It's been known now for some time (and suspected for even longer) that the 3DS is region locked. I have seen some scans of some of the American launch games and sure enough, on the backs of the boxes is a label that reads "Plays on Nintendo 3DS systems sold for the Americas only".
I need some help. I'm planning to get a 3DS and I'm having trouble deciding whether to get an American 3DS or a European/Australian 3DS. I'm from Australia, btw.
Pros of getting an American version:
- Cheaper (both the console and games)
Pros of getting a European/Australian version:
- Easier for me to buy games
- Games are more likely to use Commonwealth English and metric measurements (I'm not very good with miles and pounds and that sort of thing)
- Games often have nicer packaging (this is a very small deal though and completely subjective)
Of course it will only be easier to buy Australian games in Australia, due to some recent developments it's possible that I could be living in America within the 3DS' lifespan. And both regions are likely to have about the same number of exclusives that will only be released in America rather than Europe/Australia and vice versa. I also didn't list avoiding possible censorship as a pro for the American one because no DS game was ever banned in Australia and I couldn't see it happening for the 3DS either. If there was no price difference I'd probably go for the European/Australian version, but the gap is large enough to make me seriously consider importing.
So help me out here. If you were in my situation (and you might well be) which one would you pick? If you're American, reverse my Commonwealth English and metric measurements point to American English and imperial measurements so you could imagine what it would be like to compromise on being able to fully understand some things for a cheaper price.
I need some help. I'm planning to get a 3DS and I'm having trouble deciding whether to get an American 3DS or a European/Australian 3DS. I'm from Australia, btw.
Pros of getting an American version:
- Cheaper (both the console and games)
Pros of getting a European/Australian version:
- Easier for me to buy games
- Games are more likely to use Commonwealth English and metric measurements (I'm not very good with miles and pounds and that sort of thing)
- Games often have nicer packaging (this is a very small deal though and completely subjective)
Of course it will only be easier to buy Australian games in Australia, due to some recent developments it's possible that I could be living in America within the 3DS' lifespan. And both regions are likely to have about the same number of exclusives that will only be released in America rather than Europe/Australia and vice versa. I also didn't list avoiding possible censorship as a pro for the American one because no DS game was ever banned in Australia and I couldn't see it happening for the 3DS either. If there was no price difference I'd probably go for the European/Australian version, but the gap is large enough to make me seriously consider importing.
So help me out here. If you were in my situation (and you might well be) which one would you pick? If you're American, reverse my Commonwealth English and metric measurements point to American English and imperial measurements so you could imagine what it would be like to compromise on being able to fully understand some things for a cheaper price.
