E3 2010: Install games on 3DS

Japanese newspaper Nikkei is claiming that Nintendo’s new 3DS handheld will allow users to install multiple games onto its inbuilt memory chips, cutting out the need to carry around separate game cartridges.

Andriasang says users will be able to select from any installed game from the main menu.

If true, it’s a very brave move for Nintendo. Any in-built capacity for executing code from internal memory will surely make it easier for pirates to get custom code running on the machine.

Recent estimates pin the value of handheld piracy at 29bn. Senior industry execs have cited DS piracy as one of the main reasons behind the handheld’s struggle at retail, and major releases such as Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars are also said to have suffered as a result.