Game importers blanched earlier today when word got out that the Nintendo 3DS will reportedly be region locked. If the reports are true, it means Japanese games will only be playable on the Japanese version of the Nintendo 3DS, and games localized for a North American audience will only be playable on a Nintendo DS system assembled for North Americans. The Nintendo DS was much freer with its content cross-over, so this news is very disappointing for the small but dedicated import crowd.
Official word from Nintendo is pending, but a supposed email from Nintendo's support staff addressed the issue with a concerned customer:
Why would Nintendo harden its heart against imports? TinyCartrige theorizes that part of the reason might lie in Nintendo's ramped-up efforts to fend off pirates. Not surprising, as Nintendo DS piracy is rampant around the world.
Are you an importer?
Official word from Nintendo is pending, but a supposed email from Nintendo's support staff addressed the issue with a concerned customer:
"There are no Region codes in DS and DS Lite, but DSi, DSi [XL], and 3DS have region codes. The region codes are installed in each game and the 3DS itself. ... You can't play if the region codes are different.There you go.
"For example, if you play a Korean 3DS game with a Japanese 3DS system (or vice versa), you won't be able to play at all."
Why would Nintendo harden its heart against imports? TinyCartrige theorizes that part of the reason might lie in Nintendo's ramped-up efforts to fend off pirates. Not surprising, as Nintendo DS piracy is rampant around the world.
Are you an importer?
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