The Nintendo Switch has a very limited secret browser that’s probably WebKit-based

Now that the Nintendo Switch’s day-one patch is available, press with early access to the console are able to update the console, use the company’s dreaded friend system and browse the eShop.

While Nintendo initially claimed that the Switch wouldn’t feature a web browser at launch, that’s not entirely true. Because Nintendo has patched the console to sign into public Wi-Fi hotspots, the system needs a way to access login screens. In order to solve this issue, Nintendo has added a browser to the Switch that can be used in very limited situations.

The browser is also used to log into Twitter and Facebook on the Switch, allowing users to post screenshots, which can also be edited with funny meme-style text with the system’s operating system.

You’re also even able to trick the console into launching the browser by going into User Settings to link your social profile and clicking on the connection page. This lets you access Facebook and even watch video on the platform. During my brief period of time testing out the hidden browser, I was able to access my Facebook messages, watch videos and browse my news feed, though the experience was a little janky.

In terms of controls, a small blue dot is used in place of a mouse pointer and the joystick allows you to zoom in and out of the page. Clicking the plus button opens up the address bar as well. It’s also important to note that it’s impossible to manually input a URL to go to a different website than either the public Wi-Fi signal’s login screen, or Facebook.

There are other hints of web browser functionality in the Switch’s menu under Settings > Initialize > Reset Cache. The text under this setting reads “Delete saved IDs and passwords, cookies, history and other cached website data for each user.”

Last thing: When I connected to Twitter I received an email saying I'd just signed in to Twitter on a new device via Safari. Apple synergy?

— nebuCHADnezzar (@chadsapieha) March 2, 2017

There’s also a possibility that the browser is WebKit based, though nothing has been confirmed yet. WebKit, an open source browser rendering engine, takes the source code of a website and turns it into something you as a user can see an interact with.

While this setting obviously refers to other features within the Switch’s operating system, it could also be an indication that Nintendo has plans to launch a browser in the near future.