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Topic: Can a 3DS system (XL or otherwise) be PAL or NTSC?

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UNSOLUTEDSALT

I have been looking around for a deal on a 3DS XL system and I've been perusing ebay. I notice the systems have the distinction of PAL and NTSC, but when I google searched what this meant, there are only two topics about it. One says such a thing isn't possible on a handheld because it relates to TV signals, and another talks about region locking.

I'm just curious if it IS possible on a handheld or if there is another way to tell if a system is from a different region.

My thinking is that since most of the sellers are from the US (like me) they don't know about the difference and so even though it says it's a PAL system, it really can only be a NTSC system. But any help to clarify would be helpful.

UNSOLUTEDSALT

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Whilst PAL/NTSC isn't possible on a handheld itself, Nintendo still locks Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL systems by region. There are three separate regions - Europe/Australia, North America, and Japan - and 3DS games from one region can only be played on a 3DS system from the same region.

If you're unsure as to which region a 3DS or 3DS XL is from on eBay, ask the buyer - and if they say NTSC, ask them to be more specific, because in terms of console games that could mean either North America or Japan (PAL is fine since Europe/Australia is counted as one region by Nintendo).

Hope that helps!

waris

Im sorry to say but u guys are so stupid, why wont u ask a 3ds user. P.S NTSC and PAL is available in 3ds

waris

SCRAPPER392

Well, if you're buying from someone anywhere in North America or South America, it's a pretty safe bet that the console is NTSC America. If someone has a console from outside of whatever region they are in, it's the sellers responsibility to make that clear in the description.

EDIT: Bumped thread...

Edited on by SCRAPPER392

Qwest

3DS Friend Code: 4253-3737-8064 | Nintendo Network ID: Children

Sisilly_G

Nintendo systems are not PAL/NTSC. They are region locked. Usually, when one refers to PAL, they are referring to a European/Australian 3DS, whereas with NTSC, they are referring to the North American 3DS; however, these terms are used incorrectly.

To my knowledge, there are six 3DS regions…

  • Japan
  • North America
  • Europe (fully compatible with Australia/New Zealand)
  • China
  • Korea
  • Australia/New Zealand* (fully compatible with Europe)

*A small number of 3DS games have Australian serial numbers, however, these games are fully compatible with European 3DS systems, and vice versa

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unrandomsam

There is also a region free method. Used by that museum guide.

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DualWielding

In other words, there is no need to separate consoles in pal and ntsc versions anymore, specially not handhelds, but Nintendo does it because that's how they roll

PSN: Fertheseeker

SCRAPPER392

ferthepoet wrote:

In other words, there is no need to separate consoles in pal and ntsc versions anymore, specially not handhelds, but Nintendo does it because that's how they roll

Then there wouldn't be any difference between eShops in any region, though. It's kind of like how PSN has different stores between regions, but switching the region on your console switches the store.

They don't want games that are only in Japanese littering the NA eShop, and they stop the work arounds by making it completely region locked.
If you haven't realized that region locking actually makes it more likely for you to get games from other regions, in your own language, there isn't really any point to discuss it. Notice how 3DS is getting more games than PS Vita, Japanese or otherwise, while Sony's consoles are always stuck forcing people to import or play games that aren't in their own language(the games you are importing).

In the long run, region locking encourages localization and goods to be distributed in more parts of the world. It's serves purpose as business foundation. Your game is far more likely to sell in the same language as whatever region you're releasing in, so Nintendo goes the extra step and requires that, otherwise you'd see Japanese or whatever different language on the NA eShop.

Edited on by SCRAPPER392

Qwest

3DS Friend Code: 4253-3737-8064 | Nintendo Network ID: Children

Jazzer94

SCAR392 wrote:

ferthepoet wrote:

In other words, there is no need to separate consoles in pal and ntsc versions anymore, specially not handhelds, but Nintendo does it because that's how they roll

Then there wouldn't be any difference between eShops in any region, though. It's kind of like how PSN has different stores between regions, but switching the region on your console switches the store.

They don't want games that are only in Japanese littering the NA eShop, and they stop the work arounds by making it completely region locked.
If you haven't realized that region locking actually makes it more likely for you to get games from other regions, in your own language, there isn't really any point to discuss it. Notice how 3DS is getting more games than PS Vita, Japanese or otherwise, while Sony's consoles are always stuck forcing people to import or play games that aren't in their own language(the games you are importing).

In the long run, region locking encourages localization and goods to be distributed in more parts of the world. It's serves purpose as business foundation. Your game is far more likely to sell in the same language as whatever region you're releasing in, so Nintendo goes the extra step and requires that, otherwise you'd see Japanese or whatever different language on the NA eShop.

You do know that a lot of what the Vita is getting gamewise are localisations of Japanese games e.g.. Freedom Wars, Hearts R and Soul Sacrifice Delta the console is getting as many localisations as the 3DS at this point.

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SCRAPPER392

@Jazzer94
It depends. Sometimes game publishers won't localize a game, regardless. The point is that region locking benefits the business side of the games you play, which makes it more likely/possible for games from other regions to be in your region.

Nintendo doesn't region lock their consoles just to piss people off. There are reasons why they do it. I just figured PS Vita had less localisations, because they have less games.

Qwest

3DS Friend Code: 4253-3737-8064 | Nintendo Network ID: Children

Jazzer94

SCAR392 wrote:

@Jazzer94
It depends. Sometimes game publishers won't localize a game, regardless. The point is that region locking benefits the business side of the games you play, which makes it more likely/possible for games from other regions to be in your region.

Nintendo doesn't region lock their consoles just to piss people off. There are reasons why they do it. I just figured PS Vita had less localisations, because they have less games.

@SCAR392 See not that many people import games in the first place it's a really tiny minority so I don't think it affects a game being localised as much as you think the real problem that distorts game sales is piracy and region locking has nothing to do with that.

PSN: mangaJman
SSBB FC: 1204-1132-2888
My YouTube
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SCRAPPER392

Jazzer94 wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

@Jazzer94
It depends. Sometimes game publishers won't localize a game, regardless. The point is that region locking benefits the business side of the games you play, which makes it more likely/possible for games from other regions to be in your region.

Nintendo doesn't region lock their consoles just to piss people off. There are reasons why they do it. I just figured PS Vita had less localisations, because they have less games.

@SCAR392 See not that many people import games in the first place it's a really tiny minority so I don't think it affects a game being localised as much as you think the real problem that distorts game sales is piracy and region locking has nothing to do with that.

I understand that importers are of the minority. The point is that region locking encourages localization. Once a game is localized, people don't have to import whatever it is. It's a win for importers, because any successful localisation will bring more games from whatever region(usually Japan), as long as it sells in the broader market.

Would you rather import Sangra Kegura Burst, or buy it in your own country? That's seriously the difference. I don't particularly care for that game, but I'm using it as an example. If they wouldn't have localized it, we wouldn't be getting a sequel. It might take a bit more time to localize, vs. importing, but it's better for all parties involved once it actually does. Region locking encourages localization.

You're being counter productive by complaining about region locking, because less companies would localize, and be like, "Oh, they'll just import it", instead of going the extra mile and localizing it, which region locking forces them to do.

I know I've reiterated what I said multiple times, but it's to make sure that I'm making myself clear.

Qwest

3DS Friend Code: 4253-3737-8064 | Nintendo Network ID: Children

unrandomsam

SCAR392 wrote:

Jazzer94 wrote:

SCAR392 wrote:

@Jazzer94
It depends. Sometimes game publishers won't localize a game, regardless. The point is that region locking benefits the business side of the games you play, which makes it more likely/possible for games from other regions to be in your region.

Nintendo doesn't region lock their consoles just to piss people off. There are reasons why they do it. I just figured PS Vita had less localisations, because they have less games.

@SCAR392 See not that many people import games in the first place it's a really tiny minority so I don't think it affects a game being localised as much as you think the real problem that distorts game sales is piracy and region locking has nothing to do with that.

I understand that importers are of the minority. The point is that region locking encourages localization. Once a game is localized, people don't have to import whatever it is. It's a win for importers, because any successful localisation will bring more games from whatever region(usually Japan), as long as it sells in the broader market.

Would you rather import Sangra Kegura Burst, or buy it in your own country? That's seriously the difference. I don't particularly care for that game, but I'm using it as an example. If they wouldn't have localized it, we wouldn't be getting a sequel. It might take a bit more time to localize, vs. importing, but it's better for all parties involved once it actually does. Region locking encourages localization.

You're being counter productive by complaining about region locking, because less companies would localize, and be like, "Oh, they'll just import it", instead of going the extra mile and localizing it, which region locking forces them to do.

I know I've reiterated what I said multiple times, but it's to make sure that I'm making myself clear.

]

I would rather just import it.

(Then the languages (At least English text) would be added to the Japan release as fairly frequently happens for Sony stuff. Keep the Japanese voice. It is not censored).

More money for the developer because it can sell at full retail instead of having to be sold for less than it is worth.

Piracy doesn't do any harm. (See Steam and all the best selling consoles).

Used games and Commercial Bootlegging does harm especially most of the places with Retail Stores selling used at the price Amazon sells new for. (Reproduction Carts are commercial bootlegging). Piracy where no money exists loses nothing.

“30fps Is Not a Good Artistic Decision, It's a Failure”
Freedom of the press is for those who happen to own one.

SCRAPPER392

@unrandomsam
All of your points don't really matter. I haven't brought up piracy once, on this this page. It does make it more difficult to pirate, but that wasn't the main point of what I was discussing. They DO sell at full retail over here, in the U.S.. I don't see how you thought, otherwise. The eShop is a big part of Nintendo's business now, and localization applies to that, as well, which is seling games at MSRP, more times than not.

A few games are exclusive on the eShop, because they originated in Japan and don't want to print copies, so they will never be sold for used prices.
The counter point that used game sells will effect a localized game is beyond weak. That happens to every game.

Qwest

3DS Friend Code: 4253-3737-8064 | Nintendo Network ID: Children

DualWielding

@SCAR392 You still don't get it... Region locking has nothing to do with localization, it exists to protect Japanese retailers from cheaper U.S and European Imports and to protect European retailers from cheaper U.S. imports...... but Nintendo is not benefitting..... retailers are not rallying behind Nintendo because of them being the only company that still protects them from foreign imports so why should Nintendo bother with retailers, instead it should bother about customers.... Everytime someone here in Australia buys say Mario Kart 8 at $100.00 at a retailer, Nintendo makes less money than if they just allowed people to buy from the U.S. Eshop at $60.00 like Sony and Microsoft do......

PSN: Fertheseeker

SCRAPPER392

ferthepoet wrote:

@SCAR392 You still don't get it... Region locking has nothing to do with localization, it exists to protect Japanese retailers from cheaper U.S and European Imports and to protect European retailers from cheaper U.S. imports...... but Nintendo is not benefitting..... retailers are not rallying behind Nintendo because of them being the only company that still protects them from foreign imports so why should Nintendo bother with retailers, instead it should bother about customers.... Everytime someone here in Australia buys say Mario Kart 8 at $100.00 at a retailer, Nintendo makes less money than if they just allowed people to buy from the U.S. Eshop at $60.00 like Sony and Microsoft do......

Yes it does, because region locking requires them to localize a game for whatever region. You're looking at the smallest factor of what region free allows you to do, which is import physical copies, but there are far more benefits to region-locking, depending on the situation.

The difference between digital and physical copies is not even the point of discussion, even though they effect one another. Games like Senran Kegura Burst wouldn't have as strong of a foundation if they just let people import the game, which is probably what they would have left it at if Nintendo didn't require them to bring the game to America, in order to sell it there.

Edited on by SCRAPPER392

Qwest

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