While Nintendo DS owners have to shell out a little cash to surf the web on their systems, Wii owners have been able to do it free...but that is about to come to an end. Chances are, if you’ve managed to get your hands on Nintendo’s hot new console, you’ve also already downloaded the browser, in which case you’ll have it for the life of your system. Just in case you haven’t though, Nintendo and Opera want to remind you that there’s still time to do so, and it won’t cost you a penny. However, come July 1^st, downloading the browser is going to set you back 500 Wii Points (or $5.00 USD), which, while not a terrible price, is obviously not as good as getting it for free. So, if you want to be able to enjoy all the fantastic news, reviews and more that VGGEN has to offer on your Wii, you better get a move on! For more information on Opera’s Nintendo Wii Browser and Wii Awareness Wiik, you’ll find the official press release below:

OSLO, Norway — June 26, 2007 The Internet Channel for Nintendo Wii, powered by Opera, is currently available for free via the Internet Channel within the Wii Shop Channel menu. After this week though, this unique Web experience will require 500 Wii points to download. The free grace period ends July 1, 2007. Users who download before this period retain the application at no cost for the life of the system.

The Wii Internet Channel is the exclusive full Web browser for the hot-selling Nintendo Wii game console and delivers exciting Web content, such as Flash, YouTube and Google, to your TV with intuitive, Wii-tailored controls.

Wii points can be purchased online by credit card in the Wii Shop Channel or by purchasing a Wii Points card at retail stores. The future price of The Internet Channel, 500 Wii points, is equivalent to $5 USD or €5 EUR. The full version of Opera for Wii is already currently available, so Wii owners are encouraged to take advantage of this free grace period before it expires. Your living room will never be the same.