AfterDawn: News

All DSi software will be region-locked

Nintendo has confirmed to Eurogamer that any new software created for the new DSi handheld will be region-locked and that NA, EU, or J software will only work on consoles sold in those specific regions.

Current DS and GameBoy Advance handhelds are region-free meaning consumers can purchase software from other regions and it will play just fine.



Nintendo says the 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".

"Also because we are including parental control functionality for Nintendo DSi and each region has its unique age limit made by different independent bodies."

Existing DS software will still be region-free, noted the company.



Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 6 Oct 2008 20:15

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• 11 comments

• Sazy

  Pros:
  Slimmer
  Bigger Screens
  Supports multimedia
  
  Cons:
  Removes GBA Slot
  Implements DRM
  Support for multimedia WILL be limited
  Camera (Unless you're Micheal Jackson)
  Camera's resolution is the same as my FREE phone from Verizon
  Needless price Increase
  
  Hmmm, Lets say Im going to be looking more forward to Sega's new handheld

  6.10.2008 20:25 #1

• H08

  You forgot to mention its ugly as hell

  6.10.2008 20:33 #2

• 21Q

  I knew it .... When I read about the wifi and all the stuff concerning that I thought this would happen. Moving to japan is seeming even more tempting.

  6.10.2008 20:49 #3

• pcrazy99

  So will new games coming out be compatible with the older ds lites or will those handhelds be obsolete?

  6.10.2008 23:33 #4

• nintenut

  You folk act as if it can't be cracked, have a bit of faith. =P
  
  Originally posted by pcrazy99: So will new games coming out be compatible with the older ds lites or will those handhelds be obsolete?
  If the game needs the camera, or if it's from the online shop, it probably won't be compatible.

  7.10.2008 00:25 #5

• miltex

  This sucks !
  

  When the chips are down, you can count on miltex !

  7.10.2008 05:02 #6

• saint101

  although it has no GBA slot, it will have in built memory and a SD slot so you can download games straight to your ds. my guess GBA, gameboy etc games will be available to buy on the wii shopping channel and you can port the channels over to the ds. also able to support AAC music files (compressed version of mp3), built in internet browser and also a 0.3 and 3.0 megapixel cameras. so in a way it closely resembles to the iphone but without the call/txt, which sooner or later i suppose they will be able to support VOIP and maybe video calling if they wanted to.

  7.10.2008 05:26 #7

• pcrazy99

  Aside from taking pictures I can already do most of this stuff on my regular ds lite. I can watch video,listen to mp3s, audio books etc. I can play gba games whether they are original carts or roms. I don't see myself taking an interest in a game that requires a camera to play. I know there are a lot of people who will buy this because they are new, but there are people who won't like me. I still use a psp phat and have no desire to switch to a slim.

  7.10.2008 10:35 #8

• Ray92

  Another reason for me not to buy the DSi.
  I was seriously thinking of getting it, but now I'll probably go with a DS Lite if I decide to buy 1

  7.10.2008 16:29 #9

• NHS2008

  A new SD card slot will be utilized for external storage of pictures and downloaded software and to play AAC audio. The front slot for Game Boy Advance (GBA) cartridges will be removed, thus removing the unit's backward compatibility and its compatibility with accessories that require the GBA slot. The DSi will have its own internal flash memory and will ship with a built-in web browser. Photos can be synced to the Wii's Photo Channel.[11] It is possible to download games from an online store, called the DSWare Shop, and store them on the DSi. The applications will either be free, 200, 500, or 800 Nintendo Points.

  8.10.2008 11:39 #10

• locobrown

  They want to prevent the import of DSi to the states and all other regions that still have the outdated DS in stock.
  
  "because DSi embeds net communication functionality within itself and we are intending to provide net services specifically tailored for each region".
  
  "Also because we are including parental control functionality for Nintendo DSi and each region has its unique age limit made by different independent bodies."
  Yeah right, a load of pig swallow to me. When has that ever been an obstacle? Being region free was what made the DS somewhat popular.

  8.10.2008 12:58 #11