For GameCube owners and keen videogame importers, Datel’s FreeLoader was a lifesaver. The disc disabled the console’s region lockout, allowing games released anywhere in the world to be played on the last-generation machine without a hitch. A sneaky Wii update halted the Freeloader working on Nintendo’s latest console, but it now appears that a Wii-specific version of the software has finally become available. Smash Bros. Brawl fans in Europe not keen on waiting months until after the beat-em-up’s North American release - rejoice!

Just in case we didn’t make it clear and you aren’t familiar with the concept of FreeLoader, here is the official explanation via CodeJunkies:

Wii FreeLoader is really easy to use. Simply insert your FreeLoader disc and load it in the usual way. When the drive stops, eject the Wii FreeLoader disc and insert the game, which then loads and plays just like it would on its own region of Wii. It’s as simple as that!

Wii FreeLoader is 100% unofficial, but as it requires no modifications to your console, it does not invalidate the warranty. As well as letting you play Wii games from all regions, Wii FreeLoader also works with imported GameCube games when played on your Wii. It won’t work in a GameCube console, though – for that, you need Freeloader for GameCube, also available from Codejunkies…

Features

• Play ANY region of Wii or GameCube game on ANY Wii.
• Easy to use.
• No console modification required.
• Doesn’t invalidate warranty.
• Play games never released in your region.
• Play local games on your imported console.
• 100% unofficial.

The Wii FreeLoader is priced at £9.99 GBP (approximately $20 USD) and available here.

Will you be snapping one up, even if there’s a probability that Nintendo will render it useless with a firmware update just like it did with the GameCube FreeLoader? Let us know in the comments section below.