Nintendo,s DS handheld game machines have the distinction of being able to play games region-free–games that are made in Japan, for instance, can be played on United States machines or UK machines without the hassle of trying to override a lockout feature. While the DS has this feature, all other game consoles incorporate this lockout on most of their games
However, this aspect may change for Nintendo,s Wii, if statements by Perrin Kaplan, Nintendo,s vice president of marketing, are hinting at a new direction for the next gen game console. Kaplan remarked to IGN that “the success of Nintendo DS has offered a lot of lessons about what works in the marketplace — and we certainly intend to keep our fans satisfied.” She then went on to obliquely infer that such a process may be available for the Wii by saying, “For the Wii system, we are finalizing all the relevant details and will be making announcements in the coming months."
Region-free gaming, if it is in the cards for Nintendo’s hotly anticipated Wii, will fit into the overarching theme of a game console for everyone, everywhere.
