3DS to automatically block pirates

Nintendo president Saturo Iwata has stated that the 3DS will automatically download firmware updates – a method that the exec hopes will help combat Nintendo’s handheld piracy problems.

Andriasang reports that the functionality will be included as part of the SpotPass feature set, which allows 3DS machines to autonomously connect to wi-fi hotspots and download content without requiring user intervention.

The platform holder has confirmed that over 1,000 retailers will house wi-fi capable 3DS hotspots, and the same may occur in the UK.

This will even occur if the device is in sleep mode. Nintendo has taken the decision, it says, because users are not very proactive at manually updating their hardware.

In addition, the larger usable ROM size of DS software will allow for the automatic updating of firmware when users insert new games into the device.