The new Wii U gaming console will be region-locked, preventing imported games being played on the system, Nintendo has confirmed.

The company announced the news to Japanese magazine Famitsu, and its comments were promptly translated and posted to NeoGaf.

"What can be played on the Wii U is restricted by a region-lock feature," the comment reads. "Software not sold in the same region cannot be played."

Nintendo has since confirmed the news with various global outlets.

The company has region-locked all of its consoles since the NES was shipped to America in 1985, forcing those wishing to play games that don't see a local release to resort to mod their consoles in order to do so.

Region-locking allows a developer or console manufacturer to vary game prices across the world.

Both Sony and Microsoft allow publishers to decide of their games will be region-locked or not.

The first PlayStation 3 game to be region-locked since the console's release was this year's Persona 4 Arena.

NZ PRICES RELEASED

On Monday, the New Zealand Wii U prices were finally announced by Nintendo.

The Wii U Basic Pack features a white Wii U console with 8GB internal storage and a white gamepad, and has a suggested retail price of NZ$469.95.

The Wii U Premium Pack features a black Wii U console with 32GB of internal storage, a black gamepad, a stand for the gamepad and console, a charging cradle for the gamepad, a sensor bar, a copy of the Nintendo Land game, and a subscription to Nintendo Network Premium. Its recommended retail is NZ$569.95.

Nintendo Network Premium grants points for digital purchases made in the Nintendo eShop. Valued at around 10% of the original Nintendo eShop price, this credit can be used against future purchases once you reach a minimum of 500 points.

Both packs also feature an HDMI cable and AC adapters for both the console and GamePad.

Nintendo has confirmed the games that will launch with the console, as well as titles that are expected to hit the system by April 2013.

The Wii U will launch in New Zealand on November 30.

-Gameplanet

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