3DS region lock confirmed

Nintendo has clarified rumours that its impending 3DS handheld would include regional restrictions.

While not claiming an absolute lock-out for games from other territories, it did confirm in a statement to Eurogamer that "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."

As such, it advised purchasers only used hardware from their own region.

This is apparently because "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."

The device will see different hardware for Japan, the US and Europe.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...lock-confirmed

for me its a disapointing backwards step