Review SuperCard DS One v3

JPH · Jun 2, 2008

GBAtemp.net review of the...

SC DS One v3 <img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1.png" border="0" class="linked-image" />

aka: SuperCard DS One, SC DS 1.
Manufactured by: <a href="http://eng.supercard.cn" target="_blank">SuperCard Team</a>
Review samples supplied by: <a href="http://mygamingmart.com" target="_blank">MyGamingMart</a>, <a href="http://dealextreme.com" target="_blank">DealExtreme</a>

By JPH - 2nd June 2008

Review Contents & Index:<ul><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#a">Introduction</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#a1">Official feature list</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#b">Packaging and Contents</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#b1">Box Contents</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#c">Cart Design</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#d">Setting Up & Using</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#d1">GUI (OS)</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#e">Performance</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#e1">ROM compatibility</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#e2">Download Play / Single-Cart Multiplayer</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#f">Homebrew Support</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g">Additional Features</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g1">auto-DLDI Patching</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g2">Cheats</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g3">Languages</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g4">Media</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g5">Multi-Save</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g11">Multi-Skinning</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g6">PassMe</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g10">Real Time Guide</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g7">Real Time Save</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g8">Skinning</a>
- <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#g9">Soft Reset</a></li><li><a style="text-decoration: none;" href="#h">Conclusion</a></li></ul><div class="reviewbreak"><a name="a">Introduction</a></div>
Welcome to yet another GBAtemp.net Slot-1 flashcart review.
This is the third, and currently the latest, version of the SuperCard DS One flashcart that the SuperCard team has developed.
The SuperCard DS One is the first and currently the only Slot-1 flashcart in the SuperCard family. This flashcart offers SDHC support, Real Time Save, soft reset, and a lot of other features.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1IntroductionLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1IntroductionSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Thanks to the folks at <a href="http://MyGamingMart.com" target="_blank">MyGamingMart</a> for providing us with the sample review kit.
MyGamingMart and DealExtreme have the SuperCard DS One and many other Nintendo DS flashcarts available for purchase on their website. Make sure to check out those websites if you're interested in purchasing a the SuperCard DS One or almost any other Slot-1 solution for your Nintendo DS!

In this review, we'll be reviewing all aspects of the SuperCard DS One - covering everything from the packaging to the performance of the SuperCard DS One. So, how does the Supercard DS One stand up to the other Slot-1 flashcarts on the market? Read on to find out!

Here's the official SuperCard DS One features list, straight from the back of the flashcart's box.

<a name="a1">Official Feature List:</a><ul><li>Plug'n Play - NO extra software needed</li><li>100% game compatibility, supports clean ROM's and works on any OS</li><li>Uses MicroSD card, both FAT16 and FAT32 supported</li><li>Supports the SDHC specification, allowing for high capacity memory cards</li><li>Compatible with ALL speed flash memory card</li><li>Hardware save, multi-save support</li><li>Save directly to MicroSD rather than onboard flash</li><li>Support RESET, Realtime Cheat Code and Realtime Game Guide</li><li>Micro firmware designed. Upgradeable Operation System with Powerful function and friendly GUI</li><li>Support MP3, Movie, TXT and view PIC directly</li></ul><div class="reviewbreak"><a name="b">Packaging and Contents</a></div>
The SuperCard DS One ships in a small, stylish, green cardboard box.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BoxFrontLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BoxFrontSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BoxBackLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BoxBackSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The box has two flaps, one flap containing a mini CD-ROM and a small brochure about the SuperCard DS One; the other flap containing the flashcart and a Micro SD card reader. The cardboard, though thin, is rather strong.The box is about as thick and strong as a regular hardback book. It isn't a cheap, flimsy box that an R4 DS or M3 Lite flashcart would come in!

What you'll find inside:

<a name="b1">Box Contents</a><ul><li>1x SuperCard DS One</li><li>1x Micro SD Reader </li><li>1x Mini CD-ROM with SCDS One Installation Files</li><li>1x Small SC DS One brochure</li></ul><a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1PackageInsidesLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1PackageInsidesSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1AllItemsLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1AllItemsSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Like other flashcart packages, the SuperCard DS One comes with a few freebies (but it is the actual flashcart that really only matters). It comes with a brochure, describing some of the different functions of the SuperCard DS One.
It comes with a Micro SD reader, which is nice. Also, the box contains a mini-CD ROM for setting up your SuperCard DS One straight from the box.

A tip when receiving your SuperCard DS One: throw out the mini CD-ROM! The mini CD-ROM will most likely contain old files for your SuperCard DS One. You can download the latest files for the SuperCard DS One from GBAtemp.net or from the <a href="http://supercard.cn" target="_blank">SuperCard Website</a>. It is, however, nice to have it if you don't have internet or your internet connection is slow, because you can get your SuperCard DS One up without having to get on to the internet to download them.

Overall, I was impressed with the the SuperCard DS One box.
The box is made of pretty strong cardboard. The design is stylish and attractive.
It includes a Micro SD reader and a mini CD-ROM for setting the flashcart up straight out of the box.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1MicroSDReaderLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1MicroSDReaderSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1miniCD-ROMLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1miniCD-ROMSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="c">Cart Design</a></div>
The SuperCard DS One is physically a fairly sturdy for a flashcart.
It comes in white, and that's currently the only color that this SuperCard DS One (SDHC version) is available in.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1FrontCartLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1FrontCartSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BackCartLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1BackCartSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Cart1Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Cart1Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Cart2Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Cart2Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The SuperCard DS One is almost the exact same size as a retail Nintendo DS game card.
It fits flushly into your Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite (meaning it doesn't physically stick out any).

The Micro SD slot on the SuperCard DS One is located on the top of the cart.
The Micro SD card inserts into the cart with the SD label on the opposite side of the SuperCard DS One label.

The slot is spring loaded. All you have to do is insert it into the top of the cart, and then push down gently to get a satisfying clicking sound that lets you know your Micro SD card is locked and in place. Removing the Micro SD card is easy. All you need to do is gently push down on the card and it will pop right up.
The Micro SD card fits a tiny bit jaggedly into the slot.Though it fits a bit jaggedly, it's still very easy to insert or remove the Micro SD card into the SuperCard DS One.
Inserting and removing the Micro SD card from the SuperCard DS One is hassle-free, even if you're a person with large hands!

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS1Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS1Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS2Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS2Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1InDS3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

If you peel back the sticker on the front of the flashcart, you'll see that there is a chip that sticks up. This protruding chip does add on a little more resistance and when inserting or removing the SuperCard DS One, it rubs against the sides - but not very much.
The SuperCard is a small bit thicker and is, by a tiny fraction, longer than a retail Nintendo DS gamecard.

The SuperCard DS One is held together by one small screw on the back of the flashcart and plastic clips.
The plastic clips around the inside of the cart help keep the cart together.
Taking it apart can be a bit difficult.
That's a positive thing about the the SuperCard DS One - it's a secure, tough flashcart.
For taking it apart, all you need is a small Phillip's head screwdriver.
The screw comes out easy, however, prying the plastic loose isn't as easy.
It takes a little force and some fingernail digging (or you could use a small, flathead screwdriver) to get it open.
You don't want not to break the plastic clips around the side of the flashcart, so be careful.
Once you've pryed it open, the plastic casing on the back will come off. The front casing will remain, as well as the actual SuperCard DS One chip.
To remove the chip from the casing, you just need to pull the chip up.
Be careful though, as the chip is stuck to the backside of the logo sticker and you don't want a tear in the middle of your SuperCard DS One sticker!

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Insides1Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Insides1Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Insides2Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Insides2Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison1Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison1Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison2Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison2Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1Comparison3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Overall, the build is of top-notch quality for a flashcart. The design isn't much different from other Slot-1 flashcarts.
Excluding the slight rubbing when inserting or removing the SuperCard DS One, it fits in almost as easy as a retail Nintendo DS game card. The Micro SD slot is spring-loaded, making it easy to remove and insert your Micro SD card. It's tightly put together - there's definitely nothing flimsy or loose about it!

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="d">Setting Up & Using</a></div>
Setting up the cart is fairly simple. It's really just a task of copying and pasting. Anyone can do it, if they just follow the steps below. Let's get this Micro SD and the SuperCard DS One set up.

Now, first, you'll need to connect your Micro SD card to your computer (The SuperCard DS One package comes with a free, complementary Micro SD reader for your PC, you can use that or whatever other method of connecting your Micro SD card to your computer). The Micro SD card needs to be formatted to FAT16 or FAT32 (either is fine - the SuperCard DS One supports both of the formats). Once you've done that, we can move on to the next step.

The SuperCard DS One comes with a mini CD-ROM with the necessary files for setting up your SuperCard DS One.
You can set SuperCard DS One up, straight from out of the box! No need to download any files from the Internet.
Like stated before, I recommend downloading and using the latest files (which you can get from GBAtemp.net or the <a href="http://eng.supercard.cn" target="_blank">SuperCard website</a>).

So, you'll need to insert the SuperCard SD One mini CD-ROM into your disc drive or download the latest file to your computer.
Open up the directory of the CD-ROM.
You should see two folders - one named 'English' and one with Chinese text.
Assuming you're using an English SuperCard DS One, open the 'English' folder. Once you've opened that folder, you'll see seven folders. The one that you'll need to open (for this flashcart) is the 'DS(ONE) SDHC_version' folder.
Once inside that folder, you'll see a RAR file. Open that RAR file up.
You'll see three files. The 'readme.txt' file and the HTML file are of no concern for now.
Click on the 'eng' folder, and extract the 'scshell' file (necessary for Moonshell - a media player application for the DS) and the 'MSFORSC.NDS' file to the root of your Micro SD card. The necessary files for your SuperCard DS One are now on your MicroSD card. Continue to the next step.

You're now ready to start copying NDS ROMs to your Micro SD card.
The SuperCard DS One can play clean, un-patched ROMs.
There is no need for patching your backup NDS ROMs with any software.
So, with Windows Explorer (or whatever file manager your OS uses), all you need to do is place the ROMs on your Micro SD card (they can be wherever you want to place them; I recommend that you keep organized and create a folder specifically for NDS ROMs).

The SuperCard DS One can do more than just play NDS ROMs.
Using Moonshell (which is included and on your flashcart if you followed the steps above), the SuperCard DS One can also play videos, music, view images, and read text files.
I'm not going to get into that, though, as there are plenty of resources available on the internet and GBAtemp.net for using Moonshell.

Still don't understand? Here's instructions for setting up the SuperCard DS One in list form:

1. Connect your Micro SD card to your computer (you can use the supplied Micro SD reader)
2. Format your Micro SD card to either FAT16 or FAT32
3. Grab the files from the CD-ROM or from GBAtemp.net or the <a href="http://eng.supercard.cn" target="_blank">SuperCard website</a>)
4. Choose the folder in the files entitled 'English'
5. Open the RAR file up inside
6. Extract all files from the 'eng' folder and place them in the root of your Micro SD card
7. You're ready to go! Copy whatever NDS ROMs and media files you want onto the Micro SD card

Also, you should note transfer speed really depends on your Micro SD cards write speed and whether you're using USB1 or USB2.

<a name="d1">GUI (OS)</a>

When you boot up your Nintendo DS (with the SuperCard DS One inside the Slot-1 slot), you'll first go to the health and safety screen (that is, unless your Nintendo DS is flashed). The Nintendo DS will then skip the main menu, and boot up the SuperCard DS One GUI.

A loading screen (with the SuperCard DS One logo) will briefly popup for about five seconds or so, then the SuperCard DS One main menu will appear.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI1Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI1Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Once the GUI loads up, you'll have a nice, light blue-themed skin.

The top screen displays the contents on your Micro SD card. You can toggle through the four different types of ways you want your items displayed: PDA-style or linear, up-and-down style (two of these displays have different sized icons next to the filename; the other display contains no icons at all, just text - and looks very similar to the R4 DS Game menu).
Files are organized in alphabetical order.
Folders come first, then come NDS ROMs and whatever other media files you've got on your Micro SD.

On the bottom screen, you have an image of the SuperCard logo, as well as window describing the item selected on the top screen.
From the bottom screen File Information window, using your stylus, you can configure different options such as: changing save size, configure multi-save option, and set different patches. This window is very helpful, but if you have no need for it - you can disable it by pressing the X button. Down at the very bottom of the touch screen, there is a window that displays the time, date, and the temperature of the internal processor (you can disable this window in the Options menu, if you desire).

Controlling the menu is done by the d-pad, touchscreen, or a combination of both.
What's neat about the SuperCard DS One menu, is that you swap the screens up.
You can swap the top screen to the bottom screen, and control the menu completely with the touch screen.
Controlling the menu with the touchscreen can be a bit annoying, as the slider on the right side of the screen lags.
Many people say the SuperCard DS One menu is sluggish, but from what I've seen - I disagree for the most part. When navigating (using either d-pad or touchscreen), I've found the GUI to be fast and responsive (note that I'm using SuperCard firmware SP3).
Like I just said, the only thing that is slow and sluggish about the menu is the slider on the right side of the screen.

(Four different styles you can view the menu with)
<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI2Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI2Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI6Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI6Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>
<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI4Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI4Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI5Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI5Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>
<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a> <a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI3Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

To select a file, you can tap the A button, or if you've swapped the top and bottom screens up, you tap the icon with the stylus. Tap on a folder, and it will immediately open up. Tap on an NDS icon or multimedia icon and the menu will temporary freeze up (the SuperCard DS One is loading up the selected file) before launching the ROM or multimedia file.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI7Large.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1GUI7Small.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

Also, a nice added feature for the GUI is the screensaver. When the SuperCard DS One menu is idle for around a minute and a half, the screensaver shows up on the top screen.
The screensaver displays the time, date, and the temperature of the internal processor.

<a href="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1ScreensaverLarge.png" target="_blank"><img src="http://jph.gbatemp.net/SCDS1ScreensaverSmall.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></a>

The SuperCard DS One, overall, has a decent GUI.
It has a light blue theme to it, and has more options available than most flashcarts do.
You can control and navigate the menu with your preference of either the d-pad or the touchscreen.
The SuperCard DS One GUI is pretty straightforward and easy to use, if all you're interested in is booting NDS ROMs.
However, if not - it can get pretty complicated navigating and trying to figure out each different function.
The SuperCard DS One GUI isn't necessarily crowded and hard to use, it just takes time to get used to.

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="e">Performance</a></div>
This section of the review will be covering the performance of the SuperCard DS One.
We’re going to see how Nintendo DS ROMs perform on the SuperCard DS One.
For the performance tests, I'll be using SuperCard firmware SP3 and a 4gb Japanese Toshiba Micro SDHC card.

<a name="e1">ROM Compatibility</a>

PASS: Game plays just as it should on a real game card.
FAIL: Game doesn't even load or freezes before game play.
PROBLEMS: Game works but with issues.<ul><li>Advance Wars: Days of Ruin
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. </li><li>Brain Age
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. </li><li>Club House Games/42 All-Time Classics
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download play works fine.</li><li>Contra 4
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Elite Beat Agents
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. </li><li>Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. </li><li>Mario Kart DS
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>Metroid Prime Hunters
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>New Super Mario Bros.
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Planet Puzzle League
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Sonic Rush Adventure
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Tetris DS
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>The Simpsons Game
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>The World Ends With You
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Tony Hawk's Proving Ground
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Worms: Open Warfare 2
- PASS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play works fine.</li><li>WarioWare Touched!
- PASS: Plays and saves fine.</li><li>Yoshi Touch & Go
- PROBLEMS: Plays and saves fine. Download Play doesn't work.</li></ul>As you can see above, all ROMs tested worked perfectly.
I've experienced no slow-downs or glitches while playing any NDS ROM on the SuperCard DS One.
We can conclude that the SuperCard DS One has near-perfect, if not perfect, ROM compatibility.

<a name="e2">Download Play / Single-cart Multiplayer Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection</a>

For Download Play testing, I used a black Nintendo DS Lite (flashed with FlashMe v7) and sending demos to a crimson-black Nintendo DS Lite.

As you can see above, there was only one problem with Download Play.
By enabling "Download Play Fix" from the "Set Patch" menu in the File Information window, you'll get almost perfect Download Play results.
There have been a lot of problems with other flashcarts sending 'Yoshi Touch & Go' Download Play demos, but still, the SuperCard DS One doesn't have full Download Play support.
We can conclude that the SuperCard DS One has near perfect Download Play support.

Regarding Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection support; it has worked flawlessy with every game I've tested.

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="f">Homebrew Support</a></div>
The SuperCard DS One has the auto-DLDI Patching feature. This means that it plays clean, un-patched .NDS homebrew files.
Let's see how well this feature works. I've tested a lot of popular DS homebrew and the list below displays the results.

All homebrew tested is the latest stable version and has not been modified whatsoever. <ul><li>A Touch of War- PASS</li><li>Colors- PASS</li><li>DSChess- PASS</li><li>DS Organize- PASS</li><li>Electro- PASS</li><li>Lone Wolf DS: Flight From The Dark - PASS</li><li>nesDS- PASS</li><li>PocketPhysics- PASS</li><li>PocketPixie- PASS</li><li>Shooting Watch DS- PASS</li><li>SnemulDS- PASS</li></ul>As you can see, all results were positive. The Homebrew support for the SuperCard DS One is excellent.

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="g">Additional Features</a></div>
<a name="g1">auto-DLDI Patching</a>
The SuperCard DS One has the auto-DLDI Patching feature. As stated above, this means that it plays clean, un-patched .NDS homebrew files.

<a name="g2">Cheats</a>
The SuperCard DS One supports cheats. For the ROM you're adding cheats for, you'll need to download SCC file for that particular ROM. Cheats are made by software such as Emu-Cheat (convert .CHT files to .SCC) You'll need to enable cheats from the "Set Patch" option in the File Information window. Once you've done that and load up a game, press the combination L + R + Start + Up to open up the cheat menu.

<a name="g3">Languages</a>
The SuperCard DS One supports two languages: English and Chinese. You can change the language in the Options menu.

<a name="g4">Media</a>
With built-in Moonshell, the SuperCard DS One can display images, videos, text files, and listen to music.
Moonshell only supports certain formats for media - MP3, OGG, MOD, SPC, MDX (no PCM), GBS, HES, NSF, XM, MIDI, low bit rate AAC audio, non-progressive JPEG, BMP, GIF, and PNG images, as well as text files.

<a name="g5">Multi-Save</a>
The SuperCard DS One allows you to create more than one save file for a game. From the "Set Patch" menu in the File Information window, you can manage your save games. It's certainly a nice feature if a game doesn't support more than one game slot, while you share your DS with your friends or siblings!

<a name="g11">Multi-Skinning</a>
Now it is possible to have more than one skin on your SuperCard DS One.
Instead of swapping out your skin on your computer each time, you can simply add a few skins to your SuperCard DS One and swap it out in the menu whenever you like.

<a name="g6">PassMe</a>
The SuperCard DS One offers a built-in PassMe. Choose "Superkey" from the "Other" menu on the toolbar, and it will boot your Slot-2 device. I've tested the PassMe with an M3 Lite Perfect and commercial GBA game cartridge, and both have successfully loaded.

<a name="g10">Real Time Guide</a>
The Real Time Guide function allows you to read a text file during your game. This can help when you're playing a frustrating game and need assistance.
You must first convert a text file using software and then place it on your Micro SD card.

When playing, just press the button combination L + R + Start + Down during gameplay and text will come up.
A nice thing about this feature, is that it bookmarks the spot you're reading everytime you pull the Real Time Guide up and down.

<a name="g7">Real Time Save</a>
The SuperCard DS One features Real Time Save. Real Time Save means that you can save your position in a game, whenever you want and wherever you want. Basically, you can save your game without actually being in a saving checkpoint in the game you're playing. During a game, by pressing L + R + Up + Select, you can pull up the Real Time Save menu.

The Real Time Save menu appears on the bottom screen of your Nintendo DS.
The menu is simple, and allows you to choose the options to either Save or Load.

The Real Time Save function has been reported many times to corrupt, but it is simple and convienent.

<a name="g8">Skinning</a>
The SuperCard DS One is skinnable, however it isn't very easy. Skinning the SuperCard DS One takes a lot of patience, and is very tidy work.
There are a lot of different images on the menu, making skinning a long, difficult task. For inserting a skin, edit your image files (BMP files) into the 'scshell' folder.

<a name="g9">Soft Reset</a>
Soft Reset is a feature that allows you to go straight back to the SuperCard DS One menu, without powering off your Nintendo DS. So, while during your game, you can press the buttons L + R + A + B + X + Y to be sent directly back to the SuperCard DS One main menu.

<div class="reviewbreak"><a name="h">Conclusion</a></div>
The SuperCard DS One is currently the only Slot-1 DS flashcart the SuperCard team offers.
It comes in a stylish and sturdy box, which contains a few extra things (besides the flashcart itself).
The build of the cart is quite strong, though it does have a protruding chip which makes it a tight fit and adds resistance when inserting the cart into the DS.
It supports Micro SD cards, as well as Micro SDHC cards. There is no software needed, as all files are added by droping 'n' dragging from your computer's file manager.
The nice, blue-themed GUI is easily navigatable, but it may take some time to learn all the different options and controls.
The SuperCard DS One tests proved perfect NDS ROM compatibility, as well as perfect Download Play results.
The auto-DLDI patching feature works great, and the all homebrew tested worked fine.
It comes with a lot of added features, which is nice.
They are a bit pricy, but are worth it due to their excellent quality.
The SuperCard DS One is one of the best Slot-1 flashcarts available on the market.

Pros
+ 100% ROM Compatibility (from current tests)
+ No slow-downs or glitches in games (from current tests)
+ Download Play support is near perfect (from current tests)
+ Completely drag 'n' drop, no software needed
+ Supports clean ROMs
+ auto-DLDI Patching
+ Micro SDHC support
+ Easy navigatable GUI
+ Fits flush in your DS
+ Strong build quality
+ Comes with a Micro SD reader
+ Fairly strong package

Cons
- Protruding chip
- Flashcart only available in white
- Skinning is difficult
- Expensive

<div class="reviewbreak"><img src="http://gbatemp.net/up/award_gold.png" border="0" class="linked-image" /></div>
External Links:
- <a href="http://supercard.cn" target="_blank">Official SuperCard Website</a>
- <a href="http://forum.supercard.cn/" target="_blank">Official SuperCard Forum</a>

<h4>Affiliated sites</h4>
Purchase this cart from our affiliated shops:

<iframe src="http://gbatemp.net/up/affiliates.htm" width ="100%" height="120" scrolling="no" frameborder="0">Your browser does not support iFrames.</iframe>

Where to buy?:
<img src="http://gbatemp.net/up/mygamingmart.jpg" border="0" class="linked-image" />
- <a href="http://mygamingmart.com/" target="_blank">MyGamingMart</a>
- <a href="http://dealextreme.com" target="_blank">DealExtreme</a>

This review was written for GBAtemp.net ONLY. The article and all included photos are property of GBAtemp.net
If you see this review on any other site please let me know via e-mail - JPH [@at@] GBAtemp [.dot.] net

Deleted-236924 · Aug 2, 2011

I wonder, why is there a battery in it?
If it's not a battery, then what is it?

trumpet-205 · Aug 2, 2011

Pingouin7 said:
I wonder, why is there a battery in it?
If it's not a battery, then what is it?

That's for clean mode. When ROM is running in clean mode, save file is written into PSRAM first, then copy it back to SD card after reboot. That battery (although some said it is a capacitor) powers PSRAM so save file is not lost.

Review SuperCard DS One v3

Banned!

Deleted-236924

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