ELSPA: 90 percent of DS gamers use pirated software

Despite stellar sales performance that has seen it emerge as the world’s most popular videogame platform in 2007, it would appear that all is not well with the Nintendo DS – to the point where it's becoming the least profitable of today’s gaming platforms. R4 cartridge use is seriously damaging Nintendo DS software sales. Credit: GadgetAsia.

R4 cartridge use is seriously damaging Nintendo DS software sales. Credit: GadgetAsia.Specifically, the UK-based ELSPA (Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishing Association) has this week revealed that the innovative clamshell handheld is suffering substantial losses across the North American market due to the proliferation of pirated software.According to a report appearing in The Sunday Post, the ELSPA claims that only around one in every ten Nintendo DS users in the United States is not taking advantage of the Chinese-made ‘R4 gaming cartridge,’ which enables the DS to host illegally copied software."The implications are massive," commented John Hillier, manager of the ELSPA’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit. "In America it’s thought 90 percent of Nintendo DS users are playing pirated games because of R4s."Hillier also adds that the spread of R4 has significantly impacted Nintendo’s software sales in the region, which has duly led to the ELSPA suggesting pirated DS software will cause ramifications across the UK and Europe.The problem with the R4 cartridge, when measured against the limited attraction of warranty-voiding hardware alteration, is that it can be easily purchased online (for around 34 GBP) and buyers need no prior knowledge in the field of modification in order to use it. Once acquired, the R4 cartridge allows users to simply download hacked Nintendo DS titles from the Net onto their PC systems, before then transferring them directly onto the waiting handheld. Warning that the R4’s overall influence in the piracy world is "hugely worrying," Hillier says that users who believe that they’re getting a good deal by utilising pirated software on the DS are actually "risking the future of the game industry."

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Mac DreFeb 1st, 2008 - 16:57:59

So much Greeeeed in this world! Cant you let the consumers do what they want with there purchase?? We work hard to pay for these things.. Nintendo DS is out selling any other hand held gaming device and they still want more money from us.

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WesMay 17th, 2008 - 05:27:40

I highly doubt it's 90% of people with a DS because no one I know who has a DS has ever used this thing, and I've never even heard of it.

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