The Nintendo Switch has a secret browser, but it’s only for wi-fi login portals

Nintendo Switch’s day one patch has arrived, ushering the return of the dreaded Friend Code system (or at least a softer variation of it). But Nintendo also promised the patch would include a way to connect to public hotspots, which seemed to run counter to the claim that the Switch won’t have a browser given so many public hotspots require you to log in to a captive portal. So how does Nintendo reconcile this paradox? Simply put, by having a browser that can only be used in this very specific situation.

So far we’ve tried both Starbucks and Vox Media’s own guest network. Logging into the local Google Starbucks portal brings up the familiar coffee-infused web page that you’d see if logging in from a phone or laptop. From there, you can navigate the page with the touchscreen.

But there are a few other features. A small blue dot represents the mouse pointer, which you can move with the left joystick, while the right joystick is used for zooming in and out of the full page. You can also hit the Plus button to see a page information screen, which simply shows the web address and tells you whether or not your connection is encrypted.

Unlike with a phone or laptop, however, once you agree to the conditions you are immediately kicked back to the internet settings — no post-login page full of Starbucks branded content to browse through.

Hints of a browser can also be seen when logging into the eShop for the first time: after entering your password, a window pops up asking if you want the Switch to save the credentials with the all-too-familiar “Save,” “Not Now,” “Never for this Site” options.

Is this a sign that Nintendo will enable the browser down the line? Not necessarily, no, but the foundation is there.