Speaking to CVG,a Nintendo spokesperson says, "DSi software (software that is onlycompatible with DSi) is region locked, eg: European DSi software canonly be played on European DSi consoles." This apparently applies toboth retail and downloadable games.
But the region lock only applies to software, not the DSi system. Thenew portable will still play regular DS games from any territory, but new software specifically designed for the DSi will be locked down. Youwill also be able to use the internet browser in any territory.
"DSi is region locked because DSi embeds net communicationfunctionality within itself and we are intending to provide netservices specifically tailored for each region," says Nintendo. "Alsobecause we are including parental control functionality for NintendoDSi and each region has its unique age limit made by differentindependent."