Opera Browser free until June 2007

Opera announced today that its custom-built web browser for Wii will be available for free at launch. The browser can be downloaded through the Wii’s built-in “Wii Shop Channel”, but for a limited time only. Opera will be charging for the browser after June 2007. Here is the press release from Opera:

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.

I’m very glad that Opera is providing this free right when I get one at launch. It is kind of bogus that late adopters will have to pay for the software, but I guess that’s more incentive to buy one at launch ;)

Source: Cubed3, GoNintendo