What does region free mean on 3DS?
Region free on 3DS means that a Nintendo 3DS console or a specific game title is not restricted to play only games from a specific geographical region, allowing players to enjoy games from any region without limitations. This concept is particularly important for gamers who want to access exclusive titles that are not available in their region or prefer to play games in a different language.
Understanding Region Locking on 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS is a region-locked console, meaning that it can only play games that are specifically designed for its region, such as Japanese, American, or European/Australian versions. However, there are some exceptions and workarounds that allow players to bypass these restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a Nintendo 3DS be region free?
The 3DS is region locked, but DS games, which are playable on the 3DS, are largely region free, allowing players to buy and play DS games from any region.
2. Should I change my region on my 3DS?
Changing the region on your 3DS is only recommended if you want to have the system UI in a language that is not available on your console’s current region.
3. Can US 3DS play Japanese games?
Yes, a US 3DS can play Japanese games as long as they do not have any DSi features.
4. How do you tell if a 3DS game is region locked?
To check if a 3DS game is region locked, look for a code printed on the game card itself, and if it does not end in “USA“, it is meant for an overseas market.
5. Do Japanese 3DS games work on a US Nintendo 3DS?
No, Japanese 3DS games do not work on a US Nintendo 3DS due to region locking.
6. Are American 3DS region locked?
Yes, the American 3DS is region locked, meaning it can only play games from the American region.
7. Are region locked games still a thing?
While region locking is still used in some cases, many modern consoles and games are now region free, making it easier for players to access games from different regions.
8. Can you play Pokemon in English on a Japanese 3DS?
No, a Japanese 3DS will only offer a select number of languages, excluding English, due to region locking.
9. Can a Japanese 3DS be set to English?
A Japanese 3DS only has language support for Japanese, while a North American console has language support for English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese.
10. Can I play Japanese games on my American DS?
Yes, older Nintendo DS and DS Lite software is region free, allowing players to play most DS games on a Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL from any region.
11. Is the 3DS outdated?
Yes, the 3DS family hardware was officially discontinued on September 16, 2020, and the Nintendo eShop officially shut down on March 27, 2023.
12. Does Nintendo region matter?
No, Nintendo Switch game cards are not region locked, making it possible to play games from any region on the Nintendo Switch.
13. Does formatting a 3DS remove the eShop account?
Yes, formatting the Nintendo 3DS family system will remove the Nintendo Network ID, but it can be linked again to the same system in the future.
14. Does 3DS still accept eShop cards?
No, it is no longer possible to use eShop cards on the 3DS due to the discontinuation of the Nintendo eShop.
15. Will UK 3DS games work in US?
No, UK 3DS games will not work on a US 3DS due to region locking, but DS games are region free and can be played on any DS or 3DS console.