Rumour and speculation doesn't get commented on - we all know that - so it's good to see that Nintendo has finally bitten the bullet and sort of owned up to the fact that the 3DS will be, sort of, region locked.
"Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian", the company said in a statement.
Why? The law is why, apparently. The statement continued, "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.
But there's more, "Nintendo 3DS also offers network services specifically tailored for each region.
"Additionally we want to ensure the best possible gaming experience for our users", it blathered, before continuing in a particularly unclear way, "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."
In short, yes, the 3DS is region locked.
Via EG
"Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian", the company said in a statement.
Why? The law is why, apparently. The statement continued, "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.
But there's more, "Nintendo 3DS also offers network services specifically tailored for each region.
"Additionally we want to ensure the best possible gaming experience for our users", it blathered, before continuing in a particularly unclear way, "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."
In short, yes, the 3DS is region locked.
Via EG
Companies:
Nintendo
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Comments
irritant 18 Jan 2011 11:17
1/3
Region locking was originally all about TVs not supporting different video output modes hence why most handhelds have never been region locked.
It's a shame they've had to start up again but my understanding is that the reason Nintendo have given are pretty much accurate.
Sounds like the region locking of game cards is up to the publishers but the hardware will definitely be configured to only work with the "local" app store.
Anyway, who cares about region locking in this day and age? Tell us about release dates and prices!
It's a shame they've had to start up again but my understanding is that the reason Nintendo have given are pretty much accurate.
Sounds like the region locking of game cards is up to the publishers but the hardware will definitely be configured to only work with the "local" app store.
Anyway, who cares about region locking in this day and age? Tell us about release dates and prices!
deleted 18 Jan 2011 11:55
2/3
Yeah its getting pretty close to March and no confirmation or price yet? Region locking is a downer, but not really a major concern, maybe if Nintendo can keep US and Euro Release dates close it wont matter.
bertybassett 18 Jan 2011 11:58
3/3
more like those Chinese people selling 3DS on ebay to US and UK people before its release in their countries.