R4 Catridges Now Illegal In UK

The R4 cartridge, a device that allows Nintendo DS users to play pirate games on their handheld, is now illegal in the UK. The High Court in London ruled against Playables Limited, which means the device cannot be imported, marketed, or sold in Britain.

Nintendo is obviously breathing a sigh of relief. They blamed a 50% drop in software on piracy. In June, Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association found that illegal downloads cost publishers 86 billion Yen.

In the case, some cited the R4′s use as a back up device like keeping game saves on it or using it to play MP3s and videos. Playables Limited defended the R4 as a way for coders to get their homebrewed programs and DIY games onto the DS.

While this may staunch the flow of R4s into the UK, it doesn’t stop anyone from bringing back the device from Asia or any other country which still allows their sale.

[via The Guardian]