Wii Freeloader
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| Wii Freeloader | |
|---|---|
 Wii Freeloader NTSC boxart | |
| Developer(s) | Datel |
| Publisher(s) | Datel |
| Platform(s) | Wii |
| Release |
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Wii Freeloader is a bootdisk developed by Datel to circumvent regional lockout on the Wii video game console. It allows the playing of games from other regions, but does not allow the use of DVD±R, commonly used for backups, copies or homebrew. It can be used in combination with a modchip to compatibility with more games or to use an update blocker. The user enters the bootdisk into the Wii system, launches the application from the Wii Menu, then replaces the disc with a region-locked game disc. This disk allows the user to play foreign GameCube games, but there have been some issues reported with different signals and the games simply not working on a foreign system, even with use of the Wii Freeloader.[1]
On June 16, 2008, Nintendo released Wii firmware 3.3, which blocks the Freeloader.
Nintendo blocks usage
Although the Freeloader only allows legally purchased game discs to be played, Nintendo has released an updated firmware that would block it from running, known as IOS37. On June 16, 2008, Nintendo released Wii firmware 3.3, which blocks the Freeloader.
Hidden language on games
Some Wii games have more than one version of the game on their disk. Siliconera has reported that the North American version of the video game Trauma Center: New Blood when played on a Japanese Wii after using the Wii Freeloader, that the game will switch over and play the Japanese version of the game on the system.[2]
This leads many people in the gaming community to believe that there may be more games out there with other languages contained on the disk that are only accessible through the Wii Freeloader.
EDIT: [290708] 'Nights: Journey of Dreams' Japanese edition switches to English with the use of wii free loader tested on Australian PAL console.
Games not compatible with Freeloader
- Naruto Shippuuden: Gekitou Ninja Taisen EX
- Okami US Okami works on EU Wii through the Freeloader.
References
- ^ "World First Wii Freeloader Review - Over 22 games tried and tested". Vooks.net. 2008-03-16. Retrieved 2008-03-17.
- ^ "Booting up the "Wiiloader", Japan Edition". Siliconera.com. 2008-03-17. Retrieved 2008-03-17.