[Rydian]

Which Flash Cart Should I Get?

It's often hard to tell which flash carts have which features.
How do you know if a feature really is unique, or if all carts have it?
Which carts still get updates to play my new ROM/game dumps?
Which are the barebones carts, and which are the feature-rich ones?

A public poll was held and only the top-ranking carts are included here.

This guide attempts to be a quick look at current flash carts, for newbies.
If you don't understand a term or concept, check out the DS/DSi/3DS "hacking" F.A.Q.
If a cart catches your eye, look for it on the GBAtemp Review Portal to learn more.
If there's no official review of the cart you're interested in, feel free to ask about it.

If your focus is GBA games, check out this guide instead.


(Chart.docx - This is the source document. If I become inactive, feel free to update it.)

Battery life may also be a concern, as different flash carts have a differing impact on battery drain rates.
This thread has more information, with various carts tested.



(explanation_chart.docx - This is the source document. If I become inactive, feel free to update it.)

Changelog

Quote

4/29/2011 - Fixed the merged cells for the 2.1 and 2i, whoops.
4/9/2012 - Added link to the GBA game guide.
3/22/2012 - Updated chart with the results of a new poll. Also modified some of the wording in the explanation to expand upon the carts listed.
5/19/2011 - Fixed R4iDSN bootloader update column, whoops.
5/7/2011 - Added a note on why this doesn't list all carts.
4/25/2011 - Fixed erroneously listing the Cyclo carts as having Auto AP Bypass.
4/25/2011 - Fixed a typo, properly hosted pictures on gbatemp.
4/24/2011 - Initial version.

Edited by Rydian, 29 April 2012 - 04:28 PM.

[Miss Panda]

Oh I am loving the updated chart, nice. Although the prices are bloody depressing 35 dollars for a DSTWO! It is double that in Europe. You lucky kids.

[Evo.lve]

So.

Fucking.

Bookmarked.

[Icegoten]

Wow you made this topic just in time because I was searching for such a thing yesterday and couldn't find any and today I checked again and found this.

Was wondering if the Supercard DSTwo was the best flashcard to get for the 3DS at the moment and sure enough it seems to be but now looking at the features and comparing it to the prices I really don't need all of that. I can get the R4i Gold for pretty much $25 less and I'm really only going to be playing DS games on it.

[rayjay]

I was thinking of getting a super DStwo because it can play snes and gba games (already got an IEDGE). What's its user friendliness like?

[Rydian]

Was wondering if the Supercard DSTwo was the best flashcard to get for the 3DS at the moment and sure enough it seems to be but now looking at the features and comparing it to the prices I really don't need all of that. I can get the R4i Gold for pretty much $25 less and I'm really only going to be playing DS games on it.

Yeah the R4i Gold seems to be a popular choice for people who only intend to play DS games.

I was thinking of getting a super DStwo because it can play snes and gba games (already got an IEDGE). What's its user friendliness like?

It's a little annoying trying to do a first-time setup because it uses multiple folders for various things, but reading a guide will get you through it. The menus are very easy to use.

[rayjay]

Thanks for the info. Quick question, if I do get a DStwo, will I be able to use the micro sdcard I use for my IEDGE and keep all my games/saves?

[Rydian]

Thanks for the info. Quick question, if I do get a DStwo, will I be able to use the micro sdcard I use for my IEDGE and keep all my games/saves?

I don't know if they use the same format, but there's save converters anyways.

[Jiro2]

Umm, does the CycloDS really have auto-AP?

[l3lackitty]

Wait. . DSTWO Can't play DSi specific games!?
Or in a DSi specific mode? /facepalm

What exactly does that mean? Thanks!

[Rydian]

Umm, does the CycloDS really have auto-AP?

Is that false? Nobody else pointed it out before I made this thread, so I assumed it was true.

Wait. . DSTWO Can't play DSi specific games!?
Or in a DSi specific mode? /facepalm

What exactly does that mean? Thanks!

If you don't understand a term or concept, check out the DS/DSi/3DS "hacking" F.A.Q.

Q - Will DSi games run?
A - DSi games will only run on a DSi-mode flash cart. Just because a flash cart works on the DSi/XL does not mean it runs in DSi mode. Most carts run in DS mode, as DSi mode is a very recent thing to unlock. DSi-enhanced games (that will run on a normal DS without the DSi features) will run in DS mode on a normal flash cart.

If a cart doesn't have DSi mode, then it will only run a game as if it was running in a DS9 even if it's running in a 3/DS/i).

It's mostly shit nobody cares about, though.

[DeathStrudel]

The CycloDS doesn't have Auto AP bypass.

Also, if it's not too much trouble, in the game updates section it might be more helpful to put about how often they update or about how soon after new games are released they update, since only putting yes doesn't tell you much besides that they do update at some point.

Edited by DeathStrudel, 25 April 2011 - 11:10 PM.

[l3lackitty]

http://gbatemp.net/t278137-ds-dsi-3ds-hack...-a-q?&st=15
Q - Will DSi games run?
A - DSi games will only run on a DSi-mode flash cart. Just because a flash cart works on the DSi/XL does not mean it runs in DSi mode. Most carts run in DS mode, as DSi mode is a very recent thing to unlock. DSi-enhanced games (that will run on a normal DS without the DSi features) will run in DS mode on a normal flash cart.

Is all I found on there. . But I'll just try harder n look around, thanks


Edit: Shows how pushed for time I am. . didnt even read your whole post. . Im just adding to how great this week is starting out. .

Meaning a loss in quality, framerate, and/or smoothness?

Apparently it means something if its one of the contributing factors in your chart :X

Edited by l3lackitty, 25 April 2011 - 11:22 PM.

[Rydian]

The CycloDS doesn't have Auto AP bypass.

Thanks, will fix.

Also, if it's not too much trouble, in the game updates section it might be more helpful to put about how often they update or about how soon after new games are released they update, since only putting yes doesn't tell you much besides that they do update at some point.

The DSTwo has better game compability than AKAIO, but it's been updated less... while Wood R4 has worse compatibility than AKAIO at times, even though it's updated a lot more. The update frequency is not directly linked to game compatibility because the carts work differently. If a cart stops getting updates for a period of time (or the updates fix jack shit) then it will no longer have a place on this chart (see: M3i Zero).

Meaning a loss in quality, framerate, and/or smoothness?

Not really, no. If it's something that ONLY run on the DSi (there's like only three games like that) then it won't run on the DS at all. If it's something that has extra features on the DSi then it will run on the DS, but without the extra features. It's easy to think this means better gameplay because of the better specs, but in reality it's usually just some gimmick involving taking a pic of yourself with the camera.

Apparently it means something if its one of the contributing factors in your chart :X

It SHOULD mean something, but Nintendo hasn't made anything for the DSi that the gaming community at large really gives a fuck about.

I mean unless you're just dying to play this or something.
http://www.gizmodiva.com/home_gadgets/hair...al_hair_cut.php

I will put more clear info on DSi mode.

[l3lackitty]

Not really, no. If it's something that ONLY run on the DSi (there's like only three games like that) then it won't run on the DS at all. If it's something that has extra features on the DSi then it will run on the DS, but without the extra features. It's easy to think this means better gameplay because of the better specs, but in reality it's usually just some gimmick involving taking a pic of yourself with the camera.

(I figured out quotes xD. . except for multiple back and forth in one post >.>)
OOOOoooooooo! I gotcha! Like wifi play (wouldnt work on DS Lite), etc. . Alrighty got it now

Apparently it means something if its one of the contributing factors in your chart :X

It SHOULD mean something, but Nintendo hasn't made anything for the DSi that the gaming community at large really gives a fuck about.

I will put more clear info on DSi mode.

Edit (had no response): Yay! ;D (2nd Edit: Slimmed post)
Lol sorry. .
<.< Do you normally cuss or am I pissing you off ?
When I ask for direction and opinions I try to repay the community that helped me out so hopefully I can repay this lovely site I'll be frequenting for at least the next year.

Thanks again!

Edited by l3lackitty, 25 April 2011 - 11:54 PM.