Nintendo 3DS & 3DS XL US Release Date, Features & Price: New Versions Will be Region Locked

Nintendo has announced its release of upgraded versions of the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL. CVG reported that the new versions will be out in North America and Europe by 2015, while Japan gets them this year.

But what seems like a traditional practice for Nintendo that segregates users from all over the globe is the fact that region-locking, again, will be set for these power-ups.

The company has imposed such restriction to both the Wii U and 3DS systems. Game Spot cited how consumers dealt earlier with this marketing approach--by endorsing a petition that asked Nintendo to change the policy.

With about 32,000 signatories, the petition has reached the press. "This practice is restrictive to customers, including those who enjoy playing foreign games not available domestically, speak foreign languages, serve in the military, or otherwise travel or live abroad," reads the petition.

In another report by Game Spot, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata defends the company's practice saying, "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."

He adds, "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."

So cultural and legal aspects had been Nintendo's reasons - but what does region-locking really mean? How does it affect the new Nintendo 3DS and the new Nintendo 3DS XL?

Region-locking indicates that games released in Japan, Europe, and North America will only be playable in the said locations. This strategy prevents games to be imported without importing foreign hardware, too.

Nintendo has confirmed with IGN the company's intention to lock the new Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL in the regions above.

As for the features of the new hardware, IGN said the hand-helds  have "an analog control stick, faster computing power, two new buttons, Amiibo support and changeable cover plates."

BreatheCast specifies the latest features of the new version, citing "upgraded structure figures and better details," a "slightly bigger, thicker" device which "weighs 18 grams more than its forerunner," among others.

"The new Nintendo 3DS LL., which was named 3DS XL for the international market, is slightly bigger, but slimmer and even weighs 7 grams less than its predecessor. As both models have increased their dimensions, they now have augmented display sizes," said BreatheCast.

Both will offer better 3D Quality, have built-in NFC, support seven-hour battery life, come with MicroSD support, Gyro sensor, two new bumper buttons, wireless PC backup support, HTML5 browser, clock increase CPU and come with an additional analog stick.

The New Nintendo 3DS and 3DS LL comes out on October 11 in Japan. 3DS is priced at 16000 yen (about $153), while 3DS LL at 18000 yen (about $172).

Will this new region-locking mount another petition? Are you in favor of this new region-locking? Let us know!

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