Shortly after its release in Japan, hackers demonstrated that, yes, the 3DS could run an R4 cartridge, the notorious piracy medium that has given Nintendo fits throughout the lifespan of the DS. That was to be expected, as the R4 is a DS medium, and the 3DS is backwards-compatible. The 3DS cartridge is a different format.
Not 24 hours since its release, here’s the Nintendo 3DS running the notorious R4 flash cart. It’s not that much of a surprise – probably doesn’t even qualify as a hack, as a 3DS is fully backward compatible with DS cartridges, essentially what this is.
Earlier this week, Nintendo quietly released a firmware update for its DSi handhelds, the sole purpose of which seems to be to stop people from using flashcarts on their consoles.
We do not know when Nintendo is releasing its 3D-glasses-free portable, the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo has said sometime this financial year. A seller of R4 cartridges has an exact date.
A British high court has ruled against R4 companies Playables Limited and Wai Dat Chan. It is now illegal to import, advertise and sell R4 cartridges in the United Kingdom.
You know it. I know. People pirate Nintendo DS games. It’s so bad that Nintendo is spearheading a lawsuit to stop piracy. Yet piracy continues.
