In search of the “original” Nintendo DS browser

Out on stores shelves now is the nifty Nintendo DS browser made by Opera. You can input URLs and text through the touch screen either by using handwriting recognition or the on screen keyboard. On the top screen the webpage is displayed and you have the option to zoom in or put the text in a single column to make pages easier to read. It might not be as easy to use as a laptop, but hey it’s portable. If you have the original Nintendo DS (aka DS Phat) you can’t purchase the browser that is sold in stores, you have to order it directly from Nintendo since the RAM cartridge is a different size. It’s a little bit of a mystery where online you can buy it since Nintendo doesn’t have any links to a purchase page, but UncleBob from CheapAssGamer found a solution.

I *just* got this e-mail from NoA and *just* got off the phone from ordering mine.

 

For those who are interested, this version of the DS Browser will work in both the original style ("Phat") DS and the newer DS Lite, although the RAM cart will stick out of the bottom of the DS Lite (just like a GBA cart).

 

This item is $29.99 + $5 shipping (flat rate, so if you order more items, it’ll cover it) + tax where applicable. It came out to $37.17 for me.

 

Additionally, if you just want to order the original style DS RAM expansion pak (say you have a DS Lite and an original DS and you want the RAM pak for both but will only use the browser in one at a time or something…) you can order it for $15. (+tax/shipping).

 

 

Call 1.800.255.3700 to order. Choose Option 4, then option 0. Tell them you need to order the Original Style DS Web Browser and that UncleBob sent ya.

It might be interesting to note that the DS Phat browser is slightly cheaper than the DS Lite browser, which is retailing for $34.99 at EB Games. Glancing over EB Games product page the DS Lite browser is already back ordered. You might have better luck ordering it directly from NOA too. I wonder if this is going to be as rare as the elusive Pokemon Box only, which was only sold at the Pokemon Center.

Update: Save yourself a phone call. Angelous found out they are being sold on Nintendo’s online store buried in parts & accessories. You can grab the original browser there for $29.99.