Petition to Nintendo: Expose the Switch's hidden web browser

[VGMoose]

The most compelling argument I could make for the browser needing to be made more accessible is the DNS's usage numbers (and by extension, those petition signature counts). The Switch, while not a general computing device, clearly has access to several web technologies and web services (like Youtube or Hulu), and a large enough number of end-users clearly want to be able to do more with it.

This could make it similar to the "alternative App Stores" argument, such as the new EU legislation that made Apple allow third party app sources: https://support.apple.com/en-us/118110 Although I also need to point out that alternative app stores do exist on the Switch, via homebrew. I think the relevant piece though, is that by preventing web apps and non-eShop web services, users are required to go through the eShop, which Nintendo has a direct financial incentive to funnel users through.

I would imagine Nintendo's argument would be that don't have any obligation to provide the additional development work (or fund it) to make the browser easier to use, and to keep it more up to date with latest web technologies, etc. And even if there's a sizable interested user base, maybe they have data from their past consoles that demonstrate the usage and interest doesn't translate enough into sales. If a third-party service wants to target Switch users, they can do so through the eShop, which is better for platform security reasons too. And since the Switch is a dedicated gaming device, there's no obligation to expose any of its internals any further than necessary.

For a specific example, AO3 is one of the popular websites accessed via the Switch browser. But they could likely provide a better user experience by making a dedicated Switch app and releasing it via the eShop. Technically, even a company like Mozilla could try and get a lightweight browser on the official Switch eShop as well, and although they might reject that kind of app, I don't think it's been attempted yet.

The time limit seems like it'd be a gray area though– like the fact that they haven't gone even further out of their way to limit it more, or even explicitly block certain DNS addresses from being entered, that could demonstrate that they aren't taking active steps to completely disable usage of the browser. For example, even if the letter of the law required them to allow accessing the browser, technically they are complying with that.

[shaiziel3nsk1]

i got on the browser by messing with the Internet and now i dont hav wifi while on the browser how do i access with wifi

[Raven]

Once you turn your DNS settings on manual with the code inside it you will be moved to our servers and in my words you will become offline. My Internet shows all 5 bars while on the browser so I'm sure your Internet is on and working while using the dns server. On some websites it says you have no wifi when using some features on there but majority works perfectly fine.

In order to regain your actual Internet you have to turn you DNS settings on Automatic to get everything back.

@VGMoose Do you care to explain why it says you have no Internet on some websites?

[shaiziel3nsk1]

do you know what websites work for texting

[Raven]

That i'm not sure, Twitter used to work but they no longer support our browser. We have our own chat area here if you want something like that. Anything that is too modern and does not support the browser, it shoul tell you. Maybe look for discussion forums or chatrooms.

I'm going to use instagram messaging as an example, it says you have no Internet connection when you click on messages..

[VGMoose]

Your best chance for texting may be Google Voice: https://voice.google.com/

[VGMoose]

@Raven Some websites will detect if you're on wifi in different ways is all, I think. The switch itself will act like it's offline (for all non-browser Internet services) since the connection applet is blocked from finishing the network test.

[DEAD_INS1DE]

make it a free download via eshop aswell as a dns accessabe browser

[Raven]

In order to do so on eshop, you would need to go through Nintendo. You don't just get to upload stuff whenever you feel like it, if that was the case eshop would be filled with browser like stuff.

Switchbru is accessible on DNS.

[oogabooga360]

pls send it again as we have about 30k signed

[Selene]

I can't seem to sign the petition from my Switch. I don't know what good it would do anyway, but I'd do it if I could. Now the bigger question is, does the petitioner (one who is petitioning) wish to take this thing next level and attempt to seek a "Petition for Writ of Mandamus" in court (look it up, I'm not exactly an attorney...) to attempt to force Nintendo to respond, since this method here obviously isn't working...?

[GoobyGoober123]

LET US BROWSE IN PEAC

[Gamer_boy]

Hopefully discord will be unblocked on switch otherwise i must wait til I get a computer :(

[Fruity]

@shaiziel3nsk1 textnow works pretty well if you already have a account, it wont work if the "are you a robot" thing pops up but besides that it works well

[oliver]

im using it rn:/ -to use this website

[VGMoose]

Posted a new 2025 update to the petition: https://www.change.org/p/nintendo-nintendo-expose-the-fully-functional-internet-browser-built-into-the-switch/u/33770559

It talks about the Switch 2, and how it's still important to keep asking Nintendo for a browser! The above update was emailed out to all signers.

[Yuni]

@VGMoose Just signed it! Hope Nintendo finally gets rid of the timer and do some epic updates for SwitchBru! :D

[Biblecampvictim]

@lollapalooza only if bro only if

[XboxLover]

Another way to get the Web browser unlocked is to Give it to God

[A Former User]

@XboxLover no shit