3DS games will carry a box warning message stating that any "unauthorised technical modification" to the handheld may render your entire system "unplayable".
The message can be found on the back of 3DS software packaging and reads:
"This product contains technical protection measures. Any unauthorised technical modification to your Nintendo 3DS system or the use of an unauthorised device with your system may render this game and / or your system unplayable."
The 3DS warning is a step forward from that seen on original DS software, which made no mention of possible hardware harm. It said: "The use of an unlawful device with your Nintendo DS system may render this game unplayable."
The news has naturally sparked speculation that Nintendo could move to brick handhelds that are detected to have run pirated software.
Speaking to CVG earlier this year, Nintendo UK marketing manager James Honeywell said that thanks to improved security and changes in international law, the company now sees a time when piracy isn't viable.
"There's definitely a step change coming and you see it in various countries around the world," he said. "People are aware that video games, music and movies make massive contributions to the economies of countries. They need to make sure they start protecting those things.
"I think perhaps there's been a 'heyday of piracy' and we've now seen a lot of rules come in to stop it."