PSP region-locked afterall?

We don't have any official word saying otherwise, but it looks like someone's snapped a pic of what appears to be a region-lock style emblem on a PSP game. Honestly, this wouldn't really shock us or anything since it definitely fits Sony's pattern of strict region-encoding on their products, but hey, if you're going to specifically promise no region-locking then follow through! We'll all be able to find out for sure soon enough though, yeah?

[Maritnj @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

That is movie region locks. Games are with out region locks. Japan is in the region 2. Same as Europe, and, the US is region 1.

[010111 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

namco makes movies?

[anti-fsck @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Hmm, regional coding of DVDs is under investigation by Australia's competition regulator. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was recently instrumental in forcing parallel importation of music CDs after it found that splitting up the worldwide music market resulted in .au consumers paying higher prices.
I'm sure that any attempt by Sony to further fragment .au's market would be frowned upon ...

[Hooty @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

It doesn't matter, there will be a mod chip shortly anyways :-)

[Soir @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

It could be that it just states the games origin but that PSP can read games with all origins (regions). Only time can tell =]

[Soir @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

It could be that it just states the games origin but that PSP can read games with all origins (regions). Only time can tell =]

[nine @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

this (http://www.toysnjoys.com/psp.html) import vendor has a big red message on top pf his PSP site reading that the PSP plays only jap. games.

exept this news here and the one on the vendors site it's all i've heard about this. is the vendor just spreading the fake news or is there some truth to this?

[Kakyou @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I admit it looks suspicous. Both the PSP box and the game boxes have this region marker. The manual mentions this in refernce to movies, and I didn't see it refer to games, but why would the games have the mark unless...
I guess we have to wait until the US/Europe launch to be sure.

[nine @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

i think that though a game may be only for use in a certain country it doen't say that this game cannot be played in another country as well. it's like a "this game is made for [insert country here]" and not a "this game can only be played on a japanese PSP".

well im only guessing here... but i hope there is no region check because i don't want to wait for the euro release.

[Spencer Hooks @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

From IGN: [PSP adopts both a "worldwide" and "regional" code system," explains Molly Smith of SCE America. "For games on PSP there is no region code. However, due to language and system issues, quality assurance procedures are done in each territory. Therefore, we recommend purchasing both the hardware and corresponding software in the same market/territory."]

Hopefully it's true...

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

More fuel for the fire - check out the pic of the PSP box in the followup story:

http://www.techjapan.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=742

You'll notice a couple of things -

1) It states that the Japanese PSP will only play UMDs with region code "2" or "ALL" (admittedly, there's no direct reference to games/movies so there is a _little_ room for interpretation).

2) The words "FOR SALE AND USE IN JAPAN ONLY".

[wol @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

scott: the words 'FOR SALE AND USE IN JAPAN ONLY' is quite typical in a japanese products, it doesn't mean it only plays japanese game only, its only to differentiate a local product *being japanese* and an actual import machine *yes, they do have 2 versions of electronics, both work the same way, the only difference is the japanese manual*

[Uncle Sam @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Uncle Sam trust Nintendo not Sony. bwhahaha!

[Kamalot @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

You thinnk all these people that imported the PSP will be burned? That would be really sad. I feel for anyone who paid a premium for a Japanese system only to find out it can't play US games. :(

[Liam McNulty @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Thanks for noticing this, Engadget. It would be a shame if everyone who pre-ordered from various online vendors thought they'd be able to play their American games on a Japanese PSP. I'd like to clarify a few things:

1. This box shot comes from Namco's Ridge Racers. Namco does NOT make UMD-Video discs. This is NOT a pic from a movie box.

2. The point of interest on the box shot is NOT the "FOR SALE IN JAPAN ONLY" text. It's the "2" icon that appears above the barcode.

3. The "2" icon in of itself is not too significant, except for the fact that...

4. The PSP box (as pictured in the story Scott linked to) has a line about the unit playing UMDs with "ALL" and "2" region codes. It does not specify whether this is for games, movies, or both.

Basically, it comes down to a question of whether the "2" referred to on the PSP box is this "2" pictured on the Ridge Racers packaging.

[..........? @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

The "for japan only" is to say that the system is intend(not restricted) to be sell and use in japan. It is a marketing thing. I have a stereo, minidisc player and playstation 2 that have that phrase on the original box and nothing is different.

[McBain @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

GS = Gamespot
MC = Sony Chief Technology Officer Masa Chatani

GS: Why did you choose to make the system region-free for games?

MC: Technically, the PSP does have a region mechanism in it, but, for now we decided to have all region discs work on all systems. This is because people who travel around the world may want to pick up games in different territories. However, each game will only be tested for that specific region and the hardware available in that market, so, technically, not every game may work.

[Stephen Day @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Everyone calm down, it is just movies surely ! Think about it, PSP - Playstation PORTABLE !!!! I buy one in Japan, travel to the US for a holiday, buy a game I like and it wont play, I don't think so, seriously, if you can't use other UMD's in other countries what is the point. You keep discussing it, i'll keep playing my Japanese machine

[alex @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

If there is region locks on it then I am not going to buy on for sure.

[Matthew @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Looks like it supports region lockouts.

I think people are confused, in Post 16, Sony clearly states that there is regional lockout, and it is dependent on the disc. Games that are region free will play on any system (duh). Thats the same way with DVD players. Looks like Ridge Racers is locked to region 2. (Which sounds like they use the same codes as DVD, 2= for Europe and Japan).

I guess IGN is wrong, Ridge Racers is a region locked game. Maybe Sony will release region "ALL" games after the PSP has been launched worldwide. (or the game has been release worldwide).

[blip @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Don't say things like "I guess IGN is wrong, Ridge Racers is a region locked game." because if you don't have an inseide source in Sony there is no way anyone can *know* that. Wait until the European/Amerivan release and see. I mean if that qoute from a sony official is true...what else do you want? (Read this line out loud and tell me who is confused: "but, for now we decided to have all region discs work on all systems".) Ken Kutaragi coming to your house with a european game and a japanese psp and play it for you? But no..."a squirrel told me in a dream that the psp is region locked, which means it has *got* to be true". You are going by some wierd logics that's for sure. Noone but a Sony official could actually know since the american and european versions *haven't been released yet*, how about that? Now, about the UMD-movies *that* seems as the area where they first might actually be using a region lockout. Still, we don't actually know. There have been some hints from Sony that they probably will though.

That said it would be sad if Sony would decide to use a regional lockout on games. Oh, well.

And in the meantime I'll just sit here and enjoy my japanese PSPS, playing Ridge Racers and Lumines (and yes both packages have the "2" on them) while you other people chatter away blowing things out of proportion.

[Karine Benoit @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Well...bad news for you guys who reserved a japanese game console. I just called sony consumer help line and, after asking the lady for some information for my PS2 problems, I asked her if the games on the PSP would be region-locked, as someone who works with games and game consoles I just needed to be sure, and she answered me 'sadly, games will be region-locked'. Then I called again and spoke to a guy, who answered the same thing. Now I'm wondering...for real...if the non region-locked thingy was just a small lie that got into a biggy real problem. Really...

And I have a question...actually...are all the games on the launching day going to be racing/fighters? No good rpg? At least a little one? -.-, Think I should wait next xmas to put my hand on a psp or reserve one already? o.0

[Lewi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Well as a plus I guess anyone who's bought a Jap PSP (Region 2) should be ok when the U.K launch hits as with us being Region 2 also.

Also to sort of clarify the Jap Ridge Racer issue - apparently only the first batch or so of the game have the dreaded 'Region 2' stamp on, all the current versions of the game are rumoured to have 'All' stamped on it........

[rumblegod @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

this is a back pic off ridge racers as i have it myself

[mT @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I've read that games are region free but movies on umds are region locked.Can anybody confirm this? If that's the case i'm in big trouble as i live in europe and i purchased a japan import

[Solidus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

If a jap psp is region 2, and europe is region 2, doesnt that mean that everything will be ok for mrT here?

[Altis @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I have the JPN version of the PSP and I'm not worried at all. Sooner or later, a region hacking patch or a mod will be released. :)

[Rogers @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

i am a bit more than tempted to buy a jap psp, as soon as i can find out whether an english umd movie will work or not, ill import one... could someone confirm this??

[Tony Monje @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I imported a JPN PSP in January with a couple of JPN games. Last week, I purchased the US version of NBA Basketball and the Spiderman game. They all work just fine on the JPN PSP system. I am assuming there will be a different issue when I try to play a US UMD movie though.

[psp gamer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

the symbol is obviously to show which region it is from but i have a region 2 (japan & europe) PSP and i have two region 1 (usa) games that work fine. its only the movies that are region locked. but tht will be sorted with an update in the near future!!!

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

So are we agreed that import psp's will play UK released games? I have a friend that is going to the states and was going to ask her to get me one because of the price difference but don't want to be disappointed by it not playing UK games.???

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Hi, I justbought a Japanese R2 PSP and it plays Ridge Racer fine, even though Ridge Racer is R1. I do however have a number of Films on the way from America and do not yet know if they will play. Anyone tested it yet?

[UKMuFFiN @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I hope Sony is reading this.

They should really listen to the people who give them their billions.

I agree with post 27, a simple patch which you transfer over from your PC will be around soon.

[blah @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

have anyone tried japanese imported games on a us psp?

[romeo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Ok peeps, this is the lowdown on what i know to date. Ive just got a psp region 3 stamped from dubai. (im hoping its a multi region player). It plays american (region 1) and region 3 games fine, but the problems comes when i tried playing an american video (spiderman) with the psp telling me its not possible to play - Code locked>

[Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Everyone have a read at the comments above and you'll get all your answers instead of repeating them.

[Benjamin @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Have no fear: PSP games are NOT REGION LOCKED!!
I have a Japanese PSP with 2 US games and one Region 3 (korea, malaysia) game. They all run fine. HOWEVER UMD Movies are REGION LOCKED. I cannot play a US Region 1 movie on my Region 2 (JAP) PSP. Also if you have a Region 1 game of Ridge Racers, and a Region 2 game of Ridge Racers, both on US PSP's, they will NOT PLAY MULTIPLAYER. It won't find the other game when searching. So GAMES are REGION FREE, MOVIES REGION LOCKED, and two different regioned games cannot play multi-player together.

[Rodney @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

Hi all

I have had a Jap PSP since March 2005 and bought ridge racer (jap) with it. I then purchased Wipeout Pure (US) and it plays with no problems, so the region locking is not true at all.

It has also been discovered that Region 4 UMD's WILL play on Jap and US PSP's, but Aus PSP's will not play Jap and US UMD's.

Rodney
[e-mail]

[timings @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

THIS IS HOW IT WORKS!!!!GAMES ARE NOT REGION LOCKED HOWEVER 2 GAMES OF A DIFFERENT REGION WILL NOT PLAY MULTYPLAYER! AS FOR UMD MOVIES
REGION 1 = us
REGION 2 = JAP(EUROPE)
REGION 3 = ASIAN
REGION 4 = I THINK ARE AUS

ITS BEST TO BUY THE CORRECT REGION FOR YPUR PSP HOWEVER SOME PSPS WILL PLAY CERTAIN REGIONS YOU HAVE TO EXPERIMENT

[Corkus @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

I have a US psp ( relevent or not) and i live in australia and got my us psp from a store who promised me a refund if the games are region locked so there, at least i know im not being ripped!!

[Demonch1ld @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

is there a way to check what region your PSP is? I bought mine from a friend and He got his used online, I tried to play a movie thats region 1, but it wont work. Is there a way to bypass the region code?

[Confused @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

OK, so PSP isnt region coded and games all work fine no matter where you buy ur PSP from... what I want to know is if I buy a Jap game, will all the writing and talking be in Japanese or English? Please sommeone reply ASAP

[kaye barton @ Dec 19th 2005 1:03AM]

why will my psp only play sony umd does anyone know what to do

[Glenn Watts @ Dec 28th 2005 6:57PM]

I'm trying to play a movie but when I put the disc in it reads "This disc cannot be started. The region code is not correct. Is there a way I can fix this so it can play movies in the US. If so can you please e-mail me and let me know.



Thank You!



Mr. Glenn Watts

[Glenn Watts @ Dec 28th 2005 7:02PM]

My e-mail address is [e-mail]



Thanks!



Glenn Watts

[jeremy @ Jan 1st 2006 5:21AM]

okay, im hearing alot of scenarios where people have japanese psps that can play american games... but would it be the same if i bought a japanese game for my us psp? im a little confused and very anxious coz im in japan right now and there is a large variety of games that i can choose from.... please reply asap