Nintendo has put an end to Wii Freeloader, the bootdisk that allows the user to play games from other regions on their Wii system, by releasing a firmware update that kills Datel’s import boot disk.

Of course, Wii owners can get round it by choosing not to update their consoles, but many Freeloaders have already fallen prey to Nintendo's clamp-down on imported titles.

Gamer TM are reporting that if you've had to send your console in for repair or if you find yourself doing so in the future then there's no way that you can avoid the update. Nintendo will be carrying out a mandatory install of the Wii firmware update version 3.3 on all consoles that land at its repair factory.

The update will be a bitter blow to those European gamers, including those who have recently imported Super Smash Bros Brawl from the States. They'll just have to wait for its UK release on June 27th, and buy it again!

Source :: Gamer Tm