DSi Games on Lockdown

[Sonicpro]

One of the coolest aspects of Nintendo's handheld systems is that they have always been region-free; meaning games from any territory can be played on any system. That quirky Japanese puzzle game not being released in the U.S.? No problem, just import a copy and it will play on your U.S. system. But these times appear to be coming to an end, as Nintendo has revealed that games made specifically for its recently-revealed DSi portable will be region locked.

Speaking to CVG, a Nintendo spokesperson says, "DSi software (software that is only compatible with DSi) is region locked, eg: European DSi software can only be played on European DSi consoles." This apparently applies to both retail and downloadable games.

But the region lock only applies to software, not the DSi system. The new portable will still play regular DS games from any territory, but new software specifically designed for the DSi will be locked down. You will also be able to use the internet browser in any territory.

"DSi is region locked because DSi embeds net communication functionality within itself and we are intending to provide net services specifically tailored for each region," says Nintendo. "Also because we are including parental control functionality for Nintendo DSi and each region has its unique age limit made by different independent."

Source

[Pac_cap]

Well, Wii Ware games are locked and that works pretty fine.
At least with the software you can be almost certain, using the Wii as an example, that you'll get the software/downloadable game no matter what region you leave in, though there may be delays between regions.

Some games aren't even released outside Japan, and some big games take a while to move from America to the EU, so that's obviously great that Nintendo kept the actual games region free.

[SuperSonic]

Thanks for clearing this up Sonicpro.

When I first saw this, I was like "well they've just lost my purchase" *Gives Nintendo the middle finger.*
I never understood why they region-lock games, it's basically a blatant admission that they're ripping off certain regions *cough*Europe*cough* and don't want us saving money. -_-

But since the regular DS games are region free, that aint too bad I guess.

[virustsunami]

aw COME ON!!!!! Regio locks, AGAIN????

Well, I'm SURE hackers will come up with something like a RegionFree that the Wii has, so no worries ^^

Its just so... annoying, blatantly giving us a slap on the face "haha, sucker".

[metalocalypse]

i do agree that games should not be reigion lock

[Kamachi]

Doesn't seem like such a big deal. Besides, homebrew will fix it, so ya...

[M3Fox]

Wait... the handheld games were never region locked? Seriously? LOL JK I'm patient, so I'm not really the type to copy games from countries and play them before everyone. Nintendo's come up with a good excuse this time; I'll give them that. LOL