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.
Dear Customer,
Nintendo would like to inform you that an updated version of the Wii Shop Channel is available.
This update features support for the WiiWare download service planned for May 2008.
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!