No DSiWare transfers to DSi XL
Nintendo confirms device-tethering software DRM system used by current DSi will force buyers of new handheld to repurchase all previously bought DSi Shop DLC.
Last year, Nintendo confirmed that DSiWare games bought from the DSi Shop were tethered to the handheld they were downloaded onto. This DRM practice means that games bought on a particular DSi were locked to said device and would have to be repurchased at full price if owners buy a new DSi. DSiWare games include such titles as WarioWare Snapped!.
Sunday's launch of the DSi XL raised the prospect that Nintendo might offer some sort of solution to let players transfer their DSiWare content to the larger-screen model or download it again for free. No such luck, according to a Nintendo of America representative.
"No, the games and applications are specific to each system, not each user," a spokesperson told GameSpot.
The forced repurchase of DSiWare content is unique amongst the current generation of dedicated gaming devices. Games bought for the PSP and PlayStation 3 via the PlayStation Store can be re-downloaded for free, as can games bought on Xbox Live Marketplace. However, if an Xbox 360 is replaced and its hard drive attached to a new console, the new console must be constantly connected to Xbox Live for the downloaded games to function outside of demo mode. New Xbox 360 hard drives also come with a transfer cable that allows players to move content from one hard drive to another.
Diablo 4 Wandering Death World Boss Gameplay (Solo World Tier 3) Company of Heroes 3 Console Edition - Launch Trailer Street Fighter 6 Character Guide | Cammy Battlefield 2042 | Season 5 Development Update – New Map, Weapons and Battle Pass System Shock Remake Out Now for PC | Nightdive Studios Puzzle Quest 3 | Launch Trailer How System Shock Let's You Create Your Perfect Difficulty Street Fighter 6 Character Guide | Zangief Street Fighter 6 Character Guide | Lily Street Fighter 6 Character Guide | Marisa TEKKEN 8 - Bryan Fury Reveal & Gameplay Trailer Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - Features Trailer | PC Games
Please enter your date of birth to view this video
By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Join the conversation