So, the Wii Freeloader was the answer to a lot of prayers. Like the GameCube Freeloader, it let you play imports on US hardware by simply swapping discs. Nintendo doesn't much seem to want people playing imports on their Wiis, though.
Not long ago they issued a 3.3 firmware update that broke Freeloader support, but it was labeled optional. The happy importer just had to ignore it. Now, information is surfacing that all upcoming games are going to require 3.3 firmware to run, forcing the Wii importer to choose between playing new games or playing the imports they've already purchased.
Nintendo has made firmware-based attempts to break modchips like the WiiKey with firmware updates, which have mostly failed. I can see why, most modchip owners DL games instead of buying them. Most Freeloader owners, though, are just people who want to collect Japanese games but don't want the hassle of keeping two Wiis in the house. Why you gotta be hatin', Nintendo? Importers aren't the bad guy. Breaking the Freeloader is just going to encourage more Wii owners to get modchips.
