The Nintendo Switch is region free

This is a big change from previous Nintendo systems.

The Nintendo Switch will be completely region-free, meaning that you can play software from any region on it.

This is a first for Nintendo, who has typically locked games to the regions they are released in. You'll now be able to import games from anywhere in the world.

This is one pre-reveal Switch rumour we're very happy to see come true. One of the most frustrating aspects of being a Nintendo fan, especially in Europe, is waiting for games to be localised. Although it is very nice to play in your native language, many would rather not wait three years for it to happen - if it happens at all, since localisation is very expensive.

Nintendo's firm stance on region locking has looked increasingly anachronistic over the years, and arguments in favour of the system rarely cut any ice.