Datel says the Freeloader will be shipping next week. If I were you I would note that date in your agenda now! It seems like this will really be the definate date (at last!).

FreeLoader uses proprietary technology to enable your GameCube to play 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.

We recommend you always buy a game designed for your own region wherever possible due to language differences and extra features, etc. However there will be occasions when you simply can't obtain a game, or are not prepared to wait many months for a foreign title to be released in your region. In these cases, FreeLoader is your passport to playing any game, from any country, on any GameCube.

If you're one of the many gamers that bought an imported GameCube console and you now want to play games from your own country, then FreeLoader is also ideal for this task. Whichever way you use FreeLoader, no modifications to your console are needed and your console's warranty is kept intact.