Newsbriefs: DS Browser, Rosie/Pogo, Euro VC

Author: by Staff

[UPDATED: 5:00pm PST] Today's regularly updated newsbriefs include further details of the launch of the Nintendo DS web browser, news of Electronic Arts partnering with Rosie O’Donnell for EA's casual gaming portal Pogo.com, and the latest set of "new" games released over the Wii's Virtual Console in Europe. - According to an article at consumer website GameSpot, a representative from Nintendo has confirmed that the forthcoming release of its handheld Opera browser for the DS will not be limited solely to the DS Lite. As it makes use of the Game Boy Advance slot for additional memory required by the browser, each package has to be custom tailored to a specific DS model, since both have slightly different internal parts. Nintendo has said, though, that sales of the version of the browser for the original DS will be limited to its own online store. The browser is expected to launch in North America on June 4th. - Electronic Arts officials have announced that the major publisher and developer has partnered with talk show host Rosie O’Donnell for EA's casual gaming portal Pogo.com to launch ‘Pogo Cares Benefiting Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation,’ a two month program designed to raises awareness about 'Rosie’s For All Kids Foundation.' The organization helps bring child care, education and happiness to America’s kids. With the help of its players, Pogo.com will donate $30K to the foundation. The Pogo Cares Program first launched in 2001, and has since that time raised over $100,000 in charitable donations. In addition, as part of this latest effort, Pogo.com users will be able to participate in several online events, including the “Play & Chat with Rosie Sweepstakes,” where anyone who plays “Tumble Bees” between May 17-23 will automatically be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win an opportunity to play and chat live with Rosie O’Donnell during the month of June 1. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the Sweepstakes. EA also announced that from May 22-July 17, Club Pogo players will be able to collect free special limited edition Rosie-designed items to customize their Pogo Minis. More information can be found on the Pogo.com website. - Nintendo has released four “new” games for download over the Wii's Virtual Console in Europe. Purchasable from the Wii's online Wii Shop Channel, the region's Wii owners are able to purchase Sega Genesis version of arcade fighting game Virtua Fighter 2 for 800 Wii Points (€8). In addition, the service is also adding two more Genesis classics in the form of platformers Wonder Boy in Monster World and Alex Kidd In The Enchanted Castle, both for 800 Wii Points (€8). Finally, Wii owners can download the classic Turbografx-16 shooter Shockman, available now for 600 Wii Points (€6).