Nintendo of Europe today announced that it is removing the daily window in which 18+ content can be viewed and purchased on both the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS eShop.
Previously, the lock-out prevented users from browsing and purchasing games rated 18+ by PEGI – such as Wii U-exclusive launch-title ZombiU – outside the hours of 11PM until 3AM. Nintendo responded to consumer criticism over the decision by stating that the restrictions were unavoidable due to their headquarters being based in Germany, which has strict laws governing the sale of online content.
Instead, Nintendo are planning to rely on the extensive parental-control options integrated into the Nintendo Wii U and 3DS. A new message issued on the eShop store-front reads:
“Nintendo has lifted the access restrictions on content rated 18+. Adults can now browse and buy all games at any time of the day. Following analysis of the Parental Controls system on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in cooperation with USK, the German Entertainment Software Self-Regulation Body, it was deemed that Nintendo’s Parental Control system is of very high quality and offers a remarkable level of protection for children. Nintendo’s Parental Control system was found to have proved itself in practice. Nintendo always encourages parents to make use of Parental Controls to control access to content they deem inappropriate for their children.”
They concluded: “At Nintendo we always aim to provide a safe gaming experience for fans of all ages and ensure that we comply with applicable legal age restriction requirements across Europe. The USK is the perfect partner for Nintendo to achieve this.”
The changes are already in effect, with games such as Assassin’s Creed 3 and Batman: Arkham City – Armored Edition now available to download at any time.
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