Opera are adapting their web-browser for the Wii, but confirm it won't retail separately. Will it be firm-ware?

Opera are providing Nintendo with a custom version of their web browser, incorporating the Wii remote control to make a unique web-browsing experience. Much like the company have done for the Nintendo DS, the controls will be especially suited for the console.

Speaking to IGN, Opera's Scott Hedrick confirmed that Opera for the Wii "will be based on the same core as all Opera deliveries and will have the same leading support for W3C web standards and Street HTML as the desktop browser."

Despite being pressed, he refused to comment further at this time on other features for the browser, such as tabbed browsing, integrated search functions, voice command support, media playing abilities, Java and Flash, stating that Nintendo had yet to reveal whether such capabilities would be included or not.

He did however re-assure that the Wii's lack of a keyboard wasn't going to be a problem. "The Wii remote control is an extremely advanced tool... I cannot specifically comment on the lack of keyboard, but many devices running Opera don't have keyboards, such as the Nintendo DS, and feature on-screen keyboards to solve this problem."

He also stated Opera would run quickly on the console, saying that the Opera browser "promises a fast browsing experience no matter the device, and Wii will be no exception." Most intriguingly however, when asked if the browser will come standard with the console, he said "Nintendo has not yet announced how Opera will be available on Wii, but I can confirm that it will not be sold as a separate item, as it is for Nintendo DS."

Could the browser come pre-loaded onto the Wii? With the 'always on' nature of the Wii, this does not seem unlikely... More as it breaks!