It has been confirmed by Nintendo JP Support that the Nintendo 3DS will share region locking codes similar to the DSi and DSi XL.
This move by Nintendo could single handedly kill the 3DS as no one will buy the system if they are unable to import games for it. Something that is very popular on the other handhelds.
Unless a Homebrew crack comes out rather quickly 3DS sales may stay low. Gamers having no reason to buy the system if the games they want are unavailable to them.
Physical copies on all nintendo DS systems have always worked regardless of handheld origin.Only the downloadable content was region locked. (DSi and DSi XL)
.The translation from Neogaf member farnham.
ニンテンド ーDS、DS Liteには設定されておりませんが、
There are no Region codes in DS and DSlite
DSi、DSi LL、3DS本 体にはリ ージョンコ ードが設定されております。
But DSI, DSILL,3DS has Regioncodes.
リ ージョンコ ードはゲ ーム機本 体とゲ ームソフトそれぞれに
The Region Codes are installed in each games and the 3DS itself.
設定されており、 両方のリ ージョンコ ードが一致しないと
If the codes dont match
ご使用いただけません。
You cant play
仕向地 国により、リ ージョンコ ードが異なるため、例えば、
If the region codes are different. For example
日本仕 様のゲ ーム機本 体で韓 国仕 様のゲ ームソフトを動かす
If you play a korean 3DS game with a Japanese 3DS system
（又はその逆）ということができない仕 様となっております。
(or vice versa) you wont be able to play at all.
If anyone can send me a more complete translation the original e-mail can be found here.
