Nintendo has confirmed to VG247 that the Nintendo 3DS will indeed be region locked and have explained the rational behind doing so.
“Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian.”
“Nintendo has developed different versions of Nintendo 3DS hardware to take into account different languages, age rating requirements and parental control functionality as well as to ensure compliance with local laws in each region. Nintendo 3DS also offers network services specifically tailored for each region.”
“Additionally we want to ensure the best possible gaming experience for our users and there is the possibility that Nintendo 3DS software sold in one region will not function properly when running on Nintendo 3DS hardware sold in another.”
“Guidance will appear on every packaging of Nintendo 3DS hardware and the accompanying software. If you are in doubt, Nintendo recommends that you only purchase Nintendo 3DS software in the region where purchased your Nintendo 3DS system.”
– Nintendo
I’d still like to be able to play my Japanese games. :|
In that case, I won’t feel bad for Nintendo when piracy becomes an issue. -shrug-
same here.
It is just a load of BS.
Region locking on consoles is already bad but on handhelds it is outragoeous.
Just buy the games in your country?
Whats the problem?
Not all games are released everywhere. Or sometimes, different regions release better versions.
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On the biz side I understand, but I would still like to get and play some of those japanese only games. I have the japanese & US version of Elite Beat & they are different from each other. Both very good in their own right, but different. Of course someone will find a way to hack the 3DS though
Sounds understandable, but I really wanted to get a US 3DS and run it in a PAL region. I’d hate to buy old virtual Contra games, and see anything else on the start-up screen but the word “Contra”. Actually the case with the Wii. But, I guess I’d just do with the PAL version.
Lamest excuses ever. Sounds more like “we only want you to buy/play the games we decide to release”.
They decided what games get released anyways. This is more like “we decide where you can buy and play your games”
Tis what I meant. Should’ve worded it better.
I give it a week for someone to hack it
I give it a week (or less even) before it is hacked
I bet hackers can fix their little problem :p
that’s why flash carts exist….
Pirates are always five steps ahead of Nintendo. It took them several months to come up with a flashcart-blocking update for the DSi. It took the AKAIO team a few days to make a patch. I’m sure this “complex” anti-piracy stuff will be cracked in a matter of weeks upon release. :P
Why don’t they just make a 3DS that works in all regions?
That’s a good question. Gaming company’s seem to love locking down consoles to specific regions presumably because it doesn’t take away any sales from that region.
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