If you tried importing the Japanese version of Mario Kart Wii to Europe or the U.S. in order to get your copy early, you may have received this message from Play-Asia: "We received the first small delivery today for testing and unfortunately we have to inform you, that the game is not compatible with the Datel Freeloader (US and PAL Version)."However, we've heard from NWF reader Nils that this isn't true, and an imported copy of Mario Kart has worked just fine on his Wii (we're still waiting to hear back on what version he imported). Still, we're sure Play-Asia wouldn't make such things up, since this will only lead to the site losing sales. So, at this point, just be cautious with your imports, and let's hope that Datel's Freeloader isn't outdated already.
We'll update the post if we find or hear more accounts from Mario Kart Wii importers, so be sure to tip us if you've tried it first hand.
[Via Go Nintendo]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-08-2008 @ 5:10PM
Mr Khan said...
I'd be more inclined to believe PlayAsia, as they probably test it under more normal conditions
What sort of conditions was Nils making this test under? Chipped/unchipped, firmware versions, region, etc
My guess is the contrast between the two amounts to a "try at your own risk" sort of thing
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4-08-2008 @ 7:13PM
hvnlysoldr said...
I only caught part of the explanation but it deals with being fully updated before using Mario Kart's update. Know how LoZ and SMG and the like have their own firmware updates, updating from that prevents Freeloader from loading Mario Kart Wii but using the firmware update 3.2 when connecting to internet will let it be used correctly. (i don't have wi-fi)
4-08-2008 @ 5:40PM
Yan said...
hmm interesting. i am still skeptical on buying a wiiloader. sooner or later nintendo will block it and thats $19.99 + xx.xx (game) down the drain.
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4-08-2008 @ 6:15PM
Joe H said...
It apparently works on Wiis with modchips installed. I haven't read anything myself about Freeloader support, but I honestly don't see why it wouldn't work- Mario Kart Wii still uses the IOS36 system menu in which the bug allowing Freeloader to work still exists.
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4-08-2008 @ 6:30PM
Lilinka said...
I hate Nintendo for blocking imports, as I can't see a reason why, when they allow it with the DS, but whatever, it's not like my money really makes a difference in the end.
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4-08-2008 @ 7:44PM
deucalion said...
it may matter more for other games, but for MKWii, does it really make a difference to make a import? I mean, the game is released in NA, Europe, and Japan within a month of each other
4-09-2008 @ 12:14AM
Pie Pants said...
Ok, here goes. Long version: The IOS (starlet chip) firmware update is what actually blocks the bug the Freeloader exploits in order to run. Version 37 is supposedly the one with the fix. I've run the PAL version of Mario Kart Wii on my PAL Wii with the latest firmware (3.2E). After both playing online and installing the Mario Kart Channel, I ran a tool called Duplicate Channel Remover, which can also tell you what IOS version your console runs (requires a modchip). it says my IOS is still version 36 (the one included with Brawl).
tl;dr version: PAL MKWii won't block Freeloader. NTSC might.
So Play Asia could be correct if the Japanese version includes this update, in which case you'd have to import the European PAL version instead (which for the record works just fine on NTSC consoles).
Hope this clears a few things up.
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4-11-2008 @ 5:02AM
MYC said...
So you're saying that it's safe for me to buy a PAL Mario Kart to play on my PAL Wii, and that it won't block my Freeloader that I'm using to play NTSC Brawl?
4-13-2008 @ 7:16PM
Pie Pants said...
That's exactly what I'm saying. :)
4-21-2008 @ 4:19PM
bb264 said...
Hi.
I have a mod chipped Japanese console and want to purchase the PAL Mario Kart Wii.
Do you think it will work?? Or should I try a NTSC one?
Cheers
4-09-2008 @ 3:02AM
AhTin said...
3.2U + Wiiware Update work with US freeloader + JPN Mario Kart (Retail Version) which have no modchip installed.
I will post a video after Home later on.
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4-11-2008 @ 2:44PM
maelstrom said...
I wonder if the update (if there is an update) with Mario Kart Wii will render the Freeloader useless, to continue using it for Super Smash Bros, or if it will still work for that game...
Pal version of, Wii
US version of Super Smash Bros
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4-13-2008 @ 2:43AM
AK Pilot said...
Found this WONDERFUL website & forum. Have a US Wii, but a friend living in China brought over some games for me. What freeloader do I need to buy to play them? Ebay? THANKS!!
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