Switch powered by NetFront Browser NX, but you still can’t use it

The Nintendo Switch might not have a browser you can use on it, but there’s still one hidden away in the console and it’s used quite liberally.

NetFront Browser NX is the browser used within the Nintendo Switch, it’s based on WebKit which is why when you linked your Twitter account you got a login warning from Safari. It’s also based on the same browser that was in the 3DS and the Wii U.

The press release is mostly just telling us how awesome the browser is. So what is it used for? Well aside from the social media posting it’s also used in the eShop, in anything Nintendo Account related and even notifications.

Least when we do get a user-accessible browser in the Switch we know it’ll be pretty good.

NetFront Browser NX is a WebKit-based browser component that features ultra-low levels of memory usage, enabled by ACCESS’ unique technology that improves memory usage efficiency and ensures powerful rendering on a variety of devices and operating systems. The browser supports the latest Web technologies, including HTML5, CSS3, Gamepad API, WebP, WebSocket, HTTP Cache. In addition, using proprietary expansion spatial navigation technology, it enables smooth movement controlled by the arrow keys, maximises the usability of directional keypads on game controllers and more. NetFront Browser NX is deployed in a wide variety of devices including Nintendo game consoles, TVs, and in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI) that are shipped globally.

The NetFront™ Browser series developed and provided by ACCESS is used in models of Nintendo 3DS™, Nintendo 3DS XL, Wii U™, Nintendo 2DS™, New Nintendo 3DS, and New Nintendo 3DS XL released since 2011. The Nintendo Switch is the seventh model to use the ACCESS NetFront Browser series.

…On Nintendo Switch, NetFront Browser NX is used as cooperation function with Nintendo Account, Nintendo eShop, upload of screen photos on SNS and more.