just another reason why nintendo sucks. DSi software region locking!

[Jansen]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20525

Nintendo now says that software released specifically for the DSi will be region-locked, restricting gamers from downloading and loading games intended for other regions.

"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," said a statement given to UK consumer website CVG.

The statement reasons that region-locking its upcoming DS hardware upgrade is necessary as the new system will feature parental control features which will be dependent on each region's unique age limit.

The DSi, however, will be able to play standard Nintendo software from any region, similar to the original Nintendo DS model and the Nintendo DS Lite. Users will also be able to browse the Internet on their DSi from anywhere in the world and exchange photos with friends in other countries.

The statement runs contrary to recent comments from Nintendo of America's Sales and Marketing EVP Cammie Dunaway, who told Wired's GameLife blog, "I believe that just as you can currently buy a DS in Japan and use it here in the U.S., that you should be able to do that with DSi... I carry around my Ice Blue DS because I like the color, and I could find it in Japan and couldn’t find it here."

Further demonstrating the company's uncertainty over the DSi's region-lockout status, when asked by G4TV whether the forthcoming handheld will be able to play titles from other countries, NOA COO and president Reggie Fils-Aimé said, "To be honest I don’t know for sure, I will look into it."

According to recent indications from the company, the Nintendo DSi will launch on November 1st in Japan, after April 2009 in the U.S., in spring 2009 in Europe, and in the second half of 2009 in Australia.

[cool breeze]

I was initially pissed off until I realized two things:

1) hackers will solve the problem
2) there probably won't be software worth getting in the first place

[T234]

I didn't know there were more than two companies actually making games machines anymore. Taito and Microsoft, GODSPEED

[AdmiralViscen]

There are DSi-specific games?

[Jansen]

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=20518

i believe you cammy

[cool breeze]

There are DSi-specific games?

Software.  I think they already announced Brain Age.

[Grecco]

Pretty sure this is just about Downloadable software. Which is no bigie.

[demi]

Makes sense for downloadable content, similar to the Wii. But hacked Wiis let you play shit region-free eventually. I probably wont even buy one of these systems (yes I said that for the Wii too)

[archie4208]

Wonder how long until pirates are able to make DSi content playable from a DS Lite flash cart.

[cool breeze]

Wonder how long until pirates are able to make DSi content playable from a DS Lite flash cart.

They have an SD card slot in it, so that flash card could be obsolete soon.

[originalz]

this is basically going to be the "Download stuff onto the wii then play it on the DS" machine then?

i can see no other reason for locking the regions.

IPs?
Access from a UK IP, get UK store. Access from a JP IP, get JP store.
That could be cool when going travelling though

I'm going to guess that it's like the Wii and it just depends on the system you have.  I have an American Wii and can only access the American store in Japan (which is what I prefer).

This is pretty tough now, I want to get the DSi at Japanese launch, but I'd rather get American DSware.  Maybe I'll wait a bit and see what stuff shows up on the Japanese store first.

[Greatness Gone]

I just don't get this thing. What the fuck do you need a camera on a DS for?

[Jansen]

you don't. nintendo simply wants to milk the tards and sell them the same system again. it's going to work beautifully.

[drew]

http://www.evilbore.com/forum/index.php?topic=25106.msg648285#msg648285