Hello all, I recently decided after much internal debate to try out a flashcart for my nintendo (3)DS, and frankly, i've been reading around the site doing some research and i'm simply lost.
I'm technologically inclined so beginner friendly setup isn't an absolute must (built my own PC ground up and use ubunutu, so i figure being armed with a few guides and general computer knowledge from that should be enough to get me through)
Now, to make things simple i'll start out by listing what i'm looking for, and what I have on hand.
Preferences:
-Must be able to play my GBA games (Especially my beloved Harvest Moon: FoMT XD)
-Be reliable enough to last extended periods of time (Talking shelf-life and regular-short-term-use: probably won't even bother pulling it out of the handheld unless necessary, and i only play my DS while on the go, not typically 8hr sessions, just 30min-1hr here or there.)
-Be SDHC (I have a large collection of games and don't like my pants feeling like a packmule)
Also, here is what I currently have on hand pertaining to things either required for basic use or recommended by guides/reviews posted on GBATemp
-3DS (With several month old firmware patch, iirc)
-2 DS Lites (1 metallic 1 Gloss, if that helps any.)
-1 8GB micro SDHC (nothing special, came with an old phone but i figure it's workable 'til i can get better)
-Several 2GB micro SDs from old cell phones (My sister goes through them like water---Sometimes because of water =P)
-Micro SD USB adapter
Finally, my actual dilemma in words, for those who may or may not be interested:
So, as mentioned i've been reading around the site, and I've heard recommendations of the Acekard 2i, the Supercard DStwo and the R4i Gold 3DS. However, I've also noticed each one had it's fair share of issues, from the Acekard steadily losing update support, to the Supercard DStwo (to my understanding) being structurally weak and having general buggyness (though I've also heard the exact opposite, in that it is solidly built and provides the best GBA experience of any, and above average DS gaming quality), while the R4i IIRC is kind of buggy and, according to price, i'd assume it to be of pretty low quality----I'm a believer in the phrase "You get what you pay for" but I also have heard it's a budget model (?? Could be confusing the card with something else)
So to wrap it all up, according to you, the people with more experience than I,
Which card should I get if I am looking for decent GBA emulation (I'm not too irked as long as it's not outright detestable---nothing's perfect, eh?) reliability in the face of general wear and tear, and SDHC compatibility for those pesky 600MB RPGs? Also retaining a fair amount of these features between 3DS and DS lite (just in case of unexpected temporary incompatibility with the newer system)
And one last thing, I live in the US---What would be a reliable site to buy this off of, and how long could I expect delivery to take? (not looking for 100% accuracy, just relative length. I'm not a fan of buying things up-front without having something solid and tangible in my hands ASAP)
Much thanks in advance!
I'm technologically inclined so beginner friendly setup isn't an absolute must (built my own PC ground up and use ubunutu, so i figure being armed with a few guides and general computer knowledge from that should be enough to get me through)
Now, to make things simple i'll start out by listing what i'm looking for, and what I have on hand.
Preferences:
-Must be able to play my GBA games (Especially my beloved Harvest Moon: FoMT XD)
-Be reliable enough to last extended periods of time (Talking shelf-life and regular-short-term-use: probably won't even bother pulling it out of the handheld unless necessary, and i only play my DS while on the go, not typically 8hr sessions, just 30min-1hr here or there.)
-Be SDHC (I have a large collection of games and don't like my pants feeling like a packmule)
Also, here is what I currently have on hand pertaining to things either required for basic use or recommended by guides/reviews posted on GBATemp
-3DS (With several month old firmware patch, iirc)
-2 DS Lites (1 metallic 1 Gloss, if that helps any.)
-1 8GB micro SDHC (nothing special, came with an old phone but i figure it's workable 'til i can get better)
-Several 2GB micro SDs from old cell phones (My sister goes through them like water---Sometimes because of water =P)
-Micro SD USB adapter
Finally, my actual dilemma in words, for those who may or may not be interested:
So, as mentioned i've been reading around the site, and I've heard recommendations of the Acekard 2i, the Supercard DStwo and the R4i Gold 3DS. However, I've also noticed each one had it's fair share of issues, from the Acekard steadily losing update support, to the Supercard DStwo (to my understanding) being structurally weak and having general buggyness (though I've also heard the exact opposite, in that it is solidly built and provides the best GBA experience of any, and above average DS gaming quality), while the R4i IIRC is kind of buggy and, according to price, i'd assume it to be of pretty low quality----I'm a believer in the phrase "You get what you pay for" but I also have heard it's a budget model (?? Could be confusing the card with something else)
So to wrap it all up, according to you, the people with more experience than I,
Which card should I get if I am looking for decent GBA emulation (I'm not too irked as long as it's not outright detestable---nothing's perfect, eh?) reliability in the face of general wear and tear, and SDHC compatibility for those pesky 600MB RPGs? Also retaining a fair amount of these features between 3DS and DS lite (just in case of unexpected temporary incompatibility with the newer system)
And one last thing, I live in the US---What would be a reliable site to buy this off of, and how long could I expect delivery to take? (not looking for 100% accuracy, just relative length. I'm not a fan of buying things up-front without having something solid and tangible in my hands ASAP)
Much thanks in advance!