The Nintendo DS Browser uses the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite's Wi-Fi connection to take you online through your wireless home internet connection or through any supported hotspot access point. The dual screen and touch screen features of the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite make for a unique and portable web surfing experience. A wireless broadband internet connection is required.

Important: There are two versions of the Nintendo DS Browser, one designed for the original Nintendo DS system, and the other for the Nintendo DS Lite:

Original Nintendo DS	The version of the Nintendo DS Browser designed for the original Nintendo DS is only available through Nintendo's Online Store. (Note, this version will work with the Nintendo DS Lite.)
Nintendo DS Lite	This version is available at retail stores, as well as Nintendo's Online Store. The Nintendo DS Lite version is the only one sold at retail stores. The Nintendo DS Lite version does not work with the original Nintendo DS system.

Please use the links below for important notes, connection information, troubleshooting, and more. While this information is designed to assist with basic set up and troubleshooting, more detailed information and screen shots can be found in the instruction manual for the Nintendo DS Browser (download the manual .PDF).

Important Notes on compatibility

Download the manual .PDF

Using the Nintendo DS Browser:

Requirements to use the Nintendo DS Browser

Memory Expansion Pak info

First time setup (including connecting to the internet)

Browser menus and controls

Entering a Web address (URL) to view a specific web page

Changing the default search engine (Google, Yahoo!, etc.)

Content filtering (proxy server)

Troubleshooting:

Memory Expansion does not fit

Some web pages or file types will not display.

Why am I not hearing any sound through the speakers?

> See all Troubleshooting topics

 

Important Notes on compatibility

• The Nintendo DS Browser supports http and https. It is not compatible with other types of protocols, such as ftp, mailto, etc.
• The Nintendo DS Browser supports Javascript, as well as many image types such as GIF, PNG, JPEG, BMP, and ICO.
• The Nintendo DS Browser does not support Flash, animations, sound, video, PDFs, or any other files or programs that require a separate plug in, such as Java.
• All types of video playback, such as QuickTime (.avi) and Windows Media Video (.wmv) are not compatible with the Nintendo DS Browser and will not play.

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Requirements to use the Nintendo DS Browser:

In order to use the Nintendo DS Browser, you will need the following items:

1. A Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite system. (There are two versions of the Nintendo DS Browser. The version that is compatible with the original Nintendo DS is available only through Nintendo's Online Store. The version sold at retail is only compatible with the Nintendo DS Lite. The version that is compatible with both the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo DS Lite is sold exclusively through Nintendo's online store. Click here for more information and to purchase.)
2. Access to a high-speed (broadband) internet connection, such as cable or DSL.
3. A compatible wireless access point. There are three ways to connect your Nintendo DS Online to an access point:

   1. A wireless home router (recommended)
      The Nintendo DS is compatible with most wireless home routers. For more information and to get started setting up a connection, click here.
   2. A Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector
      If you have a high-speed internet connection at home, but do not have a compatible wireless router, you may want to consider purchasing a Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector. For more information, click here.
   3. A compatible Hotspot location
      Nintendo has partnered with Wayport in the U.S., and Fatport in Canada, to offer free wireless service for Nintendo DS owners through many of their locations. In addition, many hotspots found in public places such as coffee shops and libraries may also be compatible with the Nintendo DS. To locate a hotspot location in your area, click here. If you need assistance with connecting at a hotspot location, click here.

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Memory Expansion Pak info

The Nintendo DS Browser must be used with a Memory Expansion Pak which is inserted into the Game Boy Advance game pak slot of the Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite. The Memory Expansion Pak is an accessory, included with the Nintendo DS Browser, which expands the memory of the Nintendo DS Browser software.

Important: There are two versions of the Nintendo DS Browser, one designed for the original Nintendo, and the other for the Nintendo DS Lite:

Memory Expansion for the Original Nintendo DS version (made of solid gray plastic)	The version of the Nintendo DS Browser designed for the original Nintendo DS is only available through Nintendo's Online Store. This version will work with the Nintendo DS Lite. If you load a Nintendo DS Memory Expansion Pak into the Nintendo DS Lite, it will protrude from the system. This is normal. Do not try to force it in further.
Memory Expansion for the Nintendo DS Lite version (made of clear plastic)	This version is available at retail stores, as well as Nintendo's Online Store. This is the only version sold at retail. The Nintendo DS Lite version does not work with the original Nintendo DS.

 

 

 

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First time setup

The first time you use the Nintendo DS Browser, you will be taken to the Setup Screen. Below are the settings you must make, in the order that they appear during the set up process.

1. Keyboard Language:
   This sets the language for the Software Keyboard displayed when you input text. You can choose between English (US), English (UK), German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Click on the check mark symbol to confirm the setting.
2. Time Zone:
   Tap on the + and - symbols to adjust the Time Zone to match the one you are located in. In addition, check the box labeled "Daylight Savings" if your region recognizes Daylight Savings. Leave it unchecked if it does not. When finished with this setting, click on the check mark symbol to confirm and advance to the next step.
3. Launch-Restricting Password:
   Activating this feature will require a password to launch the Nintendo DS Browser. If you wish to use it, tap on the empty text box to be brought to the keyboard. Type in the password, then hit enter, and type it in a second time to confirm it. If you do not want to set a password, leave the boxes blank and tap on the check mark symbol.

   Important: It's very important that if you set a password, you don't forget it, and don't share it with anyone else. The password feature is useful if you wish to restrict who can have access to the internet.

4. Internet Connection:
   You need to connect your Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite online through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Settings. If your DS is already set up with a wireless internet connection point used for Nintendo WFC-compatible game, you do not need to do any more configuration for the Nintendo DS Browser. If you need to setup a connection, click here for step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, wireless router information, and more.

You can change these settings at any time by clicking the wrench icon of the Nintendo DS Browser screen.

 

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Browser Menus and Controls

 

 

 

 

TOOLBAR BUTTONS & THEIR FUNCTIONS

Below is a list of the Tool Bar icons and their functions that appear on the Tool Bar, at the bottom of the Touch Screen, when using the Nintendo DS Browser. If a button appears grayed out (for instance, the Forward button), then it cannot be used at that time.

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Entering a Web address (URL) and navigating with the browser

There are two ways to enter a web address (URL) into the Nintendo DS Browser. Please select the method you wish to use:

• Using the software keyboard
• Using handwriting recognition

Entering a web address with the software keyboard
To enter a URL using the software keyboard, use the following steps.

1. Make sure that the Nintendo DS Browser is connected online (connection information).
2. Use the stylus to click the "URL" button located within the Toolbar of the Nintendo DS Browser. The software keyboard will appear.
   
   
3. Using the character type selection keys of the software keyboard, select the type of character you want to input (regular character, accented character, or special character).

Note: Be sure to type in all portions of the URL, including any "http://" and "www." at the beginning.

4. Select the desired character from the keyboard and tap it. The character will be displayed in the input area.
5. When you are finished, tap the "Send and proceed" button to load the web page.

For more detailed information and screen shots, please consult the instruction manual for the Nintendo DS Browser (download the manual .PDF).

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Entering a web address using handwriting recognition
To enter a URL using handwriting recognition, use the following steps.

1. Make sure that the Nintendo DS Browser is connected online (connection information).
2. Use the stylus to click the "URL" button located within the Toolbar of the Nintendo DS Browser. The software keyboard will appear.
   
   
3. Using the Character Type Selection keys, switch the type of character to input, then write the character in either the right or left side of the input area.



4. The character most closely resembling the character you have written will be displayed in both the input and editing areas. If you have more to write, write the next character in the adjacent area.
5. If the character displayed is not the one you want to input, tap the triangle symbol in the lower right corner of the input area, then select the correct character from the list of candidates. If the desired character is not among the candidates, tap backspace and write the character again.
6. When you have finished entering characters, tap "Send." Tapping "Close" will terminate the character-entering operation.

Tip: To ensure that your handwritten characters are recognized easily, make sure to write slowly and neatly, and write the character as large as you can. Do not write in cursive!

For more detailed information and screen shots, please consult the instruction manual for the Nintendo DS Browser (download the manual .PDF).

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Changing the default Search Engine

The Nintendo DS Browser allows you to change the default search engine, giving you the ability to be only one button away from being able to search the web with your preferred search engine (as opposed to navigating to a specific website, such as http://www.google.com).

How to change the default Search Engine:

1. Tap on the Settings icon (the wrench) on the tool bar to pull up the Settings menu.
2. Click on the box labeled "Search Engine" to be taken to the Search Engine Settings menu.
3. Tap the box next to "Other", then tap on the text box below where it says "Other search engine."
4. Type the desired search engine URL. You must know the exact URL, and add ?p=%s to the end of it. For example, the URL should be "http://search.searchenginenamehere.com/search?p=%s". (Just replace the italicized text with the name of the search engine you wish to use.)
5. After you type in the search engine URL, hit the enter key (the angled arrow on the right side of the on-screen keyboard), then tap on the check mark icon in the bottom-right corner of the touch screen.
6. Click on the check mark symbol in the lower-right corner of the touch screen to save your settings.

 

 

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Content Filtering (proxy server)

Nintendo has partnered with Astaro to offer all users of the Nintendo DS Browser a free-of-charge content filtering service. This service, when enabled, is capable of blocking over 60 million websites that contain inappropriate or undesirable content such as pornography, illegal drugs, weapons, and violence. For a complete list of all blocked categories, please visit http://www.ds-content-filter.astaro.com. Blocked categories may change periodically. Parents please note that use of the Astaro filtering service may not block all websites you consider unsuitable for your child so it is important for you to participate in and monitor your child's use of the Nintendo DS Browser.

How to set up Content Filtering

1. Tap on the Settings icon (the wrench) on the tool bar to pull up the Settings menu.
2. Click on the box labeled "Proxy Settings" to be taken to the Proxy Settings menu.



3. Click the box labeled "Use Proxy" to enable the proxy/filtering setting.
4. You may choose to lock the proxy so that no one else can turn it off. This is optional. If you choose to enable this feature, you'll enter in a password associated with the proxy lock. Once a password is set for the Proxy Lock feature, it will show as "enabled".
   (Please note, this password is not associated to the launch-restricting password that can be sent to allow acces to the Nintendo DS Browser.)
5. Enter in the Proxy and Port info into the available fields. The Proxy should be ds-content-filter.astaro.com and the Port should be 8080. This is required.
6. You may also choose to use the Proxy to access HTTPS (secure web sites), and for automatic authentication. Click the box next to each of these options if you wish to enable them. These are both optional.
7. The last two text boxes labeled "Username" and "Password" allow you to set a username and password for the Proxy access. These are both optional. If you enter a username and password, only someone who knows them will be able to turn the Proxy on and off.
8. Once the Proxy setup is complete, click on the check mark symbol in the lower-right corner of the touch screen to return to the Settings menu.
9. Click on the check mark symbol in the lower-right corner of the screen to save your settings.

 

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Troubleshooting

• Websites are slow to load
• Some web pages or file types will not load
• Videos and sound will not play
• Memory Expansion Pak will not fit
• No pages will load with Content Filtering (proxy server) turned on
• Changed default search engine, but it will not work

 

• Websites are slow to load
  Depending on their specifications, certain websites that use a lot of images may not be able to display properly on the browser. Deactivating the Image Display will speed things up (sites that have many large images can take several minutes to fully load). You can see the image load progress in the top-right corner of the touch screen--it will be two or three numbers separated by a forward-slash (25/50 for example). Also, the icon in the upper-right corner of the touch screen (the one that looks like DS screens) will be moving if the page is still loading.
• Some web pages or file types will not load
  Websites using unsupported file types will not display properly. Because it is not possible to download and install any plug-ins for the DS Browser, it is not possible to display file types that require a plug-in. Incompatible file types include:
  • Flash
  • All video types (.mpeg4, .avi, .wmv, etc.)
  • All audio types (.mp3, .wma, etc.)
  • Java
  • .PDF
• Videos and sound will not play
  The Nintendo DS Browser does not support audio and video files. These include:
  • Flash
  • .mp3
  • .avi
  • .mov
• Memory Expansion Pak will not fit
  There are two types of Memory Expansion Paks, one for the original Nintendo DS system, and the other for the Nintendo DS Lite.

  Memory Expansion for the Original Nintendo DS version (made of solid gray plastic)	The version of the Nintendo DS Browser designed for the original Nintendo DS is only available through Nintendo's Online Store. This version will work with the Nintendo DS Lite. If you load a Nintendo DS Memory Expansion Pak into the Nintendo DS Lite, it will protrude from the system. This is normal. Do not try to force it in further.
  Memory Expansion for the Nintendo DS Lite version (made of clear plastic)	This version is available at retail stores, as well as Nintendo's Online Store. This is the only version sold at retail. The Nintendo DS Lite version does not work with the original Nintendo DS.

• No pages will load with Content Filtering (proxy server) turned on
  The Proxy Settings must be entered in a very specific way. If you have Proxy Settings enabled (turned on), and the settings are not entered correctly, no web pages will load. Verify that the Proxy URL is typed in correctly. The Proxy Settings should appear exactly as follows:
  • Proxy: ds-content-filter.astaro.com
  • Port: 8080

  For more detailed information, including step-by-step instructions and a screen shot, click here.

• Changed default search engine, but it will not work
  The default search engine URL must be entered in a very specific way. The URL must have ?=p%s at the end of the search engine's URL (you cannot simply type "www.searchenginenamehere.com"). Below are a few examples of popular search engines and how they should be entered into the Nintendo DS Browser's settings:
  • http://search.ask.com/search?p=%s
  • http://search.google.com/search?p=%s
  • http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%s

  For more information on changing the default search engine, click here.

 

 

 

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