Nintendo DSi Apparently Piracy Proof

While Nintendo has had its share of grumbles about those using R4 carts to illegally pirate software on the DS, it now seems they have come up with a solution with the upcoming trimmer, non-GBA supporting, camera-toting DSi model, already available in Japan and due to hit North America by Summer 2009. The DSi does not recognize any R4 cart or DS cheating device. It simply doesn’t load or will go to the DS menu saying there’s a problem with the cart (as in there is none). If you don’t want to believe it, check out the story at Joystiq which includes a 13 minute plus video you can enjoy with a new DSi owner trying virtually every type of non-licensed cheating device and R4 cart known to man (he tries a TON of them!). But within the first few minutes, you’ll get the picture: Nintendo has taken a drastic step to lock pirates out of the DSi.

On a more disappointing note, the DSi is not region free, making it Nintendo’s first handheld to be region locked. That’s bullshit if you ask me; one of the sweetest things about the Game Boy, GBC, GBA and the DS has been the ability to play games from around the world. My brother and I literally bought Zelda: Link’s Awakening in an airport in Europe and played it throughout the plane ride back to the States. It’s been especially nice on the DS with games such as Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!, Starfi 4, or Daigasso: Band Bros.. To think about what undoubtedly cool import games I’m going to miss out on DSi has me bummed. And reluctant to jump on the DSi bandwagon.

Max