Nintendo has made a slightly surprising announcement this week regarding the Nintendo DS handheld system that looks like an attempt to trump Sony’s PSP in Japan. Although they’ve always seemed confident in the fact that their game systems focus strictly on gaming and nothing more, they are finally extending the functionality of the DS by giving it web browsing capabilities. Making use of Nintendo’s Wi-Fi network that was launched back in November, Nintendo will be releasing a cartridge-based web browser made by Opera Software (makers of the excellent Opera web browser for desktop computers as well). The browser will use both screens on the DS, and will include an touch screen keypad for input (making it slightly more user friendly than the PSP’s web browser). It is expected to be released in Japan in June for the equivalent retail price of approx. $30, with Nintendo considering releasing it overseas as well. The other product they are launching in Japan is a TV Tuner for the DS, which will receive both analog and digital signals. No word yet on whether or not we might see that in North America.