Here is a list of different unconventional Internet-enabled consoles and devices, and known ways and resources to browse the Internet on them.

Last updated: Jan 16, 2024

Nintendo

Nintendo DS - Nintendo DS & DSi Browser
Nintendo Wii - Internet Channel
Nintendo 3DS - Internet Browser
Nintendo Wii U - Wii U Internet Browser
Nintendo Switch - Switchbru DNS, BrowseDNS, Homebrew: BrowseNX, Goldleaf

The interesting trend for Nintendo is web browsing used to be seen as a pay-for feature, then became an included app, then got hidden.

Sony

PSP - Internet Browser
Vita - Internet Browser
PS3 - Internet Browser
PS4 - Internet Browser
PS5 - Google.com Trick, BrowseDNS, User Guide Method

Given Sony's history of just having normal browsers accessible, a bit upsetting they decided to follow in Nintendo's footsteps in this area.

Apple

Apple Watch - Google.com iCloud Shortcut, Captive Portal Workaround

The Apple Watch has a hidden browser as well, actually using it is a little annoying, but accessing it is very easy. It's very useful if your phone is dead and you have the Cellular model!

Peloton

Bike - BrowseDNS (UK)

Similarly to other Android-based devices, BrowseDNS UK will pop up the captive browser. It allows basic browsing, but video playback doesn't seem to work.

Amazon

Kindle - Experimental Web Browser

This browser works great, but due to the eInk display it's not so easy on the eyes. Or maybe it's too easy on the eyes?

Google

Android TV - Download browsers from Play Store
Wear OS - Download browsers from Play Store

Having multiple browser choices on TV and watches is cool!

Microsoft

Xbox 360 - Internet Explorer
Xbox One - Microsoft Edge
Xbox Series - Microsoft Edge

Google, and Microsoft both make and advertise their browsers, so maybe it's not surprising that most of their devices have them easily accessible.

What is it?

BrowseDNS is a public DNS server that enables devices with hidden or limited built-in web browsers to browse the open Internet.

For a full list of supported devices, see here. We hold the view that access the Internet is an essential right, regardless of the device type that is being used.

How to Use

Enter one of the following addresses under your device's manual DNS settings:

US East: 45.55.142.122 (formerly Switchbru DNS)
US West: 45.55.112.11
England: 46.101.65.164

You should choose the one that is closest to your region, for fastest speeds. Only one for the primary DNS is required.

Network settings are typically located under: Settings -> Internet or Wifi -> [your network] -> Edit or Change -> DNS Settings -> Manual. See screen shots here for an example.

Terms of Use

This service is provided free of charge with no warranty whatsoever. The service does not collect, store, or retain any user data. Your usage of these DNS servers is at-will and at your own risk.

BrowseDNS's predecessor (Switchbru DNS) has been running successfully since March 10th, 2017. Our users have not reported negative side-effects from using the service, however the above disclaimer still applies.

Troubleshooting

If using the above addresses do not result in the browser appearing, you may need to check your network stack, as the DNS could be getting overridden by your router or your Internet Service Provider.

For more info, see the ForTheUsers FAQ for assistance, or drop by the BDNS Discord server.

If you'd like to access the browser but not rely on an external server, you can check out CaptiveDNS or bdns-coredns to self-host. This requires a computer on the same network.

Disappears Randomly? No Videos? Cookies?

On the Switch, the web browser is limited and has some features disabled. We have an open petition to Nintendo to ask them to address this, check it out here!

The petition has almost 28,000 signatures. Please share it and let others know! The ideal best-case scenario for BrowseDNS is that manufacturers like Nintendo and Sony allow the user to just access the browser directly like any other app, and then this DNS workaround no longer needs to exist.

Parental Controls?

If you want to prevent access to the browser, and your device supports parental controls, setting them up will block access to the network settings. This can be used to stop the DNS from being configured and fully disable going online with the browser.

See this post for detailed information on how different ways to block access. Please be aware however that on the Switch and PS5 there are other methods of accessing Internet content besides BrowseDNS, such as through the official YouTube app.

How it Works

The Domain Name System lookup results returned by this service employ DNS spoofing when your console attempts to reach Nintendo and Sony connection test domains.

This is the same technique used by Hotel, University, and Airline Wi-Fi hotspots to force the user to visit a Captive Portal (often to pay or authenticate for Internet access). When the Switch or PS5 are unable to connect, they display their built-in hard-to-access web browser, which then takes the user to a landing page where they can reach the open Internet.

For a full list of which domains are redirected, see this page.

Every other domain name request outside of these connection domains is returned properly, using either Google DNS or Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 (Depending on system load).