Game publishers don't like the second-hand game market because it eats into revenues. Capcom is planning to counter that by releasing a game for the Nintendo 3DS that can only support one save file - for life.

The game is Resident Evil: Mercenaries 3D and according to the game's instruction manual, the "saved data on this software cannot be reset."

Image credit: Tiny Cartridge

So essentially, not only are you paying $40 for a game that you can't pass on, but it's also a game that you can effectively only play once (in terms of unlocking achievements and so on - I understand that the actual game can be played over and over). Interestingly, Amazon.com is currently offering an $8.75 gift card to those who trade in this game. I can't see this deal lasting long ...

While the used-game market might be hitting publishers bottom-lines, I think that silly tricks like this might do more harm than good in the long run. But game publishers are known for making boneheaded decisions and not only sticking with them but also running with them. This could be the beginning of a disturbing trend.

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