Nintendo 3Ds gets browser and store in a major update

AMERICAN 3D GAMERS will be their first to get an incoming update to the Nintendo 3DS that adds a web browser and an online store to the handheld console.

Nintendo announced that it will release the first major update for the 3DS on 6 June and suggested that players download it using a home wireless connection. Those that do will be granted red carpet access to the web browser, Eshop - Nintendo's name - and Pokédex 3D, which has something to do with Pokemon and is, therefore, a nightmare.

In the initial flush of the launch the store will offer a 3D version of Excitebike for free, and, once it's more settled in, will add the twenty year old Gameboy classics Super Mario Land, Alleyway and Radar Mission to its virtual shelves. Nintendo said that it will add new content to the Eshop each Thursday.

Other exciting things lurking in the online store include trailers, screenshots, other retro games, and classic games rendered in 3D glory.

"The Nintendo 3DS system is constantly evolving and growing," said Nintendo of America president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. "The Nintendo eShop is a one-stop resource for a broad range of Nintendo information and downloadable games and applications. It expands the Nintendo 3DS experience with new and entertaining content."

The browser continues the 3D fun, predictably, and Nintendo said that it can show 3D images on web sites that are "specifically designed to show 3D images", which frankly we could have worked out for ourselves.

Perhaps the most welcome feature, at least for regular Nintendo users, is the fact that the update lets DSi and DSi XL users transfer over their previously downloaded games to their newer handheld.

We will update this story with UK release information as soon as we have it. µ