Wednesday, January 12, 2011

I'm going to miss playing games this way, too

Until the release of the DSi and DSi XL, Nintendo's portable systems were always region-free (i.e., they could play games from any country).

I've taken full advantage of that "feature" over the years by buying a slew of European and Japanese releases--like Compile's Guru Logi Champ (below)--for my trusty GameBoy Advance and DS systems.



Well, if this e-mail from Nintendo of Japan's customer-support staff--which suggests the 3DS will follow in the region-locked footsteps of the DSi and DSi XL--is to be believed, those days will soon be behind me (and you, if you tend to import games from other countries).

I'm sure the brass at Nintendo have their reasons for region-locking the 3DS, but I'm not so sure any of those reasons will keep me from giving them the stink eye whenever they release an awesome game in Europe or Japan and then refuse to bring it to the States.

See also: 'I'm going to miss playing games this way'

6 comments:

Viewtiful_Justin said...

I never knew any of that. But...I've also never imported a game. I'm sure there are ways around it...but they'll more than likely void your warranty.

Bryan Ochalla said...

You never knew that the GB, GBC, GBA and original DS were region-free -- or you never knew the DSi/DSi XL weren't?

I'm surprised you've never imported a game before, although I understand why you haven't. They can be expensive :(

You're right, BTW, that they're will likely be a way around it eventually. I wish we didn't have to jump through hoops, though, since there's really no reason for it.

Oh, well!

Viewtiful_Justin said...

Both, actually.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Ah, well, I'm glad I could help educate/enlighten you :)

I have a feeling the decision to region-lock the DSi/DSi XL/3DS had something to do with keeping hackers at bay. Otherwise, it doesn't make much sense.

I sure hope someone finds a way around it, though, because you just know they're going to release some awesome games in Japan -- like another Rhythm Heaven -- and then not bring them to the States...

Viewtiful_Justin said...

Yup. My anguish will continue.

Bryan Ochalla said...

Let's hope I'm wrong :)