News
Datel releases Wii Freeloader
Ben Parfitt Feb 29 2008, 11:22am
Comments (17)
Software allows Wii owners to play games from any region on a PAL Nintendo machine
In-game cheats specialist Datel has released a Wii version of its Freeloader software that will allow owners of the console to play games from a different global region.
The software follows on from Datel’s successful GameCube product, which became a big hit with importers owing to the often long delays between Japanese and North American releases and the arrival of titles in Europe.
It was thought at one stage that a Wii version of the product might not be possible owing to the console’s use of a front-feeding disc drive as opposed to a top-loading mechanism.
However, it seems that Wii Freeloader works much the same way as the previous release. Simply load up the disc, and when prompted press eject and insert your US or Japanese game release.
The Wii Freeloader costs £9.99.
A US version is also available for American NTSC console owners.
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Comments
“Hmm”
Posted by: Hark - Feb 29, 11:35am
Great News!......for about 2 weeks
Problem is, wont Nintendo just release an update that'll prevent the disc from working?
Hark
“Re: Hmm”
Posted by: _-MrT-_ - Feb 29, 11:44am
It's possible. Obviously Sony has been big on stuff like this in the past, but despite Nintendo's historical negativity towards importing and importers, they've never seemed too fussed about the Freeloader. I reckon they'll leave it - the Wii is such a mainstream product, and the mainstream couldn't give two hoots about this I would have thought.
“Re: Hmm”
Posted by: Ray - Feb 29, 11:55am
Yes, I really do hope Nintendo let this product be as its not for piracy and would allow people including myself to get the US version os smash bros without having to wait a few extra months.
“Re: Hmm”
Posted: Feb 29, 12:06pm
No more heroes, as it was meant to be played. :)
“Re: Hmm”
Posted by: Willypiggy - Feb 29, 3:33pm
Sweet! Smash Bros here I come!
“Please Explain...”
Posted by: Picard - Feb 29, 3:48pm
never having bought an import before :-
1) would the item not be dearer than waiting a couple of months for an official UK release?
2) if purchased from a non-English speaking territory the instructions will be a bit hard to read?
3) where would you go to buy an import (Ebay? Amazon?)
4) think of the profit you are depriving Game of?
“Re: Please Explain...”
Posted by: Dan G - Feb 29, 4:42pm
1) No. Think of the exchange rate differences, and that games in other regions are cheaper anyway (like CDs).
2) Yes. But this is only really a problem for RPGs, and you can always check GameFaqs.com for more info on the game like instructions.
3) Buy from an online shop, maybe from another country. Play-Asia.com is one.
4) lol they'll be ok
“Re: Please Explain...”
Posted by: Ray - Feb 29, 5:11pm
Haha, I really hope that was sarcasm for num 4 picard.
Importmadness.co.uk is a good one for importing.
“Re: Please Explain...”
Posted by: _-MrT-_ - Feb 29, 5:20pm
@ Picard
There are loads of good importers online, Captain. There was once a time when local indies were a great source of imports, but as their numbers dwindle this is obviously becoming less so.
Check out Play Asia, Yes Asia, Importmadness and, oh, I dunno. Been ages since I dabbled in imports. Lik Sang is defunct now, right?
“Re: Please Explain...”
Posted by: Picard - Feb 29, 5:26pm
thank you Ray and Mr T - crikey...I have just had a look at Play Asia and Battalion Wars 2 is on there for £10 cheaper than my local Game shop
“Re: Please Explain...”
Posted by: _-MrT-_ - Feb 29, 5:39pm
Yep - a far cry from the days of paying through the teeth for imports from indies. I remember a favourite indie of mine in Croydon charging £80 a shot for Viewtiful Joe and Animal Crossing on GameCube.
“Manhunt 2 anyone?”
Posted by: Slippy Sloppy - Feb 29, 5:53pm
Or the US version of 'No More Heroes', with bloody deaths instead of Europe's pixel censorship?
“Re: Manhunt 2 anyone?”
Posted by: ginmonkey - Feb 29, 8:55pm
NCSX.COM is very good for any US or Jap imports
“Re: Manhunt 2 anyone?”
Posted by: airstv - Mar 2, 1:47pm
what abou the update form different region game disk?
anyone think about that?
“Re: Manhunt 2 anyone?”
Posted by: _-MrT-_ - Mar 3, 9:06am
Pardon?
“Re: Manhunt 2 anyone?”
Posted by: Mikey - Mar 17, 9:02pm
'airstv', I was wondering the same thing. Wouldn't the update change it from 3.2E to 3.2J or U. ???
“Freeloaded”
Posted by: Bradley - Mar 19, 11:10am
Has anybody brought a freeloader disc yet, i have one and have brought a us copy of Mario oylmpics, the disc seems to work but as soon as you press start the screen goes blank
Any Ideas?????