Squid of Man

For all it's apparant flaws, there's one thing the PS3 has got right: it will be completely region-free. Why Sony of all people are the first to listen to years of gamer's prayers, I have no idea. Then again, paying the GDP of half of sub-Saharan Africa for a fucking games console should get you a couple of perks.

Regardless of why they did it, it's set a precedent for home consoles. The 360 has messed it up. So what about the Wii?

"Clearly, 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. For the Wii system, we are finalizing all the relevant details and will be making announcements in the coming months. We know that isn't what you all want to hear (or read) but at least we are being honest!"

"We will share a lot of ways people can play globally, regionally, without boundaries. You're right that the region-free approach has proved to be a successful and attractive feature for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS -- we have even blown the doors off our own anticipated numbers! Cost, ease-of-use and player privacy are the three things that were a focus for us with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those priorities also will apply to the Wii system."

As you say, Nintendo, you started the whole region-free ball rolling with the DS. Mario 64 DS aside, my first 4-5 games were imported from Japan or the US, and that was a delightful treat.

Don't you dare take that away from me.

Don't punish me because I live in Australia, Nintendo. You've done that enough.

[via Kotaku]