Nintendo 3DS is Region-Locked

[Sultan]

Read 'em and weep
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Nintendo's much-anticipated 3DS handheld will apparently be region-locked, meaning that software will only work on hardware from the corresponding territory.

That could be bad news for anyone hoping to import the console upon its release in Japan on February 26, or those hoping to sample any of the games that won't make it over to their own shores.

Confirmation seemingly came from an email from Nintendo of Japan, spotted and translated by NeoGAF. While region-locking is historically commonplace on home consoles (Sony's PS3 a recent exception), handhelds have traditionally been free from the restriction – that is until the release of Nintendo's DSi and DSi XL which introduced the feature.

European and American customers may not have to wait too long for the release of the 3DS, however, with the current March release window for those territories expected to be narrowed down to a specific date next week
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Now for those of you who don't travel much, this wouldn't be much of a problem. However, if you're the type of person who does and likes to import foreign titles, might be inconvenient for you. Let's be realistic here, it's not like they're localizing every 3DS game. What about the Otakus that want to see their underaged catgirl dating sims in 3D? oh the humanity /end sarcasm. Seriously though, I guess you'll have to import a system along with the desired software.

 

[Linnaete]

How funny it is that the more we find out about the Nintendo 3DS the more put-off a lot of us are towards it. Okay yes, region-locked games will not realistically be a huge loss for me at all. I've never actually imported any games. I've bought a few games that a store has imported themselves for my DS, and that's kind of it. I'm usually patient enough to wait for European releases. But for PAL gamers, we usually either miss out on a lot of interesting, though niche games or we wait a long time for them. Always have. Always will. But it will only be a few people that will be annoyed at this. The majority won't really care too much. And Nintendo won't take much notice of it either.

 

[Eight]

I read. And I weeped.

Well, looks like I'll have to be patient for games I'm really looking forward to. Mind, I only imported 2 or 3 DS games since I've had my old brick of a DS back in 05.

I'm not suprised this is the case now, actually, kinda had a feeling it'd be a matter of time before the region lock would spread from consoles to handhelds too.

 

[Ohri-Jin]

I can tell this would be disapointing indeed for importers and the like..oh well I guess it would be obvious as you stated DSi and DSi XL are having the same feature..

But no more exclusive games for collectors..they would have to buy the foreign handheld as well..

 

[Rey]

Ah well this kind of does suck. I imagine some great games will come out in Japan and will be only exclusive to Japan. I never did import any games though but I rather like the style of the 3DS so I was considering it. This is annoying though for people who have to wait an age for a good game. Just imagine it doesnt come out in EU and just NA.. That would suck for some. The only thing that will annoy me is Japanese exclusive games not being able to be played. I rather like some of those games. You could have did it with an R4 for DS Lite which I tried for a little. I dont own an R4 myself. It is illegal to have it in some cases but Now that there is a region lock r4 really doesnt help. That being said I am not really annoyed. Only if some of the new tales games etc dont come here. That is when the region lock really hurts. Imagine a Xenosaga IV on 3DS? But it will be Japan only? That would really make me pissed.