So, good news and bad news surrounding Nintendo’s DSi, following what was said by Cammie Dunaway.
First, the bad news:
DSi software (software that is only compatible with DSi) is region locked, eg: European DSi software can only be played on European DSi consoles. — Nintendo spokesperson to CVG
CVG adds that they confirmed this means both downloadable games and future DSi-only games will be region locked. The reason being:
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.
However, it’s not all bad news:
Nintendo DS software however is region free so you can play any DS software on DSi from any region. You can also browse the Internet on your DSi wherever you are in the world and exchange your photos with friends from around the world.
So, the important thing is that my copies of Game & Watch Gallery and Tingle’s Balloon Fight are good to go, if I should get a DSi.
But more interesting is that beyond downloadable titles, it sounds like there will be titles specific to the DSi. What would make them specific? Camera use, perhaps AAC playback? Or just because?
I may have to reconsider just going with a DS Lite after all. And hope that no more games I really want only come out in Japan or Europe.
