E311 | 3DS Software Update, eShop Live

It's been a long wait since launch for 3DS owners, but Nintendo have finally released the system's first software update, unlocking three key features that were previously absent: the Internet browser, eShop and DSiWare software transfer. To add the new functionality, go to the 3DS system settings and select 'system update'.

The world wide web is now accessible via the Home menu, offering a streamlined NetFront browser wherever you have Wi-Fi access. Web pages can be zoomed about to your heart's content, and users can opt to use either Google or Yahoo as their search engine.

However, the bigger addition is the eShop, bringing digital download content to 3DS. As well as downloadable games, the eShop also acts like Wii's Nintendo Channel, offering information, screenshots and 3D trailers on available titles. Users can also review games that they own and track upcoming games and add them to a wish list...though not many titles seem to have been added to the latter's database just yet. It's all wrapped up in an interface that's far more swift and user friendly than the DSi Shop.

Downloadable games are divided into several sections: for now, there's Virtual Console, where you'll be able to find retro titles from Game Boy, Game Boy Colour, Game Gear and TurboGrafx 16, and DSiWare, home to all the software that could be found on Nintendo DSi / DSi XL; strangely. Retro titles re-mastered in 3D, 3D Classics, and all-new 3DS titles will be made available as content is added to the store each Thursday.

The new content line-up:

3D Classics
- Excitebike (free until July 7th)

Virtual Console
- Super Mario Land (Game Boy, £3.60)
- Tennis (Game Boy, £2.70)
- Alleyway (Game Boy, £2.70)

'3DSWare'
- Pokédex 3D (free)

You'll be able to buy pre-paid cards to purchase this content at the end of the month, but until then it's credit cards at the ready. Funds can be added in increments of £10.

DSiWare titles bought through 3DS have had their Nintendo Point prices converted into proper currency in line with the rest of the eShop. They’re available for purchase now, but there doesn’t seem to be a proper front end for browsing them, aside Nintendo selected highlights, at the moment - you have to search for what you want.

200 Nintendo Points = £1.80
500 Nintendo Points = £4.50
800 Nintendo Points = £7.20
1200 Nintendo Points = £10.80

Last but not least, you can now transfer your DSiWare titles over from your DSi / DSi XL to the shinier 3DS. A system update must be performed on DSi before the software transfer application becomes available on the DSi Shop. Some content cannot be sent over, however, as previously reported. Select 'system transfer' under the 3DS settings for a step-by-step guide on how to gather a small Pikmin army to transfer your content. Disappointingly, DSiWare save data does not transfer over.

Don't forget to link your Club Nintendo account with the eShop for some free Club Nintendo stars!

What do you think of the 3DS software update and the eShop so far?