Nintendo's distributor in Taiwan is warning owners of Wii game consoles purchased abroad not to alter the machines to read pirated game software.
Nintendo's Wii game console has been well received since being launched in Japan and the United States last November, but it has yet to be sold in Taiwan.
The game console features a handheld device which allows players to mimic movements such as swinging a tennis racket while following the game on television.
Reports have said that converter chips produced in Britain and Australia which allow the Wii game console to read game software in all countries are now available in electronic game stores and on the Internet.
The chips, sold at NT$500 to NT$1,500 per unit, can be installed on the game consoles at electronic game stores.
No laws ban the use of the chips, which can also read pirated game software off burned CDs.
Police have so far not received any reports and taken any action on the use of the chips.
Nintendo's Taiwan distributor Hakuyu Ltd. said that no timetable has been set on the Taiwan launch of the Wii game consoles, but once the product goes on the market, preventive measures will be taken against pirated game software.
The company added that it will not be responsible for the maintenance and repair of Wii game consoles purchased abroad.