Japan divided over DS Web browser

With the Nintendo DS Internet browser scheduled to go on sale later this month in Japan, Famitsu.com readers were asked to give their opinions regarding the product. The results of the poll were published in the July 21 issue of Weekly Famitsu.

Of those who answered, 55.3 percent said they were interested in Web browsing on the DS, citing the convenience of being able to check Web-based e-mail, the touch-pen support for text entry, and the ability to browse the Web using Wi-Fi stations in stores or at free wireless hot spots.

In contrast, 27.7 percent stated they were not interested in the browser, and 17 percent answered that they were unsure about it.

Among the reasons people cited for not being excited about the DS browser were that they already use other devices to access the Web, a lack of support for Flash or other multimedia formats, and lack of access to a wireless LAN.