News broke last week that Nintendo's new handheld would be region-locked and gamers around the globe didn't waste time in using message boards, their Facebook and Twitter accounts to voice their displeasure.
Nintendo has finally broken its silence on the issue, explaining why and how the region lock will work.
"Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian," the company said in an official statement, "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."
"We want to ensure the best possible gaming experience for our users, 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," continued the statement, "Guidance will appear on every packaging of Nintendo 3DS hardware and the accompanying software. If you are in doubt, Nintendo recommends that you only purchase Nintendo 3DS software in the region where purchased your Nintendo 3DS system."
However, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel as it seems unlike the DSi and DSi XL the region locking will be at the discretion of the publisher. Looks like we here at videogamesplus.ca might be in the market for European and Japanese 3DS's so we can region free test all North American 3DS games for our customers worldwide.
Nintendo is scheduled to announce the 3DS release dates for both North America and Europe tomorrow in New York and Amsterdam.
