Nintendo Explains Regional Locks and Cultural Differences

Entering the next generation of consoles, the Wii U remains the only console with regional restrictions. In addition to the Wii U, their 3DS handheld also imposes the same restrictions. In a discussion with IGN, Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata discussed the company's stance on region locks.

After successfully voicing their opinion to change the Xbox One DRM plans, fans rallied again to target Nintendo's console to remove regional restrictions. In an online petition (if they even significantly measure Wii U and 3DS owner views), over 18,000 supporters participated in an online petition to remove region locks.

In response to the region locks, Iwata explained that the locks stems from cultural and legal acceptance in places all over the world. "There are many different regions around the world, and each region has its own cultural acceptance and legal restrictions, as well as different age ratings. There are always things that we’re required to do in each different region, which may go counter to the idea that players around the world want the freedom to play whatever they want. "

Despite the 18,000 e-signatures, Iwata urges that Nintendo does not impose the restrictions to limit the player, "there are some reasons behind it."

While people might view the restriction as bothersome, Nintendo views region locks as something they "historically" implemented into each console and combated the region locks by selling their hardware and games worldwide.

The discussion with IGN occurred before Microsoft reversed their Xbox One DRM policies so it remains possible that Iwata and Nintendo may change their stance on the subject. 

Source: IGN