Are console games regional?

Question

Are console games regional... like can you only play a canadian bought game in north america?

Answer 1

That depends on a number of factors, really. Unlike with most DVDs, there is no standardized set of rules as to what is and isn't region-protected.

For instance, the PS2 and Wii consoles are region-locked, while the original PS3's 60 GB model isn't, if what I heard is correct. As for the Xbox 360, it is region-locked on a per-game basis - that is, the people who make the games get to decide.

It's also worth noting that handheld consoles like the DS and Game Boy Advance are 99% region free, due to their extremely portable nature...but of course, special exceptions apply, like how Chinese games don't work on an American DS, as it doesn't support the entire library of Chinese characters.

Although, getting back to your inquiry, the general rule of thumb is that games from the same DVD region will generally only work on that region's consoles---so yes, 9 times out of 10 you can only play Canadian games on the North American region's systems.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

For the Xbox 360 the regions are based on DVD regions.

For the PS3 since the blu ray has a different region base you can get Japanese games to play on a North American PS3.

I am unsure of Wii's region protection.

This can all be overcome by buying region free games from Asia.

Answer 3

You are correct.

In general, if something plugs into a TV, it's region locked. If it's handheld (like the PSP or DS) it's region free.

Answer 4

Yes. They have the same regions as DVDs, and there is limited or no cross-region compatibility.

Answer 5

canada and north america are the same region for this

you will be fine

Answer 6

yes they are.
Unless you mod your console then you can only play games in your region.

Answer 7

i dont think thats true coz i bought a umd for my psp from north america and even the system and i even play it in asia