The full version of the Opera-powered Internet Channel was initially scheduled for release this month. However, it is now confirmed that the channel will not launch until next month. While the Beta version is currently available for Wii owners to download and use, it seems that there may be a silver lining in the announcement of the delay.

“Opera and Nintendo are continuing to finalize what promises to be the ultimate Web surfing experience on the Wii console. The two companies are working closely together to meet user requests for browser features and to enhance the overall Wii Web experience,”

Originally, it was revealed by Opera that Nintendo chose what features it wanted in the browser, and Opera would then implement only those features into the browser. With Opera and Nintendo now working to implement features requested from Wii owners, perhaps we’ll be more likely to see tabbed browsing, updated plug-ins (I still can’t view episodes on Disney Channel’s site through the Wii), and while I’m just spitballing here, maybe they’ll secretly add in support for a future keyboard peripheral. I’d say it’s worth a delay.

On a final note, the browser was said to be free to Wii owners to download through June, but no announcement has been made concerning a change to this date following the browser’s delay.

Wired