Gamers beware: Nintendo Wii U will be region-locked
The company told famed Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu that gamers in different parts of the world won't be able to play games available in other regions.
Nintendo's Wii U is following in its predecessors' footsteps with region-locking.
A company representative reportedly told famed Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu recently that the Wii U won't allow gamers to play titles imported from other regions. The news was published today by posters on gaming forums NeoGaf. Nintendo then appeared to confirm its Famitsu statement to CVG.
Region-locking is common in the gaming space. The restriction stops gamers from playing titles available in other regions on their respective devices. Nintendo's Wii, along with all of its predecessors dating back to the Nintendo Entertainment System, are region-locked. Microsoft and Sony allow publishers to decide whether their titles should be region-locked or not.
Region-locking is one of the more annoying limitations placed on gamers. And many gamers, including this reporter, would like to see it abolished from the industry. Too bad that doesn't appear to be happening anytime soon.
Nintendo is launching its Wii U on November 18 in the U.S. The console will come in two flavors -- a basic set for $299 and a deluxe set for $349.
