<acronym title='<a href="http://Don't%20quote%20this%20post" target="_blank">Don't quote this post</a>'></acronym>This has been split into it's own post as Costello has disabled the anchors.
<b><!--sizeo:3--><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Updating the Acekard 2i's firmware for DSi's with firmware 1.4/ 1.4.1.<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></b>
<blockquote><!--coloro:Red--><span style="color:Red"><!--/coloro--><p align=" " class="none">On the 8th of September 2010 Nintendo released firmware update 1.4.1 for the DSi/ DSi XL, this update blocks the Acekard 2i from working even if it was previously updated with the 'Danny Phantom' 1.4 fix. In order for the Acekard 2i to be used on a console with firmware 1.4.1, you need to apply the the 'Alex Rider - Stormbreaker' 1.4.1 fix. You can find out the firmware version of your DSi by going to the System Settings (Wrench Icon) and the Firmware version will be displayed in bottom right corner of the top screen. No retail purchased consoles have been reported as coming with firmware 1.4.1 preinstalled, but they are likely to start showing up within the next few weeks.
Firmware 1.4.2 is only for China, and is their version of the 1.4.1 update. The 'Alex Rider - Stormbreaker' fix works for both firmware versions
If your DSi has firmware 1.4, it's important you update your Acekard's firmware <u>before</u> you update your DSi's firmware. Before you update the DSi's firmware to 1.4.1, make sure the Acekard is displayed in the DSi's menu as Alex Rider - Stormrider <acronym title='Alex Rider - Stormbreaker'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/alex.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym>.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></p></blockquote>
In order for the Acekard 2i to work on a DSi or DSi XL with <acronym title='Tells the Acekard what to do to when it powers on'>FirmWare</acronym> version 1.4/ 1.4.1, you need to update the Acekard's internal firmware. This can only be done using a <acronym title='This is the original DS, which came before the DS Lite'>DS Phat</acronym>/ DS Lite or a DSi with FirmWare version =< 1.3. All new DSi's or DSi XL's will come with FW1.4 preinstalled, so if you don't have access to a DS Phat/ DS Lite or a DSi with FirmWare =< 1.3 you *must* purchase your Acekard 2i from a retailer such as <acronym title='ShopTemp are affilated with and recommended by GBAtemp. Charge an additional $1 for their flashing service, meaning they will update the Acekard so it's compatible with FW 1.4/ 1.4.1 before it ships. If you purchase a MicroSD card at the same time, for another $1 (Premium Update) they will also setup AKAIO so it will work out of the box, they also include a selection of the best HomeBrew on the MicroSD card'><a href="http://shoptemp.com/products/Acekard-2i-Card-for-Nintendo-DS-DS-Lite-DSi-p-30.html?ref=2584" target="_blank">ShopTemp <img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/shoptemp.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a></acronym> who will preupdate the Acekard so it's compatible with FW1.4 as part of their <a href="http://shoptemp.com/pages/ShopTemp-Premium-Flashing-%26-Update-Service.html?ref=2584" target="_blank">Premium Update + Flashing Service</a>.
This step is optional and only needs to performed if you want to use your Acekard 2i with a DSi which has firmware version 1.4 or 1.4.1. Even if you intend to use your AK2i with a DS Lite, it is still a good idea to perform the firmware update incase your DS Lite breaks and you later replace it with a DSi or DSi XL.
Many people refer to 'Acekard Official' and 'AKAIO' as firmware, this isn't correct and can cause mis-undertandings when it comes to updating the firmware. They are the Acekard's Operating System/ OSMenu/ Kernel and reside on the MicroSD card, it's similar to how Windows is stored on your computers HardDisk. The Acekard's firmware resides on the Acekard's internal 2MB flash memory and is completly seperate. The Acekard's firmware controls it's most basic functions and tells it what to do when it powers on, such as load AKAIO. When you update the Acekard's firmware, you are updating the Acekard's internal memory and this is independant of whatever version of Acekard Official/ AKAIO you have on your MicroSD card.
After updating your Acekard's firmware, it will appear in the DSi menu as <acronym title='Alex Rider - Stormbreaker'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/alex.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym> Alex Rider - Stormrider. When used with on the DS Phat/ DS Lite, it will still appear as <acronym title='Acekard 2'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ak2icon.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym> in the DS menu. If you see the <acronym title='Danny Phantom'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/dannyphantom.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym>Danny Phantom icon in your DSi's menu, you also need to perform the update if you want to use your Acekard 2i on a DSi or DSi XL with firmware 1.4.1
Download the firmware update from <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?i5iacikw9nbpei5" target="_blank"><!--colorourple--><span style="colorurple"><!--/coloro--><b>Here</b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></a><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/mediafire.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> and extract the contents to the root directory of your MicroSD card. You should have two files <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> and <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> is used to update a single cart, and can be used on the DS Lite, DS Phat and DSi FW =< 1.3. In most cases this is the file you should use because there's less chance of anything going wrong. If your DSi has firmware 1.4, you can also use this on your DSi to perform the Acekard's firmware update *provided* you see the <acronym title='Danny Phantom'></acronym>Danny Phantom icon <img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/dannyphantom.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> when you boot your DSi with your Acekard 2i inserted.
<acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> is used to update multiple carts and also unbrick an Acekard previously bricked by either update. It's primarly used by retailers or people who are going sell on their Acekard's. It allows you to update multiple Acekards in quick sucession without having to swap memory cards or reboot the NDS between flashings. This file only runs on the DS Lite or DS Phat because the DSi will not allow you to eject a cartridge beyond the DSi menu.
<div align="center"><blockquote><p align=" " class="none"><img src="http://gbatemp.net/style_images/2/folder_post_icons/icon13.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" />Make sure your DS is fully charged or running from mains before attempting to update the firmware. Interrupting the process flashing may cause your AK2i to become bricked.
<b>Once the progress indicator goes past 0%, do NOT interrupt the flashing process.</b></p></blockquote></div>
<!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<u><b>Updating a Single cart:</b></u>
Boot your Acekard and run <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><ul><li>Use <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> even if you are performing the update using a DS Lite or DS Phat. The DSL/ DSP will run both updates, while the DSi will only run the DSi update.</li></ul>It will take you straight to the firmware update screen
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3122.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Press (start), after the update is complete it will give you the following message:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3121.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
The update is complete, you can now power off the console.
<u><b>To update multiple carts or to unbrick a previously bricked cart.</b></u><!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
Boot your Acekard and run <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->. This can also be run on any working cart, doesn't have to be an Acekard because it's not going to update the cart you launch it on. You are just using it to get the update into the DS's memory so you can eject the cart.
After you've run it, you will get the following prompt:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3124.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Eject your cart and insert the cart you wish to update or unbrick. Press (B) and you get:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3125.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Press (start). Once the update is complete you will get the following message:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3126.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Important: If this was the only cart you wanted to update, power off now! <img src="http://gbatemp.net/style_images/2/folder_post_icons/icon13.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /><b>Do NOT press (start)</b>.
If you have another cart to flash, eject the cart and insert another. Press (start) and it will start flashing immediately, it will give no warnings, prompts or ask for confirmation. Repeat the process for as many carts as you have.
If your cart is bricked, you may see a different Chip ID such as:
<img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/243748/IMG_3704.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
After sucessfully unbricking, it should change back to 0FC2.
If you see the following message:
<img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/243748/IMG_3707.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Your Acekard 2i is either a clone, or an Acekard 2.1 mis-labelled as an Acekard 2i (the retailers stick the Acekard sticker on the cartridges).<acronym title='<a href="Don't quote this post" title="Click to view full size" target="_blank"><img src="Don't quote this post" alt="User posted image" height="100" border="0" /></a>'></acronym>
<b><!--sizeo:3--><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:100%"><!--/sizeo-->Updating the Acekard 2i's firmware for DSi's with firmware 1.4/ 1.4.1.<!--sizec--></span><!--/sizec--></b>
<blockquote><!--coloro:Red--><span style="color:Red"><!--/coloro--><p align=" " class="none">On the 8th of September 2010 Nintendo released firmware update 1.4.1 for the DSi/ DSi XL, this update blocks the Acekard 2i from working even if it was previously updated with the 'Danny Phantom' 1.4 fix. In order for the Acekard 2i to be used on a console with firmware 1.4.1, you need to apply the the 'Alex Rider - Stormbreaker' 1.4.1 fix. You can find out the firmware version of your DSi by going to the System Settings (Wrench Icon) and the Firmware version will be displayed in bottom right corner of the top screen. No retail purchased consoles have been reported as coming with firmware 1.4.1 preinstalled, but they are likely to start showing up within the next few weeks.
Firmware 1.4.2 is only for China, and is their version of the 1.4.1 update. The 'Alex Rider - Stormbreaker' fix works for both firmware versions
If your DSi has firmware 1.4, it's important you update your Acekard's firmware <u>before</u> you update your DSi's firmware. Before you update the DSi's firmware to 1.4.1, make sure the Acekard is displayed in the DSi's menu as Alex Rider - Stormrider <acronym title='Alex Rider - Stormbreaker'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/alex.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym>.<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></p></blockquote>
In order for the Acekard 2i to work on a DSi or DSi XL with <acronym title='Tells the Acekard what to do to when it powers on'>FirmWare</acronym> version 1.4/ 1.4.1, you need to update the Acekard's internal firmware. This can only be done using a <acronym title='This is the original DS, which came before the DS Lite'>DS Phat</acronym>/ DS Lite or a DSi with FirmWare version =< 1.3. All new DSi's or DSi XL's will come with FW1.4 preinstalled, so if you don't have access to a DS Phat/ DS Lite or a DSi with FirmWare =< 1.3 you *must* purchase your Acekard 2i from a retailer such as <acronym title='ShopTemp are affilated with and recommended by GBAtemp. Charge an additional $1 for their flashing service, meaning they will update the Acekard so it's compatible with FW 1.4/ 1.4.1 before it ships. If you purchase a MicroSD card at the same time, for another $1 (Premium Update) they will also setup AKAIO so it will work out of the box, they also include a selection of the best HomeBrew on the MicroSD card'><a href="http://shoptemp.com/products/Acekard-2i-Card-for-Nintendo-DS-DS-Lite-DSi-p-30.html?ref=2584" target="_blank">ShopTemp <img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/shoptemp.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a></acronym> who will preupdate the Acekard so it's compatible with FW1.4 as part of their <a href="http://shoptemp.com/pages/ShopTemp-Premium-Flashing-%26-Update-Service.html?ref=2584" target="_blank">Premium Update + Flashing Service</a>.
This step is optional and only needs to performed if you want to use your Acekard 2i with a DSi which has firmware version 1.4 or 1.4.1. Even if you intend to use your AK2i with a DS Lite, it is still a good idea to perform the firmware update incase your DS Lite breaks and you later replace it with a DSi or DSi XL.
Many people refer to 'Acekard Official' and 'AKAIO' as firmware, this isn't correct and can cause mis-undertandings when it comes to updating the firmware. They are the Acekard's Operating System/ OSMenu/ Kernel and reside on the MicroSD card, it's similar to how Windows is stored on your computers HardDisk. The Acekard's firmware resides on the Acekard's internal 2MB flash memory and is completly seperate. The Acekard's firmware controls it's most basic functions and tells it what to do when it powers on, such as load AKAIO. When you update the Acekard's firmware, you are updating the Acekard's internal memory and this is independant of whatever version of Acekard Official/ AKAIO you have on your MicroSD card.
After updating your Acekard's firmware, it will appear in the DSi menu as <acronym title='Alex Rider - Stormbreaker'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/alex.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym> Alex Rider - Stormrider. When used with on the DS Phat/ DS Lite, it will still appear as <acronym title='Acekard 2'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ak2icon.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym> in the DS menu. If you see the <acronym title='Danny Phantom'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/dannyphantom.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym>Danny Phantom icon in your DSi's menu, you also need to perform the update if you want to use your Acekard 2i on a DSi or DSi XL with firmware 1.4.1
Download the firmware update from <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?i5iacikw9nbpei5" target="_blank"><!--colorourple--><span style="colorurple"><!--/coloro--><b>Here</b><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--></a><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/mediafire.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> and extract the contents to the root directory of your MicroSD card. You should have two files <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> and <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> is used to update a single cart, and can be used on the DS Lite, DS Phat and DSi FW =< 1.3. In most cases this is the file you should use because there's less chance of anything going wrong. If your DSi has firmware 1.4, you can also use this on your DSi to perform the Acekard's firmware update *provided* you see the <acronym title='Danny Phantom'></acronym>Danny Phantom icon <img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/dannyphantom.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /> when you boot your DSi with your Acekard 2i inserted.
<acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> is used to update multiple carts and also unbrick an Acekard previously bricked by either update. It's primarly used by retailers or people who are going sell on their Acekard's. It allows you to update multiple Acekards in quick sucession without having to swap memory cards or reboot the NDS between flashings. This file only runs on the DS Lite or DS Phat because the DSi will not allow you to eject a cartridge beyond the DSi menu.
<div align="center"><blockquote><p align=" " class="none"><img src="http://gbatemp.net/style_images/2/folder_post_icons/icon13.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" />Make sure your DS is fully charged or running from mains before attempting to update the firmware. Interrupting the process flashing may cause your AK2i to become bricked.
<b>Once the progress indicator goes past 0%, do NOT interrupt the flashing process.</b></p></blockquote></div>
<!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
<u><b>Updating a Single cart:</b></u>
Boot your Acekard and run <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><ul><li>Use <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:red--><span style="color:red"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>i</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--> even if you are performing the update using a DS Lite or DS Phat. The DSL/ DSP will run both updates, while the DSi will only run the DSi update.</li></ul>It will take you straight to the firmware update screen
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3122.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Press (start), after the update is complete it will give you the following message:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3121.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
The update is complete, you can now power off the console.
<u><b>To update multiple carts or to unbrick a previously bricked cart.</b></u><!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc--><!--coloro:#FFFFFF--><span style="color:#FFFFFF"><!--/coloro--><!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->
Boot your Acekard and run <acronym title='NDS Program File'><img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/ndsfile.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /></acronym><!--coloro:blue--><span style="color:blue"><!--/coloro-->ak2ifw_update_141_DS<b>L</b>.nds<!--colorc--></span><!--/colorc-->. This can also be run on any working cart, doesn't have to be an Acekard because it's not going to update the cart you launch it on. You are just using it to get the update into the DS's memory so you can eject the cart.
After you've run it, you will get the following prompt:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3124.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Eject your cart and insert the cart you wish to update or unbrick. Press (B) and you get:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3125.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Press (start). Once the update is complete you will get the following message:
<img src="http://www.themolehole.eclipse.co.uk/ak2_guide/IMG_3126.JPG" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Important: If this was the only cart you wanted to update, power off now! <img src="http://gbatemp.net/style_images/2/folder_post_icons/icon13.gif" border="0" class="linked-image" /><b>Do NOT press (start)</b>.
If you have another cart to flash, eject the cart and insert another. Press (start) and it will start flashing immediately, it will give no warnings, prompts or ask for confirmation. Repeat the process for as many carts as you have.
If your cart is bricked, you may see a different Chip ID such as:
<img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/243748/IMG_3704.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
After sucessfully unbricking, it should change back to 0FC2.
If you see the following message:
<img src="http://pix.gbatemp.net/243748/IMG_3707.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
Your Acekard 2i is either a clone, or an Acekard 2.1 mis-labelled as an Acekard 2i (the retailers stick the Acekard sticker on the cartridges).<acronym title='<a href="Don't quote this post" title="Click to view full size" target="_blank"><img src="Don't quote this post" alt="User posted image" height="100" border="0" /></a>'></acronym>