Nintendo Region Locks 3DS
by Mike Bendel on January 11, 2011 @ 10:19 am
Bad news for importers: a rep on Nintendo of Japan’s tech support line has confirmed that the 3DS is indeed region locked. While Nintendo handhelds have traditionally been region-free in the spirit of portability, the company broke that long-standing tradition with the advent of the DSi and DSi XL. Both allow carts with DSi-specific features and DSiWare titles to be played only on units that match the target region.
The effects of region locking are more detrimental in the 3DS’ case, given that releases of DSi-specific carts were few and far between.
In all honesty, we’re not quite sure what this move will accomplish, other than to give Nintendo increased control over software prices. That’s an advantage largely negated by the fact that this will give hackers more motivation to crack open the system to circumvent such restrictions, which of course has the potential side effect of piracy – even if not intentional.
Nintendo 3DS Region Code confirmed by Nintendo JP Support [NeoGAF]
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Read more: Iwata: 3D Optional On Nintendo 3DS For End Users, 3DS Getting Control Expansion Pack, 3DS May Have Automatic Firmware Updates, Nintendo Shows Off Portable Gaming in 3D with Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS eShop Firmware Delayed Into Early June
