Hacking Best GBA ROM cartridge (and best source)?

[Deleted User]

I've been carrying around a GB Micro around for the past ~10 years and I FINALLY have decided I want to get a romcart going, so I'm looking for the illustrious -Temp community's advice on which to get and where is the best place to get it. I've specifically been looking at the EZ-Flash IV MicroSD version.

Usage Info: I mostly plan on playing the old Pokemon games. I don't mind if I have to deal with manually paging my ROMs.

Before you make the obvious suggestion, I refuse to use touchscreen controls and prefer original hardware, so no emulators.

Yes, surprisingly the battery still holds a really good charge, and I have schematics for a custom battery expansion using Nokia batteries

 

[Fabax01]

If you want the BEST card pick the EverDrive-GBA. Basically, it's perfect. 100% compatibility and other features.

Spoiler

Features:

• High compatibility. Near to 100% compatibility with GBA game library
• All save types supported, no ROM patching required
• Fast Loading (most games load within 1 - 2 seconds)
• 256Mbit PSRAM (32MByte) ROM memory
• 1Mbit SRAM (128KByte) save memory
• Real-time clock support
• Low power consumption
• SD, SDHC and SDXC cards are supported. Tested with micro-SD cards up to 64GB
• FAT32 support
• Supported with gamecube player, super retro advance adapter and other GBA accessories

- It has only one downside: It costs 99$. WARNING: Before you buy it: wait for GBATemp's review.
If you want a good card pick the EZ-Flash IV: It costs half. And you could find one discounted. On the net you should find a lot of good reviews about this card.
EDIT:Added warning/source.

 

[Monty Kensicle]

If you want the BEST card pick the EverDrive-GBA (Basically, it's perfect. 100% compatibility and other features. Google it) - It has only one downside: It costs 99$.
If you want a good card pick the EZ-Flash IV: It costs half. And you could find one discounted.

Only 1/3 the price if you get an EZ-Flash from China.

 

[Fabax01]

Only 1/3 the price if you get an EZ-Flash from China.

Well, i saw 48$ / 35$ discounted on the list from the official ez website. Better for op, then.

 

[Monty Kensicle]

Well, i saw 48$ / 35$ discounted on the list from the official ez website. Better for op, then.

Here's what I found. Has good feedback as well.

 

[Fabax01]

Here's what I found. Has good feedback as well.

It's the black one (with microSDHC) so if you want to pay less money go for it.

 

[N64]

If you want the BEST card pick the EverDrive-GBA. Basically, it's perfect. 100% compatibility and other features.

Spoiler

Features:

• High compatibility. Near to 100% compatibility with GBA game library
• All save types supported, no ROM patching required
• Fast Loading (most games load within 1 - 2 seconds)
• 256Mbit PSRAM (32MByte) ROM memory
• 1Mbit SRAM (128KByte) save memory
• Real-time clock support
• Low power consumption
• SD, SDHC and SDXC cards are supported. Tested with micro-SD cards up to 64GB
• FAT32 support
• Supported with gamecube player, super retro advance adapter and other GBA accessories

- It has only one downside: It costs 99$. WARNING: Before you buy it: wait for GBATemp's review.
If you want a good card pick the EZ-Flash IV: It costs half. And you could find one discounted. On the net you should find a lot of good reviews about this card.
EDIT:Added warning/source.

the other downside (its debatable whether its a downside) is that it sticks out a little bit.

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

the downside to the EZFlash is that there is no real time clock. since OP wants pokemon, I'd suggest everdrive too.

 

[Fabax01]

the other downside (its debatable whether its a downside) is that it sticks out a little bit.

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

the downside to the EZFlash is that there is no real time clock. since OP wants pokemon, I'd suggest everdrive too.

Didn't realized that.. You can patch them tho.
Here's a guide for the EZ-FLASH https://gbatemp.net/threads/ez-flash-iv-mini-guide-for-myself.282877/
Edit: added guide