Use the CTR-SDK webbrs library to launch the Internet browser from your application and open the page at the specified URL. You must comply with the guidelines in this chapter if you use the webbrs library to launch the Internet browser from your application.
13.1.1 Pages for Display
Nintendo's policy is that the first page that the application displays by calling up the Internet browser must be treated as part of the application. To ensure problem-free game play, the first page that the application displays must meet the following conditions. Pages accessible via links from the first web page do not need to meet these requirements.
-
The page is directly relevant to the content of the application.
For example, it could be a special page just for the application (such as one offering game-related gifts, or describing game strategy). -
The content of the page does not deviate from the rating of the application.
For example, an application having an ESRB rating of E must not display a web page that includes content having an ESRB rating of T. -
It is continuously available.
The publisher must maintain ownership of the page’s URL. The page must be reachable at all times; if it is only available for a limited time, replace it with a page stating this fact after the period of availability ends. -
The page can be displayed and controlled appropriately in the Internet browser.
Make sure that the page displays properly and that any controls on the page can be operated properly in the Internet browser. -
The administrator of the page authorizes the application to open the page.
Before opening a page that is not administered by the publisher, you must get permission from the party who administers that page.
13.1.1.1 Page Content
Guideline Item |
The first page to be displayed must meet the specified conditions. |
---|---|
Software to Be Tested |
Applications that use the Internet browser. |
Test Method |
Launch the Internet browser from the application, and check the first page that is displayed. |
Pass/Fail Determination |
Passes if all of the following conditions are met.
|
13.1.2 Using the Internet Browser
It is prohibited to design an application that requires use of the Internet browser to make progress in the application. Contact Nintendo at support@noa.com in advance if you are planning such an application.
13.1.2.1 Prohibition Against Forced Use of Internet Browser
Guideline Item |
The application must not require the use of the Internet browser. |
---|---|
Software to Be Tested |
Applications that use the Internet browser. |
Test Method |
Play through all modes of the application from beginning to end. |
Pass/Fail Determination |
Passes if use of the Internet browser is not required in order to progress in the application. |
13.1.3 Checking Installation Status
Nintendo 3DS systems manufactured before a certain date do not have the Internet browser if the user has never once performed a network-based system update. To use the Internet browser on one of those systems, the user must connect to the Internet and perform a system update. The Internet browser is not installed by system updates from retail Game Cards.
Consequently, when using the Internet browser from the application, you must first check to make sure the Internet browser is installed on the system. If there is no Internet browser on the system, inform the user that a system update over the Internet is required. For example, display the message such as "Cannot use the Internet browser. To use the Internet browser, connect to the Internet and perform a system update."
In contrast, it is not necessary for downloadable applications or patches to confirm installation status. This is because connecting to the Nintendo eShop causes the system to be updated to the most recent version and the Internet browser to be installed.
To test this item, launch the DevMenu, and delete the Internet browser (Browser for <region>) from the Program tab. To reinstall the Internet browser, use System Updater to update the system again.
13.1.3.1 Support for When Internet Browser Is Not Installed
Guideline Item |
Applications must check whether the Internet browser is present on the system before attempting to launch it, and if it is not present they must inform the user that a system update is required. |
---|---|
Software to Be Tested |
Applications that use the Internet browser. |
Exceptions |
Downloadable applications and patches. |
Test Method |
|
Pass/Fail Determination |
Passes if a message appears informing the user that a system update over the Internet is required. |
13.1.4 User Consent in Advance
Users have access to all the functionality of the Internet browser, even when it is launched from an application. As a result, user operations could cause the browser to display content unrelated to the application. If the user is unaware that he or she is using an Internet browser, it may cause issues if user actions cause unrelated content to appear. For this reason, when launching the Internet browser from within the application, the application must inform the user of that fact at least once, using at least one of the following methods.
- Notifying the user with a message
- Before launching the Internet browser, inform the user that the Internet browser will be launched and get the user's consent. Also, alongside this notification the application must display a description of the first page the Internet browser will display in order to inform the user that the content of the first page is deliberately prepared by the application.
- Example Message(s):
- This will launch the Internet browser and display a page for a gift campaign. Proceed?
- Yes / No
- Yes / No
- This will launch the Internet browser and display a page for a gift campaign. Proceed?
- Notifying the user with an icon
- Describe the linked page alongside the Internet browser launch icon, as shown in Figure 13-1 Sample of Internet Browser Launch Icon. If the user selects the button, the application does not need to display any other message to get user consent to launching the browser.
Resources for the Internet browser icon are included in the CTR-SDK version 7.2 and later. Developers must comply with the notes and cautions in the CTR-SDK when using the icon resources.
13.1.4.1 Notifying Users Before Launching Internet Browser
Guideline Item |
When launching the Internet browser from within the application, the application must notify the user in advance at least once.
|
---|---|
Software to Be Tested |
Applications that use the Internet browser.
|
Test Method |
|
Pass/Fail Determination |
Passes if at least one of the following conditions is met.
|
13.1.5 Complying with the EULA When Using the Internet Browser
If the user uses the Internet browser on a Nintendo 3DS system configured for the Japan or Americas market regions, the user must first agree to the Nintendo 3DS Network Services Agreement, also known as the EULA. If the user has not agreed to the EULA and is not allowed to launch the Internet browser, the attempt to launch the Internet browser will automatically invoke the EULA agreement sequence. This means that the application does not need to support handling the EULA.
Users do not need to agree to the EULA when they use the Internet browser on a Nintendo 3DS system for the European market region.
No required guideline items.
13.1.6 Parental Controls on the Use of Internet Browser
Use of the Internet browser can be restricted from Parental Controls. If the browser is restricted, a screen appears where the user can enter the four-digit PIN after the browser has launched in order to temporarily lift the restriction. This means that the application does not need to support handling for Parental Controls.
No required guideline items.