Nintendo: We region-lock because Japanese games aren't for you

So what if it was region free? What am I gonna do, import a bunch of games from other countries that I dont want?

Its a wii u, it isnt like the system has good games out there anywhere in the world.

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"][QUOTE="foxhound_fox"]The DS was region free, wasn't it? They do this because they think it protects profit margins of particular releases.Nintendo_Ownes7

That is an interesting observation.

If it was region-free, couldn't you just make an NA account as a European to take advantage of the weak US dollar? And avoid tax?

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"][QUOTE="foxhound_fox"]The DS was region free, wasn't it? They do this because they think it protects profit margins of particular releases.Nintendo_Ownes7

Those were only certain games that featured DSI enhanced features. The vast majority of DS games weren't region locked. I don't remember my DSI system being fully region locked for retail titles. Online stores are a completely different beast.

They are right, japanese culture does trump our inferior way of life

Sweenix

I know right?

Deal with it

SuperFlakeman

[QUOTE="Sweenix"]

They are right, japanese culture does trump our inferior way of life

GD1551

I know right?

They region lock possibly due to laws in different countries. For example in Japan, little girls getting violated (or something like that) in video games are totally okay, meanwhile in EU or US it's not. I think that's the reason.

[QUOTE="Nintendo_Ownes7"]

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"] All Nintendo handhelds were region free until the 3DS I believe. Nintendo are full of ****.FlamesOfGrey

Those were only certain games that featured DSI enhanced features. The vast majority of DS games weren't region locked. I don't remember my DSI system being fully region locked for retail titles. Online stores are a completely different beast.

bravely defualut and project x zone were localised...just need fantasy life.

[QUOTE="FlamesOfGrey"]

[QUOTE="Nintendo_Ownes7"]Actually the DSi wasn't region free; But the DSi was the first Nintendo handheld with an online store to download DSiware titles.

Nintendo_Ownes7

Those were only certain games that featured DSI enhanced features. The vast majority of DS games weren't region locked. I don't remember my DSI system being fully region locked for retail titles. Online stores are a completely different beast.

So they can't get games from Japan to America but instead make them Japan exclusive. No wonder why Nintendo is on a set of failure

Once again Nintendo lags behind. I'm surprised their computer systems aren't using punch cards. clyde46

Honestly, the real reason they region lock is that titles in Japan are ridiculously over priced and locking their console is the best way they can prevent the Japanese Citizens from importing cheaper versions.

Honestly, the real reason they region lock is that titles in Japan are ridiculously over priced and locking their console is the best way they can prevent the Japanese Citizens from importing cheaper versions.

Lionheart08

The DS was region free, wasn't it? They do this because they think it protects profit margins of particular releases.foxhound_fox

"Cultural acceptance"...

If you want "cultural acceptance", start pumping out CoD clones...

[QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]

He really needs to go. 

SuperFlakeman

Because his successor would instantly get rid of legion lock, bring back exploration to Mario/Zelda, order EAD/Retro to create new AAA IPs, put Pokemon on iOS and of course F-Zero + Starfox for our selfish needs.

Totally.

Selfish needs?

Star Fox 64 sold over 4 million and F-Zero X over 1 million...

Also, Twilight Princess sold twice more than Skyward Sword did, despite being a launch title with relatively low install base. (whereas SS sold half less on a system with 100 million users...)

Of course, all of this is being taken out of context.  The interview with Iwata took place before the Xbox Team reversed its policies on region locking, as stated by IGN (the article on Gamespot is quoting that article).  This "defending" took place before Nintendo became the only manufacturer with region locked systems.  We should wait to hear NEW feedback on whether or not these policies will change.

Edit:

 "During E3, I had a chance to ask Nintendo global president Satoru Iwata about region-locking. My question was bundled with our discussion of digital rights management and used games, coming at the last minute during our wide-ranging conversation, which also covered Nintendo's future, struggles and more."

"Unfortunately this conversation came before Microsoft completely reversed its restrictive digital rights approach, which now leaves Nintendo as the most conservative hardware manufacturer."

http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/03/nintendos-president-discusses-region-locking

That's a little silly. I'm glad that the DS was region-free, since I own at least two games from other regions, with one of them being my favorite DS games. Hopefully, they will change their mind about it (but I'm not banking on it).

[QUOTE="Lionheart08"]

Honestly, the real reason they region lock is that titles in Japan are ridiculously over priced and locking their console is the best way they can prevent the Japanese Citizens from importing cheaper versions.

bbkkristian

It's the same reason why Anime is so ridiculous over priced. In Japan, they're typically released in 2 episode sets at a time for an insane price. By time they come to America, they also have to be heavily priced in order to combat importing. So yeah, it doesn't surprise me that a Japanese company that also produce all their first party games would region lock their console.

"From some people's perspective, it might seem like a kind of restriction. However, we hope people can appreciate the fact that we're selling our products worldwide," Iwata said. 

I interpret Iwata's statement as be grateful for what you get, which is a rude and stubborn thing to say because A) Nintendo is not a perfect game company or the only one and B) There are region-free systems which use rating systems by region like the ESRB for America and the ACB for Austrailia. I also do not consider the rest of his explanation good enough because he talked as if Nintendo's Japanese-only games would not be accepted worldwide because of the effects of Japanese culture influencing those games. At best, it is being timid or paranoid and at worst it is a remnant of Japan's former isolationism.

[QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]

He really needs to go. 

SuperFlakeman

Because his successor would instantly get rid of legion lock, bring back exploration to Mario/Zelda, order EAD/Retro to create new AAA IPs, put Pokemon on iOS and of course F-Zero + Starfox for our selfish needs.

Totally.

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"][QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]He really needs to go. nameless12345

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"][QUOTE="VendettaRed07"]He really needs to go. Capitan_Kid

[QUOTE="nameless12345"][QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"]Because his successor would instantly get rid of legion lock, bring back exploration to Mario/Zelda, order EAD/Retro to create new AAA IPs, put Pokemon on iOS and of course F-Zero + Starfox for our selfish needs.Totally.SuperFlakeman

No, I didn't say that at all.

I'm just tired of all the "it wouldn't sell" comments because that clearly wouldn't be the case if the games are good and advertised well.

You have to set your priorities straight - do you play games for your enjoyment or do you play them because they happen to be popular?

I know which side I'm on but you decide yourself...

Weaboos, top that nintendo, lots of weaboos

LOL, they either expect us to believe that crap or they believe it themselves. Both are sad.

[QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"][QUOTE="nameless12345"] Selfish needs?Star Fox 64 sold over 4 million and F-Zero X over 1 million...Also, Twilight Princess sold twice more than Skyward Sword did, despite being a launch title with relatively low install base. (whereas SS sold half less on a system with 100 million users...) nameless12345

LOL, they either expect us to believe that crap or they believe it themselves. Both are sad.

Whiteblade999

Nintendo doesnt care if we believe it or not, they have their way of doing things and they arent going to change unless they have absolutely no other choice. Thats the biggest reason why Nintendo is losing money right now, no respect for their customers and a failure to adapt to a changing industry.

[QUOTE="Whiteblade999"]LOL, they either expect us to believe that crap or they believe it themselves. Both are sad.crimsonman1245

Inb4 "lol Wii U"

Its furst year library, both 1st and 3rd party, is ten times better than 3DS'. Just wiki it if you don't believe me.

Pilotwings, Steel Diver, OoT 3D, Starfox 64 3D, Nintendogs... + cats

If 3DS is a beast, then Wii U is godzilla.

[QUOTE="crimsonman1245"][QUOTE="Whiteblade999"]LOL, they either expect us to believe that crap or they believe it themselves. Both are sad.SuperFlakeman

They were profitable from NES-Wii, they never had a single year where they lost money, now they've lost money two years in a row. You can spin that however you want, and a clueless being? Thats not very nice.

[QUOTE="nameless12345"][QUOTE="SuperFlakeman"]
So what you are saying is that EAD should ignore their own creative vision for Zelda, make it more in line with your taste, as it will sell better that way. Yeah ok, that makes perfect sense.

You just say that as it suits your agenda, but when Resident Evil & others changed (dumbed down, hollywood-ified) in order to increase their fanbase, I bet you didn't like that.

Man up and just accept that Aonuma's Zelda is different from your ideals. Don't use the sales threat argument like a spoiled brat. It's immature.SuperFlakeman

I don't mind if you like SS.

Infact, I would agree it's a well-made game.

Of course, my ideal Zelda game would look different. (more in line with MM)

I'm simply poiting out that if sales are priority, they should take the series in a different direction, more akin to TP as that sold more than SS.

If they wanted to attract a broader audience with SS, they did a poor job.

But if SS is the direction they feel suits best their vision with the franchise, then so be it.

I never said that they should make something because *I* would want so.

I'm simply expressing my views regarding the series and the direction it is taking, which, I think, is nothing wrong with.

Nintendo knows what we want.

Michael0134567

As i see it if some one wants to play a Japanese game in NA they would be able to. I know a guy whos been learning Japanese from grade school and he wont be able to play japanese games on wii u unless he buys a japanese console as well.

What the f*ck is that supposed to even mean?

Plenty of westerners love that Japanese flavor, The fact it's so off the wall and weird most of the time is part of the charm!