Rumor: Freeloader not compatible with Mario Kart Wii

by Candace Savino { Apr 8th 2008 at 5:00PM }

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 So, at this point, just be cautious with your imports, and let's hope that Datel's Freeloader isn't outdated already.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.

Gallery: Mario Kart Wii

[Via Go Nintendo]

Tags: codemasters, datel, freeloader, mario-kart, mario-kart-wii, play-asia, racing, region-locked

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Mr Khan @ Apr 8th 2008 5:10PM

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

hvnlysoldr @ Apr 8th 2008 7:13PM

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)

Yan @ Apr 8th 2008 5:40PM

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.

Joe H @ Apr 8th 2008 6:15PM

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.

Lilinka @ Apr 8th 2008 6:30PM

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.

deucalion @ Apr 8th 2008 7:44PM

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

Pie Pants @ Apr 9th 2008 12:14AM

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.

MYC @ Apr 11th 2008 5:02AM

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?

Pie Pants @ Apr 13th 2008 7:16PM

That's exactly what I'm saying. :)

bb264 @ Apr 21st 2008 4:19PM

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

AhTin @ Apr 9th 2008 3:02AM

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.

maelstrom @ Apr 11th 2008 2:44PM

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

AK Pilot @ Apr 13th 2008 2:43AM

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!!

Rob @ May 17th 2008 4:07AM

My Freeloader does not work with Mario Kart.

I'm an American that moved to Germany and brought my Wii with me. I purchased a US version of Freeloader and it seems to function properly. I insert the Mario Kart disk (purchased here in Germany) and it is recognized. I click on the Mario Kart channel and then, screen goes black and Wiimotes turn off. Nothing happens and I have to reboot the Wii.

I have firmware version 3.2U on an unmodded/tampered Wii. I'll probably be putting my European MK disk on eBay and having a US one shipped over.