Opera Software and Nintendo have finally launched the full version of the Opera web browser for the Internet Channel of the Wii game console. The download is free, but not for long.

This web browser allows Wii owners to browse the internet through the console on their television, provided the console is connected to the internet, of course. Some new features of the full version of the Opera browser revolve around usability with zoom and scrolling functions that were not present in the trial version that was launched in December.

The application allows you to choose from Google or Yahoo for a default search engine, but like any browser you can navigate to any web page and search engine. Navigation is handled through the Wii remote (please be careful), and two remotes can be used at the same time to point and navigate the web. Text and URL’s can also be entered with the remote controls using an on-screen keyboard.

One important thing to note here is that the full version of the Opera browser for the Nintendo Wii is a free download, but only for a limited time. Owners of the Wii can download the browser through the Internet Channel until June 30, 2007 at which time Nintendo will start charging 500 Wii points for the download. So, be sure to forward this onto anyone you know that owns a Wii to make sure they get this downloaded before the end of June. Once it’s been downloaded the browser is available for unlimited use for the life of the game console.