Next comes the 3DS Browser, the internet surfing app of the 3DS. When the DSi launched, so did a version of Opera's internet browser to make use of the increased hardware specifications over its DSlite counterpart. The browser itself had potential, its user interface was decent and it was generally fun to use. Despite this, the browser served little purpose due to the memory limitations of the system constantly being met during light browsing, bringing the experience to a halt. Things are a little different with the 3DS browser though, again it didn't launch with the system but did launch with the eShop a few months later for free. This time the browser was developed in-house at Nintendo. Hopefuls saw the potential hardware specifications of the system as a reason to expect a pretty decent product, especially with the rise of 3D-enabled YouTube videos. Ultimately we were left pretty disappointed with the end product. Flash support was non-existent and memory limits were still met fairly quickly, although, brushing the downsides away, the browser supports the viewing of .MPO files. A file container in which 3D photographs are saved to in the 3DS. Users have been able to alter images manually to fake a '3D' effect, and, when transferred via SD card and viewed on the 3DS system, look quite spectacular, opening up the possibilities of .MPO gallery websites being created for 3DS owners to gawk at whenever they choose.
Recently, Nintendo held a conference dedicated to rejuvenating the trust people have in the company and their 3D child. Announcing an array of new titles mostly catered toward the Japanese market and introducing an inexpensive add-on peripheral which provides the console with a second circle-pad and two additional shoulder buttons for games. This will help with titles such as the ever-popular Monster Hunter franchise, which is coming to the console.
Sales have reportedly picked up by 260% following the price drop even though the current state of the software catalog hasn't really improved since the start, but Nintendo are adamant about releasing two killer apps to the console by the holiday season -- Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. These two franchises arguably created the success of original DS with one of those titles still appearing in the top 20 charts for the system five years after its release.
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