Every now and then a request for a usable browser on 3DS, including old series consoles, pops up on GBAtemp. This usually gets quickly dismissed with condescending comments (“Impossible”, “Don’t you have a phone?”) based on half-knowledge (at best). No, I do not think I’m fully in the know. I’m not a developer and am well aware of my limits! All I can say is that I got a usable browser running on a machine with a way weaker processor (Mobile Celeron 433MHz from about 1998/1999) with only 192MB of RAM. Having the whole Windows XP SP3 running in the background leaves very little memory for the browser.
I did this experiment a few years ago and came to the conclusion that a basic browser fetching mobile site versions and selective script execution (NoScript style) should be in range of the old 3DS models when running this hypothetical browser in extended memory mode (80MB).
Since then a port of lightweight NetSurf has been released as proof of concept. This doesn’t stop the snarky comments.
How Dare You Ask For Help on a Forum!?
The most recent example of such an attitude looks like this:
I am so above everything… how dare you asking and discussing things that have been solved long ago? Here you go, because I feel generous right now: One example for you. Do your homework next time!
(I won’t even comment on the backseat moderating a little earlier)
Let’s have a look at the “solution”, one of the various different ways of “How to enable internet access on an outdated device”
- Step 1: Install some server software on a modern device
- Step 2: Use dangerously outdated software in the same network as an important device
Wait a minute… I’m just sitting at a modern device when preparing this. That gives me a great idea!
💡I could just use said modern device for browsing the web!💡
🤦♀️*Facepalm!*🤦♀️
I’m generally fed up with the tone many people have in their posts nowadays. Can’t you be a little more friendly?
A 3DS Browser Would Be Awesome!
I have two reasons for thinking a mostly working webbrowser for 3DS would be awesome. Firstly my hobby:
A) My personal one is tinkering. It is fun to push the limits of weak, old systems. Dismissing this argument on a platform where homebrew on gaming consoles is one of the most important topics makes no sense to me.
But there is a better, much more important reason:
B) Not everybody is in the position to have access to an arbitrary amount of devices. Some people are forced to use whatever they have or can get their hands on.
For some people it might be a necessity. I have seen a person stating they use GBAtemp on a grossly outdated laptop with damaged screen. Another one said they were using a PSVita.
Computer Security
With my focus on IT security, reading such things gives me the creeps! As hinted above, I strictly isolate such experiments from important systems. Those forced to use outdated devices and browsers not having basic security should avoid anything regarding personal information online until they get a device that fulfills at least some minimalist security requirements (supported OS, supported browser, strong encryption).
But I do have to acknowledge they might not have the choice at times.
Browsing the internet to access information is essential these days. I understand why anyone would ask about browser support on low-spec computers that don’t meet modern standards, and I’ll be careful not to respond in a condescending or arrogant manner.
Be nice to each other.
Good luck and have fun!