What does it mean for a console to be region-locked?

When a console is region-locked, it means that it is restricted to playing games or content from a specific geographic region, and will not be able to play content from other regions. This is typically done to control the release of games and content in different parts of the world, and to comply with regional regulations and standards.

Understanding Region Locking

Region locking is a method used by console manufacturers to prevent games from one region being played on hardware intended for another region. This was required for most consoles prior to the GameCube, PlayStation 2, and OG Xbox generation, due to TV standards. Many games were coded to use the TV’s Frame Rate as part of timing, which made it necessary to region-lock consoles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a region locked console?

A region locked console is a console that is restricted to playing games or content from a specific geographic region.

What does region locked mean Xbox?

If you move to a new country or region, and your account region and physical location do not match, you may get a “region block” error or have a problem making a purchase on Xbox.

Do consoles still region lock?

Like the PlayStation 4, PS5 consoles and games are not locked by region, meaning a game sold in the US (NTSC-U) will play on a console bought in the UK (PAL).

What does region locked mean on PS4?

PS4 doesn’t have a region lock. The PAL and NTSC region system of previous gen consoles have also been removed.

How do I remove region lock from PS4?

You are not allowed to change your existing PSN country once you have created your account. Instead, you can create a new PSN account.

How do I bypass region lock on PS4?

You can use VideoProc Converter to unlock DVD region codes for playing on PS4/5.

Which consoles are not region locked?

The following consoles are not region locked: GameBoy, Sega Game Gear, GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, Nintendo DS/DSi/DSi XL, PSP, PlayStation 3, and PS Vita.

Can Xbox One be region locked?

Xbox One itself is not region locked, you can play physical copies from anywhere. However, Xbox Account is region locked, you can only activate digital copies accessible in your region.

Are Nintendo region locked?

Nintendo Switch consoles are not region locked, except for China consoles.

How do I turn off region lock on Xbox?

You can change your location on Xbox by going to Settings > System > Language & location.

Does Xbox region matter?

Each Xbox console is manufactured for a specific Blu-ray and DVD region, following international standards.

How do you unlock a region locked Xbox?

You can change your location on Xbox by going to Settings > System > Language & location.

Is PS5 region locked?

No, PS5 consoles and games are not locked by region.

What is console region?

Console region is mostly used for in-game data, such as temperature listings and language choices.

Is Xbox region free?