DSi downloadable software to be region locked
Nintendo has basically confirmed what we all were expecting that the downloadable DSi only or DSWare games will be region locked much like the current Wii Shopping Channel is locked per Wii. Importers will only be able to access the Japanese DS Store. Nintendo has said in a statement “”DSi is region locked because DSi embeds net communication functionality within itself, and we are intending to provide net services specifically tailored for each region””. More inside Normal DS cartridges will continue to be region free and work in the DSi, Nintendo has said that there may be DSi specific gameplay features in some DS games but has ‘No Plans‘ For DSi-Exclusive retail titles.
So put down the pitchforks, Nintendo is doing nothing new here.
Source: Gamasutra