Datel FreeLoader (GameCube/Wii)

Sounds too good to be true? Well, there are a couple of catches, but they're only minor. Although all current games work with the disc there's the possibility that future ones won't. However, as long as you keep an eye on Datel's Web site you can find out about new versions of the disc to make sure you're as up-to-date as possible. Also, you'll need to use separate memory cards for Japanese and UK/US game data (see the product description below for more information). Oh, and you'll need at least a moderately new telly that can handle 60Hz and NTSC signals, but that really is it. Get FreeLoader and embrace the world of international gaming. --David Jenkins

Product Description
FreeLoader uses proprietary technology to enable your GameCube or Wii to play Gamecube import games from any other region. Using FreeLoader you can now, for example, easily play U.S. games on a European GameCube console, or play Japanese games on a U.S. console.

* Launch and play imported GameCube games from any region
* No need to modify your console - keeps your warranty intact
* Add loads of new titles to your GameCube collection, including games that may never be released in your region
* Play US and Japanese games on a PAL GameCube
* Fast and easy to use
Important: When playing a Japanese game your memory card will be re-formatted to Japanese settings, overwriting any existing U.S. or European settings and any game saves stored on the card. We advise keeping a separate card especially for use with Japanese games only.

If you have a PAL gamecube, then it will play American NTSC games no problem and at the speed the game was designed for (60hz). It is impossible for a PAL gamecube to output NTSC, but games will run at PAL 60. Therefore make sure your TV supports 60hz (NTSC compatible is not needed). Playing the NTSC games in PAL 60 is very sweet. Freeloader works flawless, with no slowdowns and displays games full screen.

The 2 page manual states a few ways for booting games, and says that almost every game should boot by just a straight swap of the disks. However, I found that nearly all my games needed a manual region select (by pressing Z button and selecting either the US, EU or JPN flags). However, thats just a small inconvience as the games run perfect once that is out of the way.

Another problem I've read about is if you have a imported JPN/US gamecube and want to play PAL games. Because PAL standard is 50hz, JPN/US gamecubes will output as NTSC 50 (does this even exist?). This results in most TV's displaying the game in black and white. There are two solutions, if the PAL game has a 60hz mode (hold B at bootup to activate) this should solve it. If the game doesn't have this then you will need to buy a modified RGB cable (the one for JPN/US, not the PAL one) which will then put it in full colour. Although these can be quite expensive...

Apart from these minor issues, Freeloader works great, and I'm happily playing many US games on my PAL gamecube... Now only a few weeks to wait for Zelda.... :)


... allows ANY region game, to be played on ANY Gamecube! ...   February 8, 2003
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

... let me tell you, it was worth the wait!
It is so easy to use. All you do is put the FreeLoader disc into the disc tray. Turn on the Gamecube. In about 5 seconds it prompts you to swap the disc with the import disc, you close the disc tray and hey presto! It loads in a matter of seconds!
There is no picture, colour, or sound distortion at all.
It allows ANy region game, to be played on ANY Gamecube! i.e. US or JAP games on PAL Gamecubes, or PAL games on JAP or US Gamecubes! That means no more waiting for games to come out in your region.
One slight problem: PAL and US games can be saved on the same memory card BUT saving a JAPENESE game will wipe the data. So you will need one memory card for PAL and US games, and one for Japenese games.


Works well with WII but not the latest firmware update   August 19, 2007
A. R. BUNN (Pocklington, York, UK)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Works well until you upgrade the WII to the latest version of the firmware (version 3.0) when this version of freeloader will not work. BE WARNED
Apart from this, I have had NO problems with this on my WII running an NTSC version of Animal Crossing, it was worked 100% of the time.



Freeloader on PAL Gamecube definitely worth the effort   November 17, 2003
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is a truly great product, since you can play import games months in advance without "chipping" (and invalidating your warranty) like you would do with a Playstation 2. However, be careful when buying this product as earlier versions are ropey. I have had issues with F Zero GX and Soul Calibre 2 (both US). Yet if you email Datel support and send in your copy of the Freeloader (if its duff), you will get the latest release for free. Also JAP games WILL format your memory card, so have a dedicated memory card for games of this region. e.g. Winning Eleven etc..