Years of surfing the Internet have taught us at least one thing: that a good browser is a free browser, no matter what you call it, or what platform it runs on. Unfortunately, it is this very sacred rule that Nintendo and Opera are breaking as we speak on the Nintendo DS (at least in Japan, other territories to follow) and will continue to do so on the upcoming Nintendo Wii console. That was the bad news; now for the good news.

The good news is that Nintendo will be offering the Wii Opera browser free of charge at first, as a temporary promotion for all Wii users until June 2007. After that - starting with July 2007 - users will have the option to purchase the Opera browser, using their Wii points. Just how many Wii points? That... is for them to know, and for us to find out. Some other time.

For now, here are some features announced by Opera for their Wii browser:

"With support for Flash and AJAX-based content such as Google maps, Wii users will benefit from a feature-rich Internet experience that is uniquely customized for the Wii. Opera for Wii boasts the same complete standards support as the Opera 9 Desktop browser, and includes the added functionality of "Zoom" and "Bookmarks". The Wii remote control will also be an integral part of browsing, allowing users to intuitively control the Web with their Wii remotes."

As you should know by now, Nintendo plans to release the Wii in the US on November 19, in Japan on December 2, in Australia on December 7, and in Europe on December 8. For a sneak peak at Wii Opera (let's call it that way for now), check out Nintendo's preview clips - starting at the bottom of that page, and on to the next one.

(N.B. Archive text, links removed)