Where is DS region lock stored?

[rednblu]

Im in the planning phase for repairing my Pokemon black 2 cartridge, the main idea is to find a cheaper Japanese copy, then solder the original flash and ROL chip back on to see if it works.

(I think I have one other chip that kind of survived, but the resistors and IR sensor are not in good shape)

I've heard from some sources that problems arise when playing DS games from other regions on the 3DS

Is there any specific part of the cart that carries region information?

Thank you!

 

[Deleted member 702243]

the last digit of game code does it

or rather, the console checks that last digit of the game code in rom, and it doesn't let you play it if it's not one of the allowed ones for your region

english gen 5 pokémon games are region-free, for the record

 

[IC]

What are the problems you heard of?
The DS and its games have regions, but there is no region-lock and thus they are region-free.
The 3DS and its games have region-locking, but in backwards compatibility with the DS, the 3DS will play DS games from any region.
I just confirmed this with an European DS game on an unmodded Japanese 2DS.
-------
Post below me explained.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

the last digit of game code does it

or rather, the console checks that last digit of the game code in rom, and it doesn't let you play it if it's not one of the allowed ones for your region

english gen 5 pokémon games are region-free, for the record

DSi enhanced titles (which Pokemon B/W happen to be) are region locked. They have to be forced to run in DS mode which requires a hacked console, at that point you are region free anyway.

 

[rednblu]

You guys are amazing, thank you so much!!

 

[Deleted member 702243]

DSi enhanced titles (which Pokemon B/W happen to be) are region locked. They have to be forced to run in DS mode which requires a hacked console, at that point you are region free anyway.

2024 and people still don't understand this? lol

I guess I have to spell it out for you

it's like this because the us and european versions are the exact same rom, but there is no region that is compatible with both USA+EUR... so region-free makes it work

next time you should at least look things up before you speak, because this is widely known and you can find this information within 5 minutes

 

[rednblu]

I just want to clarify this before I go heads first into this:

The main place where the game determines region is the ROM code itself, right? I've done some digging around and am trying to find the use of each component, the ones that trouble me the most are
U2 and U3

If these are generic chips that aren't used in some gnarly nintendo checksum, that brings a lot more hope into my heart lol!