If you open the Shop Channel today... you're prompted to go to your Wii settings to download an update!

Have you used the Shop Channel on or since March 20th yet? If you haven't you are likely unaware that it needs updating. To do this simply go to your Wii's settings menu and select the option to check for new updates to your system.

Those of us in Europe may be a little unsure as to what this update does, as when re-entering the Shop Channel afterwards, nothing appears changed. However, Wii owners in the States also got prompted to update their Shop Channels today and were told this was "needed in order to access WiiWare games launching later this spring."

European gamers were not given this message but it would be safe to assume our update was for the same reason, so a launch date for the WiiWare system in Europe may be just round the corner... and hopefully a date for Brawl too, fingers crossed!

Update: The update has been tested on Freeloaded Wii's and there are no apparent issues. Good news for all you importers!

Update 2: NoE have just sent out messages to Wii's that have their WiiConnect24 turned on, the message is similar to message US Wii owners got on their shop channels.

There two things worth noting with this message. First it refers to WiiWare as "WiiWare" and not "Wii Software" which is what the service was to be called in Europe. Could this mean NoE have had a change of heart and decided to use the more identifiable name of "WiiWare"; even though "Wii Software" is still what appears in the Shop Channel menu even after updating? Hopefully so. We're going to be calling it WiiWare whatever :

Secondly and more importantly the message gives Europe a tentative release window of May 2008, remember the US will see WiiWare launch on May 12th so the gap between US and European launches sounds like it won't be too long.

Stay tuned to N-Europe for a more concrete release date for WiiWare in Europe and who knows maybe even Smash Bros. Brawl!