US: ELSPA condemns piracy chip

90 per cent of North American DS pirates are using the R4 chip to play pirated DS games, according to ELSPA.

Speaking to The Sunday Post, John Hiller, manager of ELSPA’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit said: The implications are massive. In America it’s thought 90 per cent of Nintendo DS users are playing pirated games because of R4s.

Crucially, the R4 has shifted the balance of power in the piracy industry to the consumer — and that is hugely worrying. Takings from Nintendo DS games in the US are lower than any other console and no doubt it will have a similar impact [in the UK]. That’s why we intend to stop trade in these chips wherever we can.”

The R4 chip allows gamers to play homebrew titles, listen to music and view photos, but can also house pirated DS software. The R4 is also one of the most sought after items amongst Japanese consumers.

Thanks to next-gen for spotting the story.