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NINTENDO DS OPERA WEB BROWSER FAQ (INCLUDES A SETTINGS MENU TRANSLATION) 4.05
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August 19, 2006
Disclaimer: I have tried my best to verify the information contained herein,
however I take no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained
within this FAQ.
Should you find any errors or would like to make any comments regarding this
FAQ you may e-mail me at the address found at the end of this FAQ. Any new or
corrected information that is included in future updates will be credited to
the proper person.
This FAQ is based upon the Japanese release of the Nintendo DS Browser.
This FAQ will display with minimal distortion on the DS Browser in SSR Mode.
=================
Table of Contents
=================
To easily skip to a section, enter the identification code (found after each
section in the table of contents i.e. [SEC1]) to the "Edit - Find" box on your
web browser and run the search. This will bring you directly to the desired
section of the FAQ.
1. Introduction [SEC1]
2. Where to Buy the Nintendo DS Browser [SEC2]
3. Browser Function [SEC3]
DS Region Compatibility [SEC3A]
Limitations [SEC3B]
Extending the DS Battery Life [SEC3C]
Wireless Communication [SEC3D]
Browser Compatibility with Web Page Sign-Ins [SEC3E]
Using the Browser to Enable DS WiFi Games [SEC3F]
Interface Language [SEC3G]
Website Display Language [SEC3H]
Browser Speed [SEC3I]
Pop-Up Advertisements [SEC3J]
Downloadable Content / Browser Plug-Ins [SEC3K]
Parental Controls (i Filter) [SEC3L]
Online Chat [SEC3M]
Web Based E-Mail [SEC3N]
Video [SEC3O]
Sound [SEC3P]
Firmware Updates [SEC3Q]
Susceptibility to Computer Viruses & Spyware [SEC3R]
Google Search in English [SEC3S]
Browser Navigation [SEC3T]
4. Settings Menu Translation [SEC4]
5. Credits [SEC5]
6. Legal Info [SEC6]
======================
1. Introduction [SEC1]
======================
The Nintendo DS Web Browser (herein referred to as "the browser") is a handy
internet browser for the Nintendo DS. The browser was developed by Opera
Software (www.opera.com) and published by Nintendo. The browser is based on
the Opera Mobile Browser version 8.5.
The official Opera forums for the browser can be found at the following
address: http://my.opera.com/community/forums/forum.dml?id=1406
The Japanese version of the browser was released in Japan on July 24, 2006 and
the European version will be released in Europe on October 6, 2006. As of this
writing there has been no official announcement of a North American release for
the browser.
The browser is available for import to the United States and Canada. Retailers
selling the browser are listed in Section 2.
Included with the browser is a Nintendo DS card (inserts into the top slot
on the Nintendo DS - this contains the actual program for the browser), a
RAM cartridge (which inserts into the GBA slot on the Nintendo DS - anywhere
from 6 - 10 MB depending on the source - the RAM cartridge MUST be inserted
in the GBA slot on the DS, otherwise the browser will not function) and an
instruction booklet (which is written completely in Japanese).
There are two versions of the browser. One is designed to be used on the
original Nintendo DS. The other is designed for use on the Nintendo DS Lite.
The ONLY difference is the physical size of the RAM cartridge - the actual
program is exactly the same.
The version for the original DS features a RAM cartridge that is the same size
as a standard GBA cartridge. The DS Lite version features a RAM cartridge that
is about 1 CM smaller than a standard GBA cartridge. This allows the cartridge
to be flush with the DS Lite when inserted (a normal GBA cartridge will
protrude about 1 CM from the DS Lite when inserted). The browser designed for
the original DS will work on the DS Lite (although the RAM cartridge will
protrude from the console about 1 CM). The DS Lite version of the browser WILL
NOT WORK on the original Nintendo DS. The reason for this is the shortened RAM
cartridge is too small to reach the contacts in the GBA slot on the original
DS. Again, the RAM cartridge must be inserted in the DS otherwise the browser
will not function.
==============================================
2. Where to Buy the Nintendo DS Browser [SEC2]
==============================================
The browser is available only from online retailers in Japan (and presumably
the same will hold true with the European release). For those who wish to
import the browser, there are currently three online retailers (listed below
in no particular order) which sell the browser for import to the United States
and Canada.
[I've personally imported software from Lik Sang and Play Asia and found both
retailers to be reputable businesses with good customer service.
I've never shopped online with Toys n Joys so I don't have any personal
experiences to share however, I have been to their store in Hawaii and
recommend that if you're in the area you should check them out.
I've never shopped online with Gameplay so I don't have any personal
experiences to share.]
www.play-asia.com
Play Asia is an overseas online retailer that specializes in importing video
games and hardware to the United States and Canada. They are located in
Hong Kong. As of the time of this writing the browser is retailing for
$49.90 and their cheapest shipping option is $2.60.
www.lik-sang.com
Lik Sang is also an overseas online retailer that specializes in importing
video games and hardware to the United States and Canada. They are located
in Hong Kong. As of the time of this writing the browser is retailing for
$49.90 and their cheapest shipping option is free.
www.toysnjoys.com
Toys N' Joys is a US based online retailer that specializes in importing video
games and hardware to the United States and Canada. They are located in
Honolulu, Hawaii. As of the time of this writing the browser for the original
DS is retailing for $39.95 and the version for the DS Lite is $49.95. Their
cheapest shipping option is $8.00.
www.gameplay.co.uk
Gameplay is an overseas online retailer that offers worldwide shipping for all
of their products (with the exception of consoles). They are located in the
UK. As of the time of this writing the European release of the browser is
retailing (pre-order) for 25 GBP (approx. $47.00 USD) and their cheapest
shipping option is 99p to the UK and 5 GBP worldwide (approx. $9.38 USD).
==========================
3. Browser Function [SEC3]
==========================
DS Region Compatibility [SEC3A]
The Nintendo DS is a region-free console. The Japanese version of the browser
will work on any Nintendo DS regardless of the region they were purchased in.
Thus, the Japanese version of the browser will work on North American and
European Nintendo DS's.
Limitations [SEC3B]
While most of the internet is viewable, there are certain functions that are
NOT available on the browser. These are: Flash, Java (although Javascript
does work), PDF documents, video & sound. In addition, the browser is not
capable of capturing screen shots nor can the browser copy or paste
highlighted text or images to a clipboard. There is no print function. It
is not possible to open multiple browser windows simultaneously.
The browser can display the following image formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF &
animated GIF.
Extending the DS Battery Life [SEC3C]
The battery life of the Nintendo DS is significantly shorter when using the
browser AND connected to a wireless network (the same holds true when playing
a WiFi enabled DS game online as well). A fully charged DS Lite battery will
last approximately 5 hours (3rd brightness setting) when running the browser
connected to a wireless network.
One way to save battery power is to disconnect the DS from the wireless
network when you don't plan on navigating to a new web page for some time (such
as when you've loaded a lengthy article or FAQ you plan to read).
This can be done in two ways. The easiest way is to simply close the DS (as
if you were putting it into sleep mode) and then re-open it. Doing so
disconnects the DS from the network. The second option is to go to the
settings menu and tap the "Turn Wireless Communication Off" button.
To reconnect the DS to the wireless network, simply tap any link on the
browser or in your favorites window. The browser will automatically re-connect
to the network so you can continue browsing the internet.
Wireless Communication [SEC3D]
The browser requires the Nintendo DS to be within range of a wireless hotspot
in order to view web pages. In general, if you can connect to a network in
order to play wireless enabled Nintendo DS games you should be able to use
the same network to view the internet with the browser.
Nintendo's website lists wireless routers that are compatible with the
Nintendo DS: http://www.nintendowifi.com/consumerservice/routerSetup.do
The setup for the wireless connection is identical to every other WiFi enabled
Nintendo DS game with one exception - the interface is entirely Japanese.
Follow the steps below for a walkthrough of the wireless setup for the browser.
1. Open the Settings Menu after powering-up the browser (wrench icon).
2. Tap the "Nintendo WFC Setup" button with your stylus on the "Network
Settings" menu (see Section 4). This will take you to the "Nintendo WiFi
Connection Setup" menu.
3. Tap the big blue button on the left with your stylus for "Nintendo WiFi
Connection Settings."
4. Now you will see three entry spots for wireless information (labeled 1, 2
& 3). If you're using a router you'll use these buttons. Below these three
spots is a large blue button to connect to your Nintendo WiFi USB Connector.
If you're using the USB Connector, you'll use this button.
5. The top 3 buttons are divided into upper and lower sections. The lower
sections will erase the data on the respective buttons. The top section is
used to detect a new wireless signal. Tap the top section of an empty
button with your stylus.
6. Tap the big blue button on the next screen to automatically detect a
wireless connection. After a few seconds a screen will appear with the SSID's
of the compatible wireless signals the Nintendo DS had detected. Select the
appropriate one by tapping on it with your stylus. If a WEP Key is required
(A WEP Key is required if a "locked" icon is displayed next to the SSID) you
will be prompted to enter it after selecting the SSID.
7. Once you select the SSID of the desired WiFi connection and the WEP Key
has been entered (if required) the DS will ask to perform a test of the
connection.
8. If it tests ok you're all done. Simply back out of the Wireless Setup
menu by tapping on the lower left hand corner of the screen (or just press
the "B" button"). Once you return to the Start Page of the browser simply
tapping on a link will connect the DS to the previously selected WiFi
network. If the test fails, note the error code and visit
http://www.nintendowifi.com/ or call Nintendo of America toll-free at
1-800-255-3700 to determine the cause (even though the browser is Japanese
software the error codes are universal).
Browser Compatibility with Web Page Sign-Ins [SEC3E]
There are some networks which are not ordinarily available for gaming via the
DS but ARE available for use with the browser. Networks that require the user
to sign in with a username and a password are not available for gaming on the
DS ARE available for viewing the internet via the browser (providing you know
the username and password, that is). The browser will simply re-direct the
user to the web sign-in page. Once the username and password are entered the
browser will function normally. Once you have signed in, these networks can
be used to play online enabled DS games as well (see the next section).
Using the Browser to Enable DS WiFi Games [SEC3F]
Since you can now use the browser to access networks that require web page
sign-ins (as described above) you can now play WiFi enabled DS games on these
networks as well.
Normally, if you try and access a network that requires a username and a
password with a DS WiFi game you will get an error such as "The Nintendo DS is
unable to connect to this Access Point with this user ID." The reason for this
is the DS has no interface which allows you to enter a username and password
(many free public hotspots require this). Therefore, if the network you're
accessing requires this information to log on, you're out of luck.
With the browser you CAN access these networks (providing you know the username
and password, that is). Simply power up the browser and log onto the web
network with the username and password (as described in the previous section).
Once you're logged on, you can shut down the browser and play any WiFi enabled
DS game since you have already successfully logged onto the network.
Interface Language [SEC3G]
Unfortunately, since the Japanese version of the browser is targeted primarily
to a Japanese speaking market, neither interface nor the instructions contain
any English - there is no English language option for the browser interface.
While the internet can be viewed without knowing Japanese (websites will be
displayed in whatever language they were designed in - i.e.
www.nintendo.co.jp will be displayed in Japanese and www.nintendo.com
and www.gamefaqs.com will be displayed in English) the setup of the browser is
essentially a trial and error process if you aren't fluent in Japanese.
Section 4 will provide a complete translation of the Settings Menu from
Japanese to English. This should help those people unfamiliar with the
Japanese language modify the default settings of their browser with confidence.
The browser does contain an English keyboard and handwriting recognition in
addition to a Japanese keyboard and handwriting recognition and Chinese
handwriting recognition. The English keyboard & handwriting input will be used
when entering website addresses in the URL window and for all other text input
on English based websites.
Website Display Language [SEC3H]
Websites will display in whatever language they are designed in. If you type
in "www.yahoo.com" you will view the English language version of Yahoo!. If
you type in "www.yahoo.co.jp" you will view the Japanese language version of
Yahoo!. GameFAQs displays in English since that's the language it was
designed in.
The only exception to this rule (so far) is Google. Google will redirect to
the Japanese language site even if the US address is entered. For the
workaround see next sub-section titled "Google Search" [SEC3N].
Browser Speed [SEC3I]
The browser runs quite well for a mobile web browser. It runs a bit faster
than a dial-up connection, but not nearly as fast as a broadband connection.
It should go without saying that the more graphics displayed on the web page
the longer it will take to load. Websites that are specifically designed for
mobile devices load very quickly. Conversely, web pages that are graphically
intensive can take upwards of several minutes to load.
Examples:
Websites with minimal graphics such as Google and GameFAQ's typically load in
less than 10 seconds.
Websites that have large amounts of graphics such as IGN and Nintendo.com
typically take several minutes to load completely. Selecting images to off
(on the browser toolbar) can decrease load times on these sites significantly.
In order to get the maximum speed from the browser, select the SSR mode and
disable the images. Use the buttons on the bottom of the screen to
change display modes and toggle the images on or off. You can also set the
browser to default to your desired mode and picture setting on the Settings
Menu (see Section 4 of this FAQ).
Pop-Up Advertisements [SEC3J]
Since the browser is only capable of displaying one window at a time, the
browser will not display any pop-up advertisements.
Downloadable Content / Browser Plug-Ins [SEC3K]
The browser is not capable of downloading any content from the internet
since there is be no place to store it. Likewise, the browser cannot
download and install any plug-ins (such as Flash or Java) or online
chat clients.
The RAM cartridge is not designed to store downloadable content from the
internet. The RAM cartridge is provided SOLELY for the purpose of
expanding the memory of the DS so it is sufficient to run the browser.
Without the RAM cartridge the DS does not have sufficient memory to run
the browser and therefore it will not function unless the RAM cartridge
is inserted.
There is no add-on type product that will allow the browser to store
downloadable content planned or announced.
Parental Controls (i Filter) [SEC3L]
There is an OPTION to turn on parental controls for the browser. Parental
controls default to off. These controls can be enabled in the Settings
Menu, however in order to activate this function you are required to pay a
monthly subscription fee for the service. With this function turned off
you can view adult websites just as you can with any other web browser.
Visit the following website for further information about i Filter:
http://www.daj.jp/cs/ifds/index.htm (Japanese language website).
Online Chat [SEC3M]
Online Chat is reportedly available on the browser. The following site has
been said to allow the use of certain chat rooms (such as MSN and AIM):
http://mob.e-messenger.net/mobile/
Web Based E-Mail [SEC3N]
Web based e-mail runs flawlessly on the browser. Examples of such are
Yahoo! mail, GMail and MSN. The browser will allow you to log and check
your e-mail just as you do from your PC.
Video [SEC3O]
Video does not work on the browser regardless of the format. You can not
view Flash video files nor can you download movies in other formats (such as
mpeg or WMV).
You can not view videos on websites such as You Tube, Google Video, IGN,
Gamespot, etc.
Sound [SEC3P]
The browser does not support any sound files from the internet. The browser
does include some basic sounds with the interface which can be selected on
or off (i.e. the "popping" noise the browser makes when you click on a link)
however you cannot listen to mp3 files or any other sound files.
Firmware Updates [SEC3Q]
As of the time of this writing there are no planned firmware updates for the
browser (it is likely that the browser is incapable of accepting such an
update).
Susceptibility to Computer Viruses & Spyware [SEC3R]
Since the internet is rife with computer viruses it is a fair question to ask
if the DS is vulnerable to computer viruses. Fortunately, the answer is no.
There is no ability for the browser to download and permanently store
information on the DS - and that includes computer viruses and spyware -
therefore there is no risk of infecting your DS with these types of malicious
programs.
Google Search in English [SEC3S]
Google tends to default to the Japanese site (even if the US address is
entered). By entering the following address in the URL window you will link
directly to the English Google site:
http://www.google.com/webhp?hl=en&lr
Save this address to your bookmarks page so the English Google website will
be readily available.
Browser Navigation [SEC3T]
The following are the functions available by tapping the buttons along the
bottom of the web browser from left to right.
[ Back ]
[ Forward ]
[ Stop / Refresh ]
[ History ] - Displays last 6 web pages visited
[ Enter URL ] - Use the on-screen keyboard to enter web addresses
[ Bookmark ] - See Note 1 below
[ Search ] - See Note 2 below
[ Settings ] - See Section 4 for the translation
[ Help ] - Japanese language help (no translation available, sorry)
[ Toggle SSR / DS Mode ] - See Note 3 below
[ Zoom In / Out ] - Modes are 50% - 80% - 100% - 120% - 150%
[ In SSR Mode - Go to End of Page, In DS Mode - Swap Screens ]
******
Note 1
******
Part A
Bookmarks are saved to the memory of the browser so they will be available
whenever you use your browser.
To save a bookmark follow the steps listed below.
1. Load the page you wish to bookmark by entering its address in the URL
window.
2. Once the page loads, click on the bookmark (star) icon on the bottom of the
page.
3a. When the bookmarks page opens, you will see the address of the current page
(the one you just loaded) listed on the bottom of the screen. Click the
button to the right of the address to add that page to the list of bookmarks.
3b. Instead of clicking the button in the lower right-hand corner as described
in step 3a, simply click and drag the page address (displayed near the bottom
of the screen) to the desired folder on the bookmarks menu.
Part B
To edit the bookmarks, click the pen button in the lower left-hand corner of
the screen.
1. To add a new folder, click the folder button on the bottom of the bookmarks
screen. This will bring you to the edit bookmarks page.
2. To rename a bookmark or a folder, highlight the bookmark and then click the
pen icon on the bottom of the screen. Edit the name with the on-screen
keyboard.
3. To move bookmarks, simply click and drag the bookmarks.
4. To delete bookmarks, simply highlight a bookmark and then click the trash
can button on the bottom of the page.
5. Once your changes are complete, click the "O" button on the lower
right-hand side of the screen. If you want to cancel all changes, click the
"X" button on the lower right-hand side of the screen.
Part C
The Start Menu folder contains the links which will appear when you
initially power up your browser.
The links that come pre-loaded on the browser are:
Nintendo of Japan
Opera Software
i Filter Parental Controls
The Start Menu can be edited on the bookmarks page.
1. Go to the edit bookmarks page as described in Part B above.
2. Edit the bookmarks in the "Start Menu" folder just as you would edit
all other bookmarks as described in Part B. All bookmarks listed in
the Start Menu will be displayed when you initially power up your
browser.
Note that the browser will not let you delete the Start Menu folder.
******
Note 2
******
The search function defaults to Yahoo! Japan (which is, of course, in
Japanese). You can select a custom search engine (see the Settings Menu
translation in Section 4) however, the browser requires a special format
for the address in order to work properly.
The following are the addresses for several popular search engines
formatted so they will work properly when entered into the custom
search text bar on the Settings Menu.
Google (English)
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&q=%s
Yahoo!
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%s
MSN
http://search.msn.com/results.aspx?q=%s
Is your search engine not listed? Here's how to format your favorite
search engine so it meets Opera's format for the custom address on the
Settings Menu (thanks goes to "Dejitaru Ken" of GameFAQ's for figuring
out the procedure).
1. Go to the search engine of your choice by entering the URL in the
address window (we'll use Google for this example).
2. Do a web search using any text (for example, in this example we'll
use "cookies").
3. Note the web address after you perform the search. The example
address: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cookies&btnG=Google+Search
4. Replace your searched text ("cookies" in the above address) with a
"%s" (you can usually delete everything after the %s as well) and note
the new address. In the example the new address will be:
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%s
5. Enter this new address in the custom address text bar in the
Settings Menu.
When using the search function, the left check-box will search the active
web page for the entered text and the right check-box will search the web
for the entered text (the check-boxes are displayed just below the text
window, above the keyboard).
***************************************************************************
* This formatting is ONLY required when entering a custom search engine *
* on the Settings Menu. When entering a URL in the address window simply *
* enter the address as you normally would. I.e. for Yahoo! simply enter *
* www.Yahoo.com in the address window to go directly to the Yahoo! *
* website. *
***************************************************************************
******
Note 3
******
SSR Mode (Small Screen Rendering Mode) - The browser will reformat web pages
in order to fit the width of the Nintendo DS screens (approx. 247 pixels wide).
All the information will be displayed, however it will not be in the format
you are used to seeing on your desktop browser.
DS Mode - On the bottom screen, the web page will be displayed in it's
original form. The DS will zoom out to fit the page width to the DS's
screens. There will be a scroll box on the bottom screen that you drag
with your stylus. The top screen will display the contents of the scroll
box. Use the "swap screens" button in order to swap the displays. This
will allow you to enter text and click on links via the touch-screen.
===================================
4. Settings Menu Translation [SEC4]
===================================
The following is a Japanese - English translation of the Settings Menu found
on the browser (the wrench button at the bottom of the browser window).
The main menu is listed to the left and submenus (menus which are opened by
clicking on buttons on the main menu) are indented underneath the main menu
from which they can be accessed.
Those boxes that are checked and the entries that are listed below are the
default selections of the browser. Tapping the "Reset All Default Settings"
button at the bottom of the Settings Menu will return the settings to what
is displayed here. (Note: This button will NOT delete your bookmarks)
[X] and [ ] = Check-Boxes
[ Text ] = Buttons
[ ] = Text Input Window
--------------------------------------------
WEB SETTINGS
[X] Pictures On
[ ] Default to DS Mode
[ ] Fit Web Page To Screen Width In DS Mode
[ Text Encoding ]
[ Proxy Settings ]
[ Search Engine Settings ]
Default Zoom
[ ]50% [ ]80% [X]100% [ ]120% [ ]150%
--------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
TEXT ENCODING
[X] Automatic
Japanese Western European Languages
[ ] Shift JIS [ ] ISO-8859-1
[ ] ISO 2022-JP [ ] ISO-8859-15
[ ] EUC-JP [ ] US ASCII
Unicode
[ ] UTF-8 [ ] UTF-16
-------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
PROXY SETTINGS
[ ] Proxy Connection
[ Proxy Password ]
Proxy [ ]
Port [0 ]
[ ] HTTPS Filter (i Filter)
[ ] Use Automatic Certification
i Filter User ID [ ]
i Filter Password [ ]
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
SEARCH ENGINE SETTINGS
[X] Yahoo! Japan
[ ] Custom
Custom Address
[http://search.yahoo.co.jp/search?p=%s ]
------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
INTERFACE SETTINGS
[X] Browser Hints On
[X] Browser Sounds On
[X] Browser Selection Description On
[X] Display Low Memory Warning
[ ] Default Input to Handwriting Recognition
[ Password Setup ]
[ Keyboard Language Selection ]
--------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
PASSWORD SETUP
Password protection during browser startup
CAUTION: If you forget the password you will be
locked out of the browser.
Password
[ ]
Re-Enter Password
[ ]
------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------
KEYBOARD LANGUAGE SELECTION
[X] Japanese [ ] US English
[ ] UK English [ ] German
[ ] French [ ] Italian
[ ] Spanish
------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
NETWORK SETTINGS
[ Nintendo WFC Setup ] [ Turn Off Wireless]
[ Communication ]
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
TIME SETTINGS
[ ] [ ]
[-] [ -- ] GMT +09 [ + ] [+]
[ ] [ ]
[ ] Enable Daylight Savings Time
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------
SHORTCUT SETTINGS
URL Default [http://www. ]
URL Shortcut [.com ]
URL Shortcut [.org ]
URL Shortcut [.net ]
URL Shortcut [.co.jp ]
URL Shortcut [.or.jp ]
--------------------------------------------
[ X Cancel ]
[ Reset All Default Settings ]
[ O Accept ]
==================
5. Credits [SEC5]
==================
Special Thanks goes to "Dejitaru Ken" of GameFAQ's for help with the
translation of the Settings Menu.
Thanks also to Nintendo and Opera for creating this useful piece of software.
===============
6. Legal [SEC6]
===============
This FAQ is Copyright (c) 2006 Jason Williams. This FAQ may be not be
reproduced under any circumstances except for personal or private use. It
may not be placed on any web site (except GameFAQs) or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission of the copyright owner. Use of
this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is
strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
Suggestions? E-mail me at Grimley141@Yahoo.com