Youth protection regulation mandates 18+ content should only be available during evening hours in Europe.

Last week, it was revealed that 18+ Wii U eShop content could not be purchased until after 11 p.m. in Europe. Now, an explanation has been provided. Nintendo of Europe told Eurogamer that the restrictions are a result of a German youth protection law.

"At Nintendo we always aim to provide a safe gaming experience for fans of all ages and ensure that we comply with applicable legal age restriction requirements across Europe," a Nintendo representative said.

"Legal age restriction requirements vary across a number of European countries. Since Nintendo of Europe is based in Germany, Nintendo eShop is complying with German youth protection regulation which therefore applies to all our European markets," the statement continued. "Under German law, content rated 18+ must be made available only at night."

This means Wii U owners in Europe are only allowed to purchase 18+ rated content between the hours of 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. The Wii U launched in Europe on November 30.

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