Do you believe that consoles should have pre-installed browsers?

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76561199778362024 Sep 14, 2024 @ 8:42pm

There are so many people who think that consoles should not have a built-in browser because it's a console, but why is that? Wouldn't it be better if there was a browser? You could do more than just play overpriced games on your console.

And the argument is always like, 'But you have a phone and even a personal computer, so we shouldn't have something that would be useful in the console.

Last edited by I like boobies; Sep 14, 2024 @ 8:46pm

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Showing 31-42 of 42 comments

smokerob79 Sep 15, 2024 @ 7:11am

Originally posted by Tonepoet:
Originally posted by Starlight:
There's no reason not to, it's just a browser. But it's not really needed, I guess it was more useful in the 90s but I've never used one.

The only major 1990s video game console that had proper internet access was the Dreamcast, and I'm pretty sure that didn't have a built in browser. The system was capable of using Windows C.E. as a host operating system for the games, and even has the Windows C.E. logo on the device itself, but most devs. didn't bother with that because of the unnecessary system overhead significantly hindered the console's performance.

Combine that with how similar its controller design would end up being to Microsoft's later controllers (the resemblance is especially evident with the 360 controller), and the Dreamcast truly is the first xbox. >_>

the SEGA channel would like to talk to you......only one of the 90's are you new kid???

#31

vkobe Sep 15, 2024 @ 7:20am

Originally posted by I like boobies:
There are so many people who think that consoles should not have a built-in browser because it's a console, but why is that? Wouldn't it be better if there was a browser? You could do more than just play overpriced games on your console.

And the argument is always like, 'But you have a phone and even a personal computer, so we shouldn't have something that would be useful in the console.

it is why we have steamdeck and asus rog

#32

xDDD Sep 15, 2024 @ 7:25am

Yes.
PS3 used to have asbuilt-in browser and it was fun AF (when it actually worked).

Consoles nowadays don't even have disc drives so I don't know what the ♥♥♥♥ the point of them is. FWIW I don't have a console and haven't since the PS3, but I really don't get the appeal of them anymore.
Can you use them as media centers? Music players? What do they even do besides play like 10 existing exclusive games?

#33

Pierce Dalton Sep 15, 2024 @ 7:35am

Yes, a console is just another type of PC nowadays, why not throw in a browser? Besides, no one is forced to use it.

#34

Tonepoet Sep 15, 2024 @ 11:45am

Originally posted by Michael:
Originally posted by Tonepoet:
Sure you can.

Thank you for being a

https://youtu.be/7wIm6aaJ5hI

You're welcome. Anytime a time traveling bee comes by to foretell the prophesy of the chosen four who can thwart an alien invasion, call me, and I'll be there to swat it.

Originally posted by smokerob79:
Originally posted by Tonepoet:

The only major 1990s video game console that had proper internet access was the Dreamcast, and I'm pretty sure that didn't have a built in browser. The system was capable of using Windows C.E. as a host operating system for the games, and even has the Windows C.E. logo on the device itself, but most devs. didn't bother with that because of the unnecessary system overhead significantly hindered the console's performance.

Combine that with how similar its controller design would end up being to Microsoft's later controllers (the resemblance is especially evident with the 360 controller), and the Dreamcast truly is the first xbox. >_>

the SEGA channel would like to talk to you......only one of the 90's are you new kid???

I did not just write that it was the only mainstream console that had internet access in the 1990s. I wrote that it was the only mainstream title that had "proper" internet access back then. My understanding of how Sega Channel used the internet connection is that it was simply a games on demand service like the Bandai Satellite attachment for the Super Famicom. That's not really much more the internet than On Demand Cable television, which was never considered as part of the internet. Sega channel is more like "internet access" than internet access, or really more like "uses the internet to mimic the Bandai Satellite" which is not considered the internet either.

The Dreamcast does have that web browser disc, and you could use it to play Phantasy Star Online with your friends, using an official SK-1502/HKT-7600 keyboard to chat. Plus whereas the dreamcast came with the modem more-or-less as a built in part of the console, Sega Channel was a separate service and accessory that few people even knew about at the time. Much like the X-band modem. Its status as part of the console is dubious at best. The Sega Channel Model plugged into the cartridge slot, so it's as much a separate device as the 32x or the Power Base Converter. It's an accessory to the console at best, not a part of the console itself.

To be fair, the Dreamcast modem was detachable too, but the difference is it was latched in place like a remote control's battery cover and your console would be missing a sizable chunk off of the corner and the side without it. Granted, supposedly the console didn't come with the modem in Japan, but it came pre-installed in other regions.

Moreover, new? If you are treating Sega Channel like it's common knowledge, then you are probably new yourself. I doubt you used Sega Channel. Almost nobody knew it even existed at the time, and even fewer actually had it. 'Twas such a mistake for Sega of America to lock The Wily Wars behind Sega Channel in the U.S.A. They might have been able to compete with the X games somewhat better if they hadn't.

Last edited by Tonepoet; Sep 15, 2024 @ 3:58pm

#35

Midnight Sky ✨🌙✨ Sep 15, 2024 @ 12:08pm

A console isn't a great place to just browse the internet but it's better to have a browser anyway for niche use cases. They're also great for enabling you to hack your own consoles.

#36

itzDerrio Sep 15, 2024 @ 7:30pm

Originally posted by xDDD:
Can you use them as media centers? Music players? What do they even do besides play like 10 existing exclusive games?

nope, they're useless now. consoles are basically back to being a PS1. The PS3 was peak in terms of what a console could do, and actually was on par with a PC when it first came out but people complained about it being $500, but will happily buy the absolute most useless playstation ever today for $500.

Originally posted by Midnight Carnival Snack:
A console isn't a great place to just browse the internet but it's better to have a browser anyway for niche use cases. They're also great for enabling you to hack your own consoles.

and this is the reason they dont have browsers anymore. nerds pretty much ruined it. no more internet on big screen tv's now smh.

#37