Wii U browser info revealed - supports HTML5 but not Flash

Internet browsing, videos, and more.

During Nintendo Japan's press event last Thursday, the big N revealed that the built-in webkit-based Internet browser of the Wii U includes HTML5 support, but not flash. HTML5 is a new web standard which is used by many websites for displaying advanced media. YouTube, for example, now has an experimental version of HTML5 for displaying videos. However, the Wii U's browser will not support Flash, which is also commonly used for advanced media as well. It should be noted, though, that the latest versions of Flash are not supported by the Wii, DS, DSi, or 3DS either.

Aside from that, Nintendo also revealed that players will be able to pause games and access the Internet browser while still having access to the images on the TV and the GamePad screen. In addition to that, the Wii U will also allow players to take screenshots and share them via Miiverse. It is unknown whether players will be able to save them or use them for other purposes, so we'll have to wait a bit longer to find out all the details.

Another thing worth mentioning is that when players pause a game and access the Net, the software will store the name of the game being played and automatically enter it into search queries to help players find information quicker. Not only that, but the browser supports tabbed browsing, allowing players to have several pages open simultaneously. The video Nintendo even showed a scenario where a player loaded a YouTube video on the TV and then continued browsing the Internet on the GamePad while the video continued playing. Reminds me of those computer users who set up dual monitors for doing serious multitasking.

And finally, the browser will make use of the GamePad's tilt-sensing ability to allow players to scroll up and down web pages by simply tilting the high tech controller forward and backward. Not bad, eh?

Nintendo is really selling us on the new controller. While some dismiss it as gimmicky, developers are sure to come up with some pretty clever uses of their own to enhance gameplay.

Source: NintendoWorld via NeoGAF