Wii:FreeLoader
The Datel Freeloader disc is a disc that temporarily disables region checks without requiring homebrew. The disc's header is marked as RFLP5D (for the PAL version), and it contains one encrypted partition with the ID DTLX01. It exploits the same bug as trucha signer, and an unknown method to frustrate attempts to dump the disc using standard methods. It uses the same bug as the GameCube Freeloader to trick the console into believing this is a Nintendo Optical Disc using the same BCA replication method, removing the need for a drivechip.
It contains a small apploader which appears to patch the System Menu. There are no files in the FST, and there does not appear to be a DOL.
(There is also a modified ISO floating around that was generated by patching a game ISO with the Freeloader apploader, and it has the partition ID RFLPWK. This is not the same thing.)
The Freeloader is now obsolete since softmod methods can easily patch the System Menu to play imported games, such as Priiloader.
Features
- Will allow the user to play games from another region
- Is simple to use
- No console modification is required
- Play games that were never released in your region
- Play games from your local region on your imported Wii system
- This disc is 100% unofficial
Video
Bricking
Any console before System Menu 3.2 attempts updating from an imported game using Freeloader, resulting in either a semibrick or System Menu brick, thus rendering the console in-operatable. Unlike all previous methods of booting imported games, this does not require any physical modifications to the console, which means Nintendo is still required to cover these repairs under warranty.
This problem is worse for NTSC discs, because NTSC System Menu versions are lower than the corresponding PAL versions, meaning even consoles on the latest update would receive the bricks.
On 21st March 2008, Nintendo purposely prevented NTSC discs from being pressed, by pushing the 3.2rev03 update. This update added IOS37, which had fixed the signing bug, but was not used by any software. On 16th June 2008, Nintendo released System Menu 3.3, which blocks the Freeloader when launched through the System Menu by coming with a fixed IOS30.