While software appearing on the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable handheld consoles are region free, meaning that any game can be played on any machine anywhere in the world, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo home console software is generally locked to regional NTSC or PAL formats.
Datel confirms the arrival of the Wii Freeloader for region-free Wii gaming. Fans rejoice. Credit: Datel.
However, the tech boffins over at gaming peripheral specialist Datel have likely made European Nintendo Wii fans a little happier than their PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 counterparts this week following news that the Wii Freeloader (PAL) is finished and ready for retail.
The Freeloader arrives much like its GameCube Freeloader predecessor and enables Wii owners to purchase software from anywhere in the world, regardless of whether it has been code locked to only play on an NTSC model of Nintendo’s innovative little home console.
The Wii Freeloader will also function in the same way as the GameCube version insofar as users will need only to insert the Freeloader disc into the Wii’s automatic loading slot for it to swiftly work its region-cancelling magic. Once region coding has been bypassed, an on-screen prompt will instruct the user to eject the disc and insert an any region game disc. Unrestricted gameplay ensues as normal.
The advantage of the Freeloader, which costs a mere 9.99 GBP (19.99 USD) is apparent when viewing NTSC and PAL software release dates, which often see videogames released several months earlier in one region than another, reports MCV.
Generally speaking, North American and Japanese gamers get their software earlier than those in Europe, which will likely put the Wii Freeloader high on the ‘must buy’ lists of those in PAL regions such as the UK and Germany.
Although NTSC titles usually hit retail before PAL versions, American Wii owners will also be getting a Wii Freeloader for those occasions when the release tables are turned.
When it comes to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, not all games on the two platforms are region locked, even though their packaging clearly states they are meant for either NTSC or PAL only.
For example, a great many NTSC Xbox 360 titles will play on PAL machines, although nothing on the game disc or in the instruction manual relays that information. Only attempting to play an NTSC disc in a PAL machine will reveal whether it will play or not, although import Web sites such as Canadian online store VideoGamesPlus, have handy ‘Region Free’ sections for discerning international customers.
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