standard def..... brr....

  • agparrot #2 5 years ago

    and is free for everyone to download until June, after which newcomers will have to pay 500 Wii points to grab it.

    What if people still haven't been able to buy a Wii by then? Isn't that a bit mean?

  • Obsequious #3 5 years ago

    It's good to see Ninty focusing on what's truly vital, rather than dicking around with irrelevant pap like, y'know, setting up a real online service or whatnot.

  • Wayne #4 5 years ago

    "...is free for everyone to download until June, after which newcomers will have to pay 500 Wii points to grab it."

    I think that's wrong. I think everyone will have to pay in June if they wish to continue using it.

  • spazmo #5 5 years ago

    no. You're wrong buddy.

  • Basselito #6 5 years ago

    Don't get some people. Why do you WANT to pay for something that's free?

    Beats me.

  • Obsequious #7 5 years ago

    ^Gadget madness, that's why. The wacky thrill of actually paying to browse t'int4rw3b on a blurry low-def display cannot be overestimated!

  • Beano #8 5 years ago

    "What if people still haven't been able to buy a Wii by then? Isn't that a bit mean? "

    Get at PS3... free (and far better) webbrowser for all ;)

  • flec #9 5 years ago

    Wonder if they've done anything with the flash player for google video / youtube. I use that now and then, mainly cos they look pretty good once a SD tv adds some free anti aliasing

  • Ignatius_Cheese #10 5 years ago

    Hmmm, seems to browse all right in 480p...

    Plus, the ability to access TV-Links.co.uk from the comfort of your sofa means infinite* TV programmes to entertain the masses.










    *not necessarily true

  • DeveloperPump #11 5 years ago

    >Get at PS3... free (and far better) webbrowser for all ;)

    I agree. Being able to view it in 720p instead of 480p makes all the difference! Plus I can use a mouse and keyboard on the PS3, instead of the Wiimote.

    But my Wii is still so pretty. Sitting there. Gathering dust.
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 09:17

  • Greebo #12 5 years ago


    It's a big improvement on the Beta. Fonts are clear (even zoomed out) and the zoom function works fine. Also the annoying menu bar has had a redesign and can be set to move off the screen when you're not using it.

    It's definitely by far the best Standard Def TV browser I've seen (you'll need an RGB cable for clear text; composite looks fuzzy still), but I expect I'll still only use it for the odd youtube clip...

  • ryohazuki1983 #13 5 years ago

    500 points is only about 3 quid, i like to browse the web on the wii when some1 is using the PC or i just can't be arsed going downstairs.

    Won't bother with the online radio tho, bit pointless unless it has tabbed browsing otherwise you'd be stuck on the site if you wanted to listen to the radio and not be able to do anything else!

  • Beano #14 5 years ago

    Are the borders still present in the final version ?

  • bushwod #15 5 years ago

    http://www.wiicade.com is one of the few reasons to actually use this. Free games! wiiiiiiiii

  • Sanzai #16 5 years ago

    Is anyone else getting an error message when trying to play Youtube videos?

  • thefilthandthefury #17 5 years ago

    Excellent news. I use the browser on my Wii all the time so to have a final version is brilliant for me.

  • DeveloperPump #18 5 years ago

    >http://www.wiicade.com is one of the few reasons to actually use this. Free games! >wiiiiiiiii

    But let's face it. They're not that great yet, are they. Although, they are improving and well, free.

  • spiny #19 5 years ago

    I wonder if eg tv will work now?...

  • #20 5 years ago

    PS3 browser > Wii browser

    Having said that, I hope they've ironed out some of the really irritating quirks in the wii browser.

  • Raya #21 5 years ago

    It's much better now - very fast, 480p borderless - full screen - turn on the auto zoom and forget about needing to zoom - it's perfect. All in all I'm impressed. Seems they've tweaked the flash video as before I couldn't watch Eurogamer TV on it and now I can :-)

    We've added a Wii section at miniclip. Just point your wii browser to http://www.miniclip.com< /a> for some flash games for Wii.
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 11:12

  • myk #22 5 years ago

    I find resolution to be pretty irrelevant, you have to increase the point size or zoom in to make any webpage readable on a tv, whether it's a pc outputing 1080i or a Wii outputing 576i.

    I don't see web browsing on the tv as useful at all, the only reason i've got my pc connected is for videos, tv streams and games.

  • space_ace #23 5 years ago

    internet? that will never work :D

  • ryohazuki1983 #24 5 years ago

    "Plus, the ability to access TV-Links.co.uk from the comfort of your sofa means infinite* TV programmes to entertain the masses. "

    Cheers for the link - didn't know that site existed, trying it out now but all I get is loading.... once i click a video :(

  • Beano #25 5 years ago

    "don't see web browsing on the tv as useful at all..."

    I'm using the PS3 browser all the time... pretty nice to listen to music and browsing the web (all on the PS3) in the living room on a big HDTV ;)

  • The_Programmer #26 5 years ago

    @Mapster

    "PS3 browser > Wii browser "

    PC > PS3 browser > Wii browser. You can also buy a PC for cheaper than the PS3.
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 09:37

  • Obsequious #27 5 years ago

    ^True, but not a good PC.

    Celeron/Sempron/Duron processors ftl.

  • CannonAnBall #28 5 years ago

    Came here to read comments from other Wii users but again we're undated with PS3ers.

    ...we know you spent a small fortune on it, we know it looks all glossy and nice and we know you want brag about it, but the vast majority of peeps don't really give a feck.

    Wii - £179.99 > PS3 - £424.99

    ....of course I'll go out and get a PS3 cos of the better web browser.....t0ssers!

  • Beano #29 5 years ago

    "PC > PS3 browser > Wii browser. You can also buy a PC for cheaper than the PS3."

    Yes, but a PC is usually very noisy and has a long startup time... and not really convenielt for the living room.

  • FaceOmeter #30 5 years ago

    > Get at PS3... free (and far better) webbrowser for all ;)

    I wouldn't exactly call it 'free'! And no-one's going to buy a console for its browser, of course. PCs have that market sewn up pretty tight, and will for some time yet. But there are some interesting reasons to have the Wii's internet. Wiicade got mentioned by DeveloperPump above, and the Homestarrunner guys have some basic games up on http://www.videlectri x.com/vii, with more on the way.

    What the Opera browser on the Wii potentially does is open the Wiimote to the amateur dev market. Who's gonna tell me this is a bad thing, even at £3.50?

  • lennon #31 5 years ago

    "I'm using the PS3 browser all the time"

    And theres me thinking it was an expensive games console

    Turns out its also a expensive web browser too. ;)

  • Katsumoto #32 5 years ago

    fuck! the PS3 has an AMAZING hi-def browser?! and all I have to do is spend 425 quid? time to chuck the pc i feel!

    wait... does the ps3 have a keyboard? Oh i hear you can plug USB keyboards into it? Now all you need is a nice desk to use it at and you're sorted. can you use MS Word on the PS3?
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 10:05

  • Beano #33 5 years ago

    "can you use MS Word on the PS3? "

    You can use Linux and Open Office which is 100% free.

  • Beano #34 5 years ago

    "Turns out its also a expensive web browser too. ;) "

    Yes of course... added features are always twisted around by Sony/PS3 haters.

    Why always so negative?

    I own a Wii and will download this because it's free... but I'll prefer my PS3 for webbrowsing in my living room - simply far better and faster.
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 10:09

  • Katsumoto #35 5 years ago

    !!! blimey. ok ok so, it's got word and it's got usb keyboards. can i also plug a mouse in and a flash drive to store my essay?? This is getting sinister

    And Beano: "why so negative" - I agree, we should try to be more open to other consoles, but in fairness read the rest of this thread, or in fact any Wii thread. It's a cacophany of "haha wii is shite" atm.
    Edited by 2 at 12/04/07 @ 10:10

  • jonsaan #36 5 years ago

    Actually the test browser was pretty good IMO.

  • Beano #37 5 years ago

    "flash drive to store my essay"

    Of course... it got virtually all features a Linux PC has.

    Yellow Dog Linux (and Fedora I guess) includes a full suite of applications and tools.
    A PC is faster for Linux (YDL at least since it's not really optimized for PS3) than a PS3, but Linux on PS3 is still a nice bonus and completely supported.

    No, nobody are supposed to buy a PS3 over a PC for Linux only.. it's a BONUS!
    Edited by 2 at 12/04/07 @ 10:18

  • Nova5lag #38 5 years ago

    Yeah I had no problems getting all the prawn I needed on the test browser... every site I tried worked great.

    But getting caught with the old pants down in the living room by the missus took a bit of explaining.

  • Beano #39 5 years ago

    "Actually the test browser was pretty good IMO. "

    Agree... its not *totally* bad actually ;)

    But the standard def "limitation" just makes me use the PS3 browser instead since I have this option... if I didn't have a PS3, I would use the Wii Opera browser.


    "But getting caught with the old pants down in the living room by the missus took a bit of explaining. "

    LOL!
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 10:16

  • zuljin #40 5 years ago

    @Ignatius_Cheese
    "Plus, the ability to access TV-Links.co.uk"
    Grrr I hate you. There I was trying this link, finding Scrubs series 6 only to discover most of the vids had been taken down...

    Darn you for getting my hopes up!

  • rprince #41 5 years ago

    @FaceOmeter
    "What the Opera browser on the Wii potentially does is open the Wiimote to the amateur dev market. Who's gonna tell me this is a bad thing, even at £3.50?"

    It only really opens up the 2D point and click aspect of the Wiimote, which is basically a mouse with less accuracy. At least as far as I know, the browser cannot pass any of the rotational gyro readings to Flash games or Java applets...

  • chupachups #42 5 years ago

    "Web browsing in standard def..... brr...."

    ...and without a proper keyboard.

    Interactivity sort of grinds to a halt when you remove the web's primary input method (yes there's an on-screen one, but it takes ages to write anything).


    "I agree. Being able to view it in 720p instead of 480p makes all the difference!"

    ...only if you have a HDTV, which most people still don't have.

  • lennon #43 5 years ago

    Yes of course... added features are always twisted around by Sony/PS3 haters.

    Why always so negative?

    Not sure if your reffering to me but as a PS3 owner I prefer to play PS3 games on the expensive piece of kit i purchased.

    Ive used the browser. Its ok but far more hassle than just switching my PC on. The wii browser is again ok but not as good as the PS3 or the PC although I have got quite quick at typing with the wiimote.

  • Obsequious #44 5 years ago

    @NovaSlug

    Wii Health Check'll be out soon; then you'll have a plausible avenue to trot out the old " I thought I felt a lump" excuse.

  • ryohazuki1983 #45 5 years ago

    Its just a fucking browser, chill out, different strokes and all that.......

  • Greebo #46 5 years ago


    Works with Weezo too, so I can stream music, vids and photos from the PC upstairs to the TV and Stereo. Nice little bonus feature I reckon.

  • jebus #47 5 years ago

    zuljin
    12-Apr-07 10:22:14 @Ignatius_Cheese
    "Plus, the ability to access TV-Links.co.uk"
    Grrr I hate you. There I was trying this link, finding Scrubs series 6 only to discover most of the vids had been taken down...

    Darn you for getting my hopes up!

    That's what bit torrents are for surely? Get a PC and point your browser to here :¬)
    http://isohun t.com/torrents/?ihq=scrubs

  • Obsequious #48 5 years ago

    Bit torrent.

    Or bit-to-rent?

    *stares at lint motes*

  • Irien #49 5 years ago

    Regarding Wii availability, a colleague decided he wanted a Wii this week, ordered from Gameplay on Tuesday/Wednesday and received it today. Either he was amazingly lucky, or supplies are now far more readily available, at least off-highstreet.

  • Killerbee #50 5 years ago

    You'll also be able to use more than one Wiimote as a pointer

    Hey, two finger typing - just like with a *real* keyboard! :)

    Will download this tonight and give it a spin.

  • CannonAnBall #51 5 years ago

    I'm impressed with the Wii browser after having tested it. Sure a PC, sorry Mac, is going to be better but if you can't be bothered going upstairs and turning your Mac on then it certainly has it's uses, esp for reading the latest news headlines, etc.

  • Killerbee #52 5 years ago

    Wiis really shouldn't be that hard to get - I got mine at launch (pre-ordered), but since then I've had at least four opportunities to just walk into a shop and buy one. Admittedly the "out of stock" signs are usually up again the next day, but if you pre-order with a store like Game or Gamestation (or online) you should easily get one within a week or two - shipments do seem to be fairly regular.

  • Darren #53 5 years ago

    The new browser is a vast improvement on the earlier one in my opinion but if I'm going to browse on a console then I'd rather do it via my PS3 thank you as I can use a mouse and keyboard with that system. The Wii's Opera browser is much faster though and you can't really complain at a freebie I suppose. Just wish Nintendo would put as much effort into releasing first-party Wii games as they do the Channels that's all...

  • gelf #54 5 years ago

    I like the browser. Its kinda nice laying back and surfing using the wiimote. If I needed to use a mouse and keyboard I probably wouldn't bother as they would be too fiddly to have in the living room. I wouldn't use it to do any major browsing, but its nice particularly on video sites.

  • Rash' #55 5 years ago

    I'm using this wii browser now. it's very good. fast & intuative. no pc or mac but certainly a reasonable alternative. i see myself using this more than the ps3's browser just for the faster load times. good job ninty.
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 12:13

  • wizbob #56 5 years ago

    Does anyone bother using a mouse & keyboard with the PS3? I can't see myself crawling in front of the television to get news updates. I definitely think the key component of Wii Opera is the Flash plugin, without that there's no TV or games. I hope they release Flash Player 9 as an update. I already tried playing some of my old Flash games and they ran pretty will without any adaptation.

    Edge are recommending a Wii Flash game called Foolyoo this month - anybody try it out?

  • Rash' #57 5 years ago

    still no support for the later versions of flash. very disappointing.

  • Der_tolle_Emil #58 5 years ago

    It works a lot better than the trial especially the font rendering.

  • mad_caddy #59 5 years ago

    quoted from the forums regarding Flash version:
    "That's the most up-to-date version that Adobe have released the source for, apparently. Anything more recent you have to rely on Adobe themselves producing the binaries, which of course isn't going to happen in the case of the Wii."

  • JetSetWilly #60 5 years ago

    I've only had a quick blast with this but it seems much improved over the beta. Borderless in 480p and does a much better job of making the text crisper. The zoom is nice and all round it feels like a better product. Perfect for the BBC Sport videprinter on a lazy Saturday afternoon.

  • justMe #61 5 years ago

    It's great, much better than the beta version. The best way to browse on a living room tv/couch I've ever tried. Very good job Nintendo/Opera.

  • CannonAnBall #62 5 years ago

    I'd also like to add that the Wii looks rather ace when you get an update. That blue colour is great looking! It does get you excited a bit (but not too much!)

  • #63 5 years ago

    @ The Programmer



    PC > PS3 browser > Wii browser. You can also buy a PC for cheaper than the PS3.

    I was comparing the browsers of the two consoles, not the PC. Next your gonna tell me it gets dark after the sun goes down.

  • Lava #64 5 years ago

    I like the browser, but those sounds drive me mad...any way to turn them off?

  • #65 5 years ago

    Yep, press the mute button on your TV remote control.

  • Slim #66 5 years ago

    This isn't pointless at all, the wii makes a great browser. The wiimote makes a better mouse than anything I've seen for browsing on the telly, and the ability to play flash media is a superb extension to the system, making thousands of free games, movies and music available to wii users. Far prefer that than being tied into Xbox Live Arcade and having to shell out for everything.

  • FaceOmeter #67 5 years ago

    @rprince:

    Gutted to hear that..! I'm still enjoying some of the games that are up there anyway... is there the possibility that someone will find a way to sort the old gyro, or are we doomed?

  • Rodster #68 5 years ago

    I just downloaded the new update and web browser for the Wii and it's quite good mates and it's very quick, good job Ninty.

    In fact i'm posting this message using the new Wii browser. :p

  • Dermoth #69 5 years ago

    In between all the VITALLY IMPORTANT arguing over who bought the best console, can someone help me out with a highly trivial matter?

    I understand that you need to run a system update to install the new browser. Does anyone know whether that update breaks the NTSC Gamecube on PAL Wii workaround?

    (Brief description - load PAL GC game in slot, go to the game screen in the main menu of the Wii, click start, keep wiimote trained on the start button, immediately hit eject and quickly swap in NTSC GC disc, while keeping wiimote pointer over the start button... enjoy region free backwards-compatibility).

    If this "bug" has been "fixed", I ain't installing no update. Would be grateful if someone could find time in between all the nonsense to clue me in one way or the other.

    Thanks.

  • smelly #70 5 years ago

    "In between all the VITALLY IMPORTANT arguing over who bought the best console"

    It IS important. If i'd had wasted all that money on a ps3, i'd be very worried at the moment and this would be the most important thing to me in gaming ever... :-)


    "can someone help me out with a highly trivial matter?"

    Nope i cant.. sorry.

  • TriodeBliss #71 5 years ago

    @Dermoth:

    I think they've fixed that bug.

    I've tried that exploit several times without any joy. Immediately you press 'eject', the Wii performs a hard reset.

  • MARKIV #72 5 years ago

    It's OK I guess, but I'd much rather watch TV on my TV and surf the web on my laptop at the same time! Boo hoo!
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 18:26

  • Freek #73 5 years ago

    It means you can get EurogamerTV on the actual tv that alone makes it worhtwhile.
    Dunno if I'd pay 500 points for it though, but free is nice.

  • peak_performance #74 5 years ago

    Oh come on everyone, it's MULTIPLAYER INTERNET FOR GODS SAKE!

    :D

  • Dirtie #75 5 years ago

    Dermoth: I'll give it a try and get back to you.

    Edit: Yup, exploit still works - although you got it the wrong way around. You have to press eject then start just before the button goes disabled ;)
    Edited by 1 at 12/04/07 @ 23:13

  • Matsuo #76 5 years ago

    Downloaded the new version. It's got a lot of improvements! Scrolling with both the B-button or the D-pad are very good. Start-up time and loading times are minimalized. If it only had tabs, it would have been perfect!

  • rommy667 #77 5 years ago

    just got my wifi max working after 2 days of messing with the set up,gota say its a great browser i never saw the beta but this is awsome for free :)

  • MrBiggles #78 5 years ago

    Might seem strange but I'm actually moving my computer out of my bedroom now that I've got the Wii browser set up on my tv. My room is small and getting rid of that big desk, monitor for valuable space is great.

    I only go on a few websites anyway and this is ideal. I spent to much time on the dam PC anyway, I won't use the Wii as much as my PC so I'll have more free time to do "useful stuff"