With the newly announced Nintendo DSi not scheduled to hit territories outside of Japan until late 2009, a question on many minds is if the handheld will be region-free. According to a CVG report, citing a Nintendo of Europe spokesperson, the answer is no. Standard Nintendo DS format software can be played regardless of region on the device, but DSi specific software, which will be released through the DS Store and on cartrigde format in the future, is locked to a specific locale.

DSi software (software that is only compatible with DSi) is region locked, eg: European DSi software can only be played on European DSi consoles.

Certainly this is disappointing news to all would-be importers.

Nintendo: “DSi software is region locked” [CVG]

Studio Pixel’s memorable Metroid-esque action-adventure classic Cave Story is heading to WiiWare later this holiday, Nintendo has announced. Without delving into great detail, a press release sent over by the Big N reveals that the Wii edition will boast “exclusive content” and added features.

Initially released as a freeware PC title back in 2004, Cave Story has been ported to numerous platforms throughout the years, including Linux, Mac OSX, and PSP. The Wii version will mark the first time it has been officially released as a true commercial effort. No word on pricing yet.

Publisher Hudson has confirmed that its WiiWare edition of the age-old puzzle classic Tetris will be released later this month. Developed with a new generation in mind, this iteration of Tetris features several enhancements over the original, including 10 “never-before-seen” single-player and multiplayer variations of the block-building hit, some of which utilize the Wii Balance Board and motion-sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote controller.

Pricing is set at 1200 Nintendo Points, or $12.

A new screenshot of Remedy’s highly-anticipated psychological thriller Alan Wake has hit the internet. Shown above, the shot was taken from a Finnish trailer that is scheduled to debut on October 17, coinciding with the release date of the Max Payne movie.

Scheduled for a release on Windows and Xbox 360, little is known about Alan Wake thus far and not a whole lot has been shown in regards to gameplay footage, aside from a couple tech demos. However, expectations for the title are exceedingly high, given the fact that Remedy was responsible for handling development duties on both Max Payne video game titles.

Speaking to MTV’s Patrick Klepek, High Voltage Software COO Eric Nofsinger revealed that the company’s hardcore-tailored first-person shooter The Conduit will feature use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory.

We want to support [the MotionPlus]. Probably for this version of the game there’s not going to be a whole ton of really extensive use of the Wii MotionPlus. For the sequel to the game, we definitely do want to incorporate more melee and things like that. We want to support it.

Additionally, the title will include support WiiSpeak for voice chat in multiplayer. Nofsinger was quick to note, however, that the peripherals are not required to fully enjoy The Conduit. HVS is making sure, through periods of extensive playtesting, that the game is still fun with only the the standard Wii Remote and Nunchuck combo in hand.

The Conduit is slated to hit Wii in the first quarter of 2009. A publisher has not yet been named.

‘The Conduit’ Already Has ‘MotionPlus’ Support, WiiSpeak Too [MTV Multiplayer]

Taking a cue from Valve, EA and Crytek are launching a free weekend for the multiplayer-centric title Crysis Wars beginning next Friday, October 10. On Monday, October 6, gamers interested in taking advantage of this offer can point their browser to MyCrysis.com and proceed through the registration process to receive a unique key and download a fully-functional copy of Crysis Wars. LAN play will be unlocked, allowing players to game with their friends before the free weekend kicks off.

We can never get enough of Resident Evil 5. Capcom just sent along more than a dozen screenshots from the fifth installment in its much-lauded survival horror series, highlighting the game’s cooperative aspect.

A PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 effort, Resident Evil 5 is slated to hit Japan on March 12, with a European and North American release following the next day - March 13.

Resident Evil 5 Screenshots

Sony producer Taku Imasaki has announced that an all-new update for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue is now available, adding three extra vehicles to the game: GT by Citroen, Ferrari California, and the Lotus Evora. Additionally, a bevy of gameplay and performance-focused enhancements are included in this update.

During Time Trial type events, speed penalties are no longer present. For race events, difficulty levels have been tweaked and players will now enjoy increased earnings by placing first. In the performance department, wireless responsiveness has been tweaked. Sound effects have also been given a boost and Drift Trial races now kick off with a rolling start.

Note that after installing today’s update, replay clips created before the second update will no longer be viewable. Furthermore, various settings such as custom key layouts and quick tune configurations will be reset.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Update Available Now! And Includes NEW CARS!! [PlayStation]

While not quite as stellar as last week’s massive PlayStation Store update, this week still manages to pack a punch in the add-on content department. Up for grabs now is two Soulcalibur IV weapon sets priced at $4 each, along with the usual round of Rock Band tracks and a free Oklahoma City pack for NBA Live 09. Moving on, PS3 owners can experience BioShock for the first time as a playable demo is now available on the store. Other demos for this week include Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway, Beijing 2008, Eternal Sonata, and NBA 2K9.

If none of that piques your interest, there’s still quite a bit of content tucked away in this week’s PSN update, including a PixelJunk Eden game soundtrack and two digital PSP downloads, Untold Legends the Warriors Code and Work Time Fun. The full list of offerings can be found after the jump.

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The hotly anticipated Xbox 360 exclusive Gears of War 2 will ship with a voucher valid for downloading five multiplayer maps from the original Gears, according to a GamePro magazine interview with Epic design director Cliff Bleszinski. The map redux pack includes fan-favorites Gridlock, Subway, Canals, Mansion, and Tyro Station. No word on if the maps will feature any sort of upgrades in the visual department.

The voucher can be used one time only and will be included all new copies of the title, whether you pre-ordered or not. That means those who go for a used copy will be out of luck.

Thanks krazyking for the tip!

Gears of War 2 Will Get GoW 1 Maps [Blend Games]