According to recent reports and subsequent confirmation by Nintendo, their upcoming Wii U console will be region-locked. The latest issue of Famitsu reported of Nintendo’s plans to lock software to specific regions, and that means that Nintendo fans looking to play imported titles will have tough luck with the Wii U.
This should come as no surprise to loyal Nintendo customers. Both the Wii and the 3DS have this same functionality built into the platforms and it would likely make a dent in the import market for territories outside of Japan. The bad part about this for Nintendo customers is that there are always hidden gems tucked away in the Japanese lineup of titles for their consoles.
The Nintendo Wii U is scheduled for a November release in North America, but retailers have seen “overwhelming demand” for the console and have already started forming waiting lists.
