Hacking Buying a used DSi XL - which Flashcart will support latest (last?!) firmware?

[Omazumba Kazumba]

Hi guys,

I know this will sound odd, but bear with me.
I have an old DS Lite with a CycloDS Evolution that I absolutely love, but was thinking that a DSi XL is so cheap nowadays that I would make a great deal buying one used for arround € 50,00 and a flashcart that supports the latest (last?) firmware. I would play the same games, with a much better hardware.
I have some options, and from what I've read DSTWO seems like an overkill. But is it? I want to play GBA , DS and DSi games only. Is a R4i (Gold or SDHC?) enough or should I aim to a DSTWO (which is twice the price)?

Thank you so much, I hope you don't mock me for such an outdated question.

Best Regards

 

[4ur0r]

Actually, I'm interested too on buying a DsTwo.
I already own a r4i gold 3ds rts which is very nice, you have full dsi/3ds compatibility and real time save, which is really nice on ds games.
As far as I know DsTwo has yes a snes and gba emulator, bot none of those works very well (somone please confirm).
Also I heard a lot of people complaining about sd-card issues with the new batch of DsTwo that are available in online stores so I'd wait somone to tell more about this.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

Actually, I'm interested too on buying a DsTwo.
I already own a r4i gold 3ds rts which is very nice, you have full dsi/3ds compatibility and real time save, which is really nice on ds games.
As far as I know DsTwo has yes a snes and gba emulator, bot none of those works very well (somone please confirm).
Also I heard a lot of people complaining about sd-card issues with the new batch of DsTwo that are available in online stores so I'd wait somone to tell more about this.

Do you use a 3DS or a DSi?

 

[4ur0r]

Do you use a 3DS or a DSi?

I use a 3DS, I'm pretty sure the r4 I mentioned (as DsTwo) works on Dsi's last firmware too.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

I use a 3DS, I'm pretty sure the r4 I mentioned (as DsTwo) works on Dsi's last firmware too.

Thanks.
I'm begining to think that there's no point in buying a more expensive flashcart (DSTWO) if I'm not buying a 3DS. Right? A R4i-SDHC 3DS RTS is arround €13.

 

[Nathan Drake]

If you want to play GBA games on a DSi, the DSTwo is really the only choice, and even then, it won't even begin to compare with what you can do on a DSlite with a nice slot two flash cart. It's also worth noting that no flash cart can play DSiware, and only the CycloDSi was ever capable of running in DSi mode to access DSi enhanced features in various games. A DSi XL is mostly good for playing DS games on a bigger screen for cheaper than the cost of a 3DS XL.

To note, if you opt to the R4i Gold, you want the one made from this team: http://www.r4ids.cn/index.htm
It should look like the cart in blister packaging that says "RTS" on the label. It's considered the best budget flash cart around for DS games.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

If you want to play GBA games on a DSi, the DSTwo is really the only choice, and even then, it won't even begin to compare with what you can do on a DSlite with a nice slot two flash cart. It's also worth noting that no flash cart can play DSiware, and only the CycloDSi was ever capable of running in DSi mode to access DSi enhanced features in various games. A DSi XL is mostly good for playing DS games on a bigger screen for cheaper than the cost of a 3DS XL.

To note, if you opt to the R4i Gold, you want the one made from this team: http://www.r4ids.cn/index.htm
It should look like the cart in blister packaging that says "RTS" on the label. It's considered the best budget flash cart around for DS games.

Thank you so much. That really cleared it for me. I can find a legit vendor selling the R4i Gold 3DS (RTS) from that manufacturer, for less than €20 with shipping included, so I guess my choice is almost made.
By the way, since I have a DS Lite, could you point a good slot two flash cart for GBA games?

Thanks once again for your patience.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

I don't think it's worth getting a DSi XL if you already have a DS Lite. The DS Lite really was the best edition of the DS. With a DSi, you lose GBA compatibility, and gain only a crappy camera and a handful of decent DSiWare games (which you have to buy), none of which are essential.

Thank you so much. That really cleared it for me. I can find a legit vendor selling the R4i Gold 3DS (RTS) from that manufacturer, for less than €20 with shipping included, so I guess my choice is almost made.
By the way, since I have a DS Lite, could you point a good slot two flash cart for GBA games?

Thanks once again for your patience.

Nowadays you only have one real option for slot-2 carts, EZFlash IV.
Luckily, it's a great flashcart.
They released a revised version not long ago with MicroSDHC instead of MiniSD, which is the version you want, as MiniSD cards are kind of rare and the Mini->Micro adapters are not very high quality and won't last.

It just so happens that eachmall has the cart in stock, and at a great price too: http://www.eachmall.me/goods-45352-58349.html
These usually cost $40+
However the new version is GBA sized and won't fit flush in a DS Lite. If that's a problem, then there was a lite sized MicroSD version before that you can look around for. It's officially discontinued but some stores might still have it. If you can find it, make sure it's the Lite Deluxe and not the Lite Compact as the latter was not designed with GBA games in mind.

Edit: It seems like you can still find the EZFlash 3-in-1 as well, which is extremely simple to use. Your slot-1 cart will automatically detect it, and when you pick a GBA ROM on the slot-1 it will be copied to the slot-2 and launched automatically. It has no built in memory card slot or menu, it relies on the slot-1 cart to copy games to it. Make sure you get the Lite version of that, which fits flush in the DS Lite.
The cheapest price I found for that was here: http://www.new3dscard.com/ezflash-3in1-expansion-pack-for-nds-ndsl-gba-p-102.html
More prices. http://shoptemp.net/products/EZ-3%2din%2d1-Extension-Kit.html

 

[Nathan Drake]

For DSlite GBA playing, you have two options:

There is the DSlite sized EZ Flash 3in1 which acts as a companion cart to a slot 1 cart. Basically, it's entire operation is handled via loaders generally included in the slot 1 flash cart firmware. It doesn't have any real storage itself except for on board memory enough to deal with a single game at a time, but since it's all handled from the slot 1 cart menus anyways, I find it works very well. This has been the common choice for the past I don't even know how long in regards to an affordable and reliable slot 2 solution.

If you want a more independent slot 2 cart, there is also the EZ4 full sized GBA cart. The latest ones use microSD memory, so they're fairly cheap to work with. I don't know which cart will run you more at this point, but I'm reasonably certain the EZ4 will still cost more being a fully featured GBA flash cart. This is the go to solution for many people at this point since the EZ4 experienced a resurgence in popularity this past year or so. It is more work loading up games and such than the EZ 3in1, but the cart comes with the added benefit of working fine even if you lose your slot 1 cart or want to use it in an actual GBA.

Both lack RTS features, although that can usually be patched for the couple of games that utilize them, and otherwise they should both be good for all your GBA game needs.

Edit: It's worth noting that I have no idea how common the 3in1 is anymore. It was still commonly floating around a year or two back, but it may have been phased out with the revival of the EZ4, which is unfortunate, as the 3in1 was a less expensive cart was kind of optimal for the DSlite setup.

 

[4ur0r]

But wait, don't you have any 3DS? If yes I'd wait for Ninjhax 2.0 to be released (especially if you have a New 3DS) so you can run emulators like... for free.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

I don't think it's worth getting a DSi XL if you already have a DS Lite. The DS Lite really was the best edition of the DS. With a DSi, you lose GBA compatibility, and gain only a crappy camera and a handful of decent DSiWare games (which you have to buy), none of which are essential.

Nowadays you only have one real option for slot-2 carts, EZFlash IV.
Luckily, it's a great flashcart.
They released a revised version not long ago with MicroSDHC instead of MiniSD, which is the version you want, as MiniSD cards are kind of rare and the Mini->Micro adapters are not very high quality and won't last.

It just so happens that eachmall has the cart in stock, and at a great price too: http://www.eachmall.me/goods-45352-58349.html
These usually cost $40+
However the new version is GBA sized and won't fit flush in a DS Lite. If that's a problem, then there was a lite sized MicroSD version before that you can look around for. It's officially discontinued but some stores might still have it. If you can find it, make sure it's the Lite Deluxe and not the Lite Compact as the latter was not designed with GBA games in mind.

Edit: It seems like you can still find the EZFlash 3-in-1 as well, which is extremely simple to use. Your slot-1 cart will automatically detect it, and when you pick a GBA ROM on the slot-1 it will be copied to the slot-2 and launched automatically. It has no built in memory card slot or menu, it relies on the slot-1 cart to copy games to it. Make sure you get the Lite version of that, which fits flush in the DS Lite.
The cheapest price I found for that was here: http://www.new3dscard.com/ezflash-3in1-expansion-pack-for-nds-ndsl-gba-p-102.html
More prices. http://shoptemp.net/products/EZ-3%2din%2d1-Extension-Kit.html

Oh man. That's really detailed and great advice. Thanks. I'll check the EZFlash IV since the size it's not a problem at all.
I'm now having second thoughts about buying a DSi. I was being seduced by the bigger screen.
Maybe it would be wiser to be alert on a good deal on a 3DS...right?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

For DSlite GBA playing, you have two options:

There is the DSlite sized EZ Flash 3in1 which acts as a companion cart to a slot 1 cart. Basically, it's entire operation is handled via loaders generally included in the slot 1 flash cart firmware. It doesn't have any real storage itself except for on board memory enough to deal with a single game at a time, but since it's all handled from the slot 1 cart menus anyways, I find it works very well. This has been the common choice for the past I don't even know how long in regards to an affordable and reliable slot 2 solution.

If you want a more independent slot 2 cart, there is also the EZ4 full sized GBA cart. The latest ones use microSD memory, so they're fairly cheap to work with. I don't know which cart will run you more at this point, but I'm reasonably certain the EZ4 will still cost more being a fully featured GBA flash cart. This is the go to solution for many people at this point since the EZ4 experienced a resurgence in popularity this past year or so. It is more work loading up games and such than the EZ 3in1, but the cart comes with the added benefit of working fine even if you lose your slot 1 cart or want to use it in an actual GBA.

Both lack RTS features, although that can usually be patched for the couple of games that utilize them, and otherwise they should both be good for all your GBA game needs.

Edit: It's worth noting that I have no idea how common the 3in1 is anymore. It was still commonly floating around a year or two back, but it may have been phased out with the revival of the EZ4, which is unfortunate, as the 3in1 was a less expensive cart was kind of optimal for the DSlite setup.

Thanks man!

But wait, don't you have any 3DS? If yes I'd wait for Ninjhax 2.0 to be released (especially if you have a New 3DS) so you can run emulators like... for free.

No, I don't have a 3DS. Could you elaborate (or link me) on the essential about that Ninjhax 2.0?

 

[Nathan Drake]

Ninjhax 2.0 is not free. You have to buy Cubic Ninja to run it (which could run you close to $40 USD depending), and even then, iirc, Ninjhax 2.0 is not going to be capable of everything Ninjhax 1.0 could do. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for a DS/GBA solution.

 

[Gyron_Oldvic]

I'm now having second thoughts about buying a DSi. I was being seduced by the bigger screen.
Maybe it would be wiser to be alert on a good deal on a 3DS...right?

DS games don't look as good on a 3DS as they do on a DSi-XL, due to the higher screen resolution on the 3DS. If the majority of your gaming is going to be DS games, then a DSi-XL will serve you well. DS games look great on that bigger screen. If GBA gaming is a major factor, then get a DS Lite and a slot-2 card to accompany your slot-1. You could get a DSTwo for the DSi-XL, but GBA gaming won't be as good as a dedicated slot-2 card. Plus I'd hang fire with the new DSTwo's at the moment as the save state menu constantly locks up in the GBA and Snes emulators.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

DS games don't look as good on a 3DS as they do on a DSi-XL, due to the higher screen resolution on the 3DS. If the majority of your gaming is going to be DS games, then a DSi-XL will serve you well. DS games look great on that bigger screen. If GBA gaming is a major factor, then get a DS Lite and a slot-2 card to accompany your slot-1. You could get a DSTwo for the DSi-XL, but GBA gaming won't be as good as a dedicated slot-2 card. Plus I'd hang fire with the new DSTwo's at the moment as the save state menu constantly locks up in the GBA and Snes emulators.

Thank you Gyron.
What if I would want to venture on the 3DS gaming zone? Is there any plug-and-play solution to play 3DS ROM's?
I've tried to catch up reading the 3DS NOOB PARADISE thread, but it's overwhelming for someone who last experience was the nifty CycloDS Evolution on a DS Lite.
I've noticed that SKY3DS isn't much discussed on this forum, is it for any particular reason?
Thanks for taking the time to explain all this stuff.

 

[Nathan Drake]

Thank you Gyron.
What if I would want to venture on the 3DS gaming zone? Is there any plug-and-play solution to play 3DS ROM's?
I've tried to catch up reading the 3DS NOOB PARADISE thread, but it's overwhelming for someone who last experience was the nifty CycloDS Evolution on a DS Lite.
I've noticed that SKY3DS isn't much discussed on this forum, is it for any particular reason?
Thanks for taking the time to explain all this stuff.

It's because the Sky3DS is as close to plug and play as 3DS stuff gets and doesn't require any updates to keep working (just the template file for writing 3DS games to the microSD card), whereas the Gateway, the most discussed cart, as well as the various CFW options available, are more complex and take up a whole hell of a lot of threads. If you only want to play 3DS games, the most straightforward solution is definitely the Sky3DS. If you want to dig in and wish you had never bothered to begin with after awhile, Gateway offers more options but is limited in the firmware numbers it can run on. If you want to do CFW and try to play around with installing CIA files (basically the eshop format for installing games), ninjhax done through Cubic Ninja works, though, like Gateway, you only get the most functionality at 3DS 9.2 firmware version and below.

 

[Gyron_Oldvic]

Thank you Gyron.
What if I would want to venture on the 3DS gaming zone? Is there any plug-and-play solution to play 3DS ROM's?
I've tried to catch up reading the 3DS NOOB PARADISE thread, but it's overwhelming for someone who last experience was the nifty CycloDS Evolution on a DS Lite.
I've noticed that SKY3DS isn't much discussed on this forum, is it for any particular reason?
Thanks for taking the time to explain all this stuff.

@Nathan Drake has perfectly answered your 3DS question. If you opt for a DSi-XL or a DS Lite, an R4i Gold 3DS RTS by r4ids.cn is the recommended slot-1 card. If you get a DS Lite, get an EZ 3in1 to accompany the R4i Gold 3DS RTS for GBA games. Both cards are readily available.

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

@Nathan Drake has perfectly answered your 3DS question. If you opt for a DSi-XL or a DS Lite, an R4i Gold 3DS RTS by r4ids.cn is the recommended slot-1 card. If you get a DS Lite, get an EZ 3in1 to accompany the R4i Gold 3DS RTS for GBA games. Both cards are readily available.

Thank you guys. You really solved my doubts.
I reached this forun wanting a DSi XL to "preserve" and enhance the DS/GBA games experience for posterity, but I'm leaving with that information and much more. I'll check both cards as you say @Gyron, because I already have the DS Lite and a DSi XL is really cheap on 2nd hand.

From my noob point of view, SKY3DS seems expensive but as @Nathan Drake said, I'm imagining the amount of hours and frustration for a guy like me, to get through the Gateway nightmare....
One last question: @Nathan Drake when you mention "playing around with installing CIA files" as something that becomes possible with the Gateway, does that mean that if I use a SKY3DS I will only be able to use the common 3DS ROM's? In other words, what will I loose, using a SKY3DS instead of a Gateway (concerning games, of course)?

 

[Gyron_Oldvic]

@Omazumba Kazumba, there's a few cards out there with a similar name. The packaging should look like this:

 

[Omazumba Kazumba]

@Omazumba Kazumba, there's a few cards out there with a similar name. The packaging should look like this:View attachment 21683

I've found this one: http://www.jeuxciel.fr/3dsxl-access...tenir-3ds2r4i-gold-3ds-rts.html?jdfwkey=tdere
It's the same, on a slightly different package. But both are in their site, so it seems legit right?

 

[Gyron_Oldvic]

I've found this one: http://www.jeuxciel.fr/3dsxl-access...tenir-3ds2r4i-gold-3ds-rts.html?jdfwkey=tdere
It's the same, on a slightly different package. But both are in their site, so it seems legit right?

That's the one. They've just used the picture of the christmas packaging.