[achr2]

Later SNES games also used a timing check for region locking to identify PAL vs NTSC clock frequencies. The mod I did, nearly three decades ago, was to add a toggle switch with a second crystal that would change the clock frequency and allow the PAL game to be played on an NTSC system. Wait a few seconds while the game booted up and then switch back and enjoy the unreleased in North America "Terranigma".

[fabiensanglard]

Maybe a silly question but why enforce region lock at the developers/publisher level?

Wouldn't allowing the game to run on more machines result in more sales? Or would the import market and currency exchange rate too much of a hazard?

[progbits]

Getting DVD players without region locks used to be a thing to get cheaper movies imported from abroad. (Briefly, from what I recall. Bootleg discs got much cheaper and easily available)

[porkbeer]

Different regions had different pricing. This prevents a game being resold in another market. It also tends to cut down on counterfieting.