One of the better moves Sony has made with the PS3 is the decision to make it region-free. So we've been curious whether Nintendo would follow suit. Unfortunately, looks like we'll have to wait a bit longer, since they are still stroking their chins and making vibrating noises in the back of their throats as they contemplate:

Clearly, the success of Nintendo DS has offered a lot of lessons about what works in the marketplace — and we certainly intend to keep our fans satisfied. For the Wii system, we are finalizing all the relevant details and will be making announcements in the coming months. We know that isn't what you all want to hear (or read) but at least we are being honest! We will share a lot of ways people can play globally, regionally, without boundaries. You're right that the region-free approach has proved to be a successful and attractive feature for Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS — we have even blown the doors off our own anticipated numbers! Cost, ease-of-use and player privacy are the three things that were a focus for us with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Those priorities also will apply to the Wii system.

That's not a clear 'yes' response, but it at least makes us optimistic that Nintendo understands how good for gamers region-free is and wants to accommodate us if they can. It is nice to hear a response from a game company that isn't just an attempt to evade the question. Florian Eckhardt

The Nintendo Minute, Vol. 32 [IGN]