Bad news for those waiting for the new and enhanced Nintendo DSi console: the software coming with the console will be region-locked.
According to Nintendo, the measure affects both the games packed in cartridges as well as the upcoming downloadable content. The statement (via CVG) reads the following:
"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."
In the mean time, the regular DS software will bear no region-based restrictions, a little something that just might make some people go for the regular console. Then again, it's not hard to guess on which console will Nintendo focus next.
Just in case it's still not clear, Nintendo intends to walk on the same path Microsoft went with its Xbox Live Marketplace: Europeans usually get the content much later, but at a bigger price.
Nintendo DSi will be released in the US in late 2009. Europe might get the new console in Sping the same year, but don't bet on it.
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