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Hacking Post your questions about which flashcart to buy
- Thread starter wiithepeople
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Echo said:
Ah I see, thanks for explaining it. I'll have a look at what the DSTT & YSMenu firmwares have to offer but unless it's something useful I might go with the aceKard 2 or 2i.
P&P is postage & packing
Heh, wasn't thinking about that one.FlexiPack said:Echo said:
Ah I see, thanks for explaining it. I'll have a look at what the DSTT & YSMenu firmwares have to offer but unless it's something useful I might go with the aceKard 2 or 2i.
P&P is postage & packing
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Yup np. DealExtreme has free shipping and packaging to anywhere in the world!FlexiPack said:Echo said:
Ah I see, thanks for explaining it. I'll have a look at what the DSTT & YSMenu firmwares have to offer but unless it's something useful I might go with the aceKard 2 or 2i.
P&P is postage & packing
So there's your answer to P&P. It just takes a while for your package to get to where ever you are xP
Hey guys, I'd appreciate it if someone could help me out in deciding which combination of flashcarts to get (Slot 1 and Slot 2). Let me give a simple rundown on what I'm looking for:
Slot 1
+Constant updates from a fast reliable support team (#1 priority)
+Best NDS game compatibility (I'm sure most flash carts provide this)
+Cheapest available but a quality product that won't just die (or break) on me
+Easy to use
+Doesn't have to look pretty or have a nice interface as long as it gets the job done
+Just the flash cart (Don't need micro sd....I have plenty of those)
+Compatible with a wide variety of Micro SD sizes and Micro SDHC
-Music, videos, web browsing, text reading, homebrew, bonus features (such as Real time saving) not needed but I don't mind it
Slot 2
+Able to play GBA games (Final Fantasy VI Advance being first priority...Golden Sun games and Mother 3 optional)
+No problems with saving GBA games
+Able to run simultaneously with suggested Slot 1 flashcart
+Fits in snug, I don't mind if it sticks out a little
+Again, cheapest available but durable and won't die on me
-Rumble, extra ram for web browsing not needed
If someone could recommend a good, reliable, affordable site as well, it would be much appreciated.
Btw, I've had the R4 for quite some time and haven't had any problems with it. I'm looking for something similar or possibly better.
Slot 1
+Constant updates from a fast reliable support team (#1 priority)
+Best NDS game compatibility (I'm sure most flash carts provide this)
+Cheapest available but a quality product that won't just die (or break) on me
+Easy to use
+Doesn't have to look pretty or have a nice interface as long as it gets the job done
+Just the flash cart (Don't need micro sd....I have plenty of those)
+Compatible with a wide variety of Micro SD sizes and Micro SDHC
-Music, videos, web browsing, text reading, homebrew, bonus features (such as Real time saving) not needed but I don't mind it
Slot 2
+Able to play GBA games (Final Fantasy VI Advance being first priority...Golden Sun games and Mother 3 optional)
+No problems with saving GBA games
+Able to run simultaneously with suggested Slot 1 flashcart
+Fits in snug, I don't mind if it sticks out a little
+Again, cheapest available but durable and won't die on me
-Rumble, extra ram for web browsing not needed
If someone could recommend a good, reliable, affordable site as well, it would be much appreciated.
Btw, I've had the R4 for quite some time and haven't had any problems with it. I'm looking for something similar or possibly better.
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Slot 1 would be one of the following:ihiphopanonymous said:
- AceKard 2.1
- Ace Kard 2i
- EZ-Flash V Plus
AceKard 2.1 and AceKard 2i are the exact same thing. Just the AceKard 2.1 is not compatible with the DSi and the AceKard 2i is compatible with the DSi. Has a simple GUI, and is user friendly. One of the cheapest available as it is only under $20. Is compatible with Micro SDHC cards. It has a nice interface and you can get lots of skins for it at the AceKard's site. I will reference it below/at the end. They get frequent updates and you can use the AKAIO (Alternative Firmware) instead of the original AceKard 2.1/AceKard 2i's firmware. Has built-in support for GBA games, but still requires an expansion pack.
The EZ-Flash V Plus is slightly cheaper than the AceKard 2i and is also compatible with the DSi. It has a nice simple GUI, and their team has been in the flashcart buisness for a very long time. Their team should support you but I am not so sure about them getting frequent updates. Also one of the cheapest available. Not sure about skinning since I don't own one or have researched a lot about it. It has SDHC support as well. Has built-in support for GBA games, but still requires an expansion pack. It even comes with a lot of freebies ^^
===
Slot 2 would be the EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack. It is compatible with the AceKard 2.1, AceKard 2i and EZ-Flash V Plus. It does what it is suppose to do, be an expansion pack for GBA games and the NDS Browser, and is a rumble pack. Cheapest available, and probably your only good choice. I have been having one problem when saving on Golden Sun, but other games such as Fire Emblem, I haven't had a problem since!
====
Where to buy:
DealExtremeBuy the AceKard 2.1,AceKard 2i, EZ-Flash V Plus, and EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack.
Direct Links:
AceKard 2i for $19.50 USD /w Free Shipping
AceKard 2.1 for $11.50 USD /w Free Shipping (Out of Stock Currently)
EZ-Flash V Plus (Not Compatible with DSi) for $18.99 USD /w Free Shipping
EZ-Flash V Plus (Compatible with DSi) for $18.50 USD /w Free Shipping
EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack. (Black) for $18.99 USD /w Free Shipping
EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack (White) for $18.99 USD /w Free Shipping
DealExtreme is a trustable site. Only the shipping takes some time depending on where you are. Anymore questions, just ask em' here!
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EDIT: Sorry for double post. Server was slow so then I clicked the post button twice. And ended up making this one.
ihiphopanonymous said:
Something else you might want to have a look at is the M3 Real + GBA Expansion. The GBA Expansion is quite literally made for the M3 Real and thus is likely to function alot better than a combination such as Acekard 2 + EZFlash 3 in 1. The other combination mentioned earlier was the EZFlash V+ and the EZFlash 3 in 1, yes, much like the M3 Real, these two are perfectly compatible. However, generally, the EZFlash V+ is not a preferable slot 1 cart due to the instability in its support. I would put it completely out of the picture.
If I were you I would go the M3 Real + GBA Expansion for the following reasons.
1. You don't need rumble so why pay extra for it?
2. M3 Real has a few more features available to you than the Acekard 2, which I would next recommend, namely Real Time Save and the triple boot option.
3. The two carts are designed for each other, as opposed to AK2 + EZFlash 3 in 1, which simply has later built in support. So you can expect better functionality, also you won't have your internal battery dieing on you 1-2 years after purchase.
The M3 Real is slightly more expensive, but if you really can't afford it just go the Acekard 2 + EZFlash 3 in 1, it's still a solid combination.
It surprises me that whenever people say slot 2, the EZFlash 3 in 1 automatically gets recommended as the top choice, even though in some cases this is not necessarily true. If you're looking for perfect mutual functionality I would say the M3 Real + GBA Expansion would work the best.
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Mainly, people would recommend one of these combinations:ShAdOwFuRi said:
- CycloDS Evolution + EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack
- AceKard 2.1 + EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack
- M3 Real + GBA Expansion Pack + RAM Expansion Pack
People mainly recommend the 2nd choice as it is the cheapest out of the 3. I chose the 2nd choice since he was looking for the cheapest available. He was looking for good quality, and to me (an AceKard 2.1 owner), I find that it is good quality.
Anyways, back to topic, as he said, the M3 Real + GBA Expansion Pack is basically the #1 best deal when it comes to features. As it allows you to have cheats for GBA games as well, while the other flashcarts don't have that. I would recommend this as well, but only if you gave a better price range
Where to buy:
M3 Real + Expansion Pack Bundle for $42.85 USD /w Free Shipping. It also says will be shipped on 1/21/2009. I think that's because they will be receiving the newer M3 Reals with the Expansion Packs...
Thanks for the responses Echo and ShAdOwFuRi...extremely helpful posts and I deeply appreciate it. I'll look into both your suggestions before I ultimately decide which flashcart to invest in.
I did do my own research before inquiring about which flashcart I should get based on what I desire and have been a bit confused on which to get...thus led me to post my inquiry. I was basically sold on getting the Cyclo DS+EZ Flash 3-in-1 combination which I felt got enough positive reviews to warrant my purchase. But I have felt the Cyclo DS is an overpriced product (though from what I hear is well built and has a great support team) with features that I probably wouldn't even need (RTS)....and my mindstate was like ShAdOwFuRi stated, why pay extra for features I won't need or use?
I have a few questions:
EZ Flash 3-in-1
- I've read about battery issues with the EZ flash 3-in-1...is this a common issue? or an issue with certain sites that sell this product?
- I've also read about a new EZ flash 3-in-1 called "EZ flash 3-in-1 plus" which I've read has issues running in combination with Cyclo DS...is it only an issue with Cyclo DS...or do other flashcarts face the same issue?
- Should I get the EZ flash 3-in-1 or the EZ-flash 3-in-1 plus?
- Does it play Final Fantasy VI advance (probably the only reason why I want a slot 2 device)?
- Are there save issues with FFVI advance?
M3 Real
- I'm assuming M3 is the same team that put out the M3 DS Simply at the same time as the R4 (which I purchased). Is the M3 team known for constantly putting out new products because their predecessors often get outdated quickly or are getting beaten by competition flashcart teams? I'm asking this because I own a Supercard DS one(the first version) and it is pretty outdated and can hardly keep up in terms of compatibility with newer games (I guess that's why they released a new version) and I don't want to have to keep upgrading flashcarts because the previous one is outdated. And by the end of Echo's post he states "the new M3 Reals will be shipped on 1/21/2009"...new as in newest stock/shipment, or new as in a new version of the flashcart?
- Again, does the GBA Expansion pack play Final Fantasy VI advance and are there any save issues with that game in particular? Don't want to purchase it and find out that the one game I wanted doesn't work, especially for a title I'd purchase but is rare and overpriced (Btw does anyone know where I can buy a real FFVI advance game? lol)
Acekard 2.1
- Same with the M3 team...does the Acekard team constantly put out new carts (the 2.1 has me thinking that)?
Btw, I mentioned I wanted the cheapest solution and I'm kind of regretting saying that lol...sorry guys (especially Echo). I guess what I meant to say was "most reasonably priced"...the CycloDS, I feel, is overpriced and I'm basically not willing to pay that much for a flashcart when I'm sure other flashcarts are capable of playing NDS games with the same capability...the extra features, IMO, are not worth the extra dollars and I don't really need them.
So if there are any other reasonably-priced flashcarts relative to that of the CycloDS, don't hesitate to mention them. Acekard 2.1+EZ Flash 3-in-1 and the M3 Real+GBA Expansion look like good options. I'll probably decide after I get answers to my questions. Thanks again for the responses, they were quicker and more thorough than I expected.
I did do my own research before inquiring about which flashcart I should get based on what I desire and have been a bit confused on which to get...thus led me to post my inquiry. I was basically sold on getting the Cyclo DS+EZ Flash 3-in-1 combination which I felt got enough positive reviews to warrant my purchase. But I have felt the Cyclo DS is an overpriced product (though from what I hear is well built and has a great support team) with features that I probably wouldn't even need (RTS)....and my mindstate was like ShAdOwFuRi stated, why pay extra for features I won't need or use?
I have a few questions:
EZ Flash 3-in-1
- I've read about battery issues with the EZ flash 3-in-1...is this a common issue? or an issue with certain sites that sell this product?
- I've also read about a new EZ flash 3-in-1 called "EZ flash 3-in-1 plus" which I've read has issues running in combination with Cyclo DS...is it only an issue with Cyclo DS...or do other flashcarts face the same issue?
- Should I get the EZ flash 3-in-1 or the EZ-flash 3-in-1 plus?
- Does it play Final Fantasy VI advance (probably the only reason why I want a slot 2 device)?
- Are there save issues with FFVI advance?
M3 Real
- I'm assuming M3 is the same team that put out the M3 DS Simply at the same time as the R4 (which I purchased). Is the M3 team known for constantly putting out new products because their predecessors often get outdated quickly or are getting beaten by competition flashcart teams? I'm asking this because I own a Supercard DS one(the first version) and it is pretty outdated and can hardly keep up in terms of compatibility with newer games (I guess that's why they released a new version) and I don't want to have to keep upgrading flashcarts because the previous one is outdated. And by the end of Echo's post he states "the new M3 Reals will be shipped on 1/21/2009"...new as in newest stock/shipment, or new as in a new version of the flashcart?
- Again, does the GBA Expansion pack play Final Fantasy VI advance and are there any save issues with that game in particular? Don't want to purchase it and find out that the one game I wanted doesn't work, especially for a title I'd purchase but is rare and overpriced (Btw does anyone know where I can buy a real FFVI advance game? lol)
Acekard 2.1
- Same with the M3 team...does the Acekard team constantly put out new carts (the 2.1 has me thinking that)?
Btw, I mentioned I wanted the cheapest solution and I'm kind of regretting saying that lol...sorry guys (especially Echo). I guess what I meant to say was "most reasonably priced"...the CycloDS, I feel, is overpriced and I'm basically not willing to pay that much for a flashcart when I'm sure other flashcarts are capable of playing NDS games with the same capability...the extra features, IMO, are not worth the extra dollars and I don't really need them.
So if there are any other reasonably-priced flashcarts relative to that of the CycloDS, don't hesitate to mention them. Acekard 2.1+EZ Flash 3-in-1 and the M3 Real+GBA Expansion look like good options. I'll probably decide after I get answers to my questions. Thanks again for the responses, they were quicker and more thorough than I expected.
Thanks PharaohsVizier........for further adding to my dilemma lol jk. I appreciate the response and I'm clear on everything (for now) and will look into the EDGE flashcart and my initial choice (and your preferred choice I assume) the CycloDS.
Btw, it's nice to hear from a fellow Canadian...I know it says I'm from the US but I initially thought this site secretly hosted roms so I was a bit cautious about giving away my location haha. Speaking of location...aren't you enjoying the wonderful weather we've been having recently?
Btw, it's nice to hear from a fellow Canadian...I know it says I'm from the US but I initially thought this site secretly hosted roms so I was a bit cautious about giving away my location haha. Speaking of location...aren't you enjoying the wonderful weather we've been having recently?
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*Cough*. I am living in Canada! But, just set my place as Antarctica since I like the flagihiphopanonymous said:
Nice trustworthy sites to buy from:
KickGaming Based in Canada, prices are expensive-ish.
DealExtreme Based in HongKong. Cheapest prices out there, Free Shipping! Shipping Takes Time. (Buy EDGE, AceKard 2.1, AceKard 2i, M3 Real and EZ-Flash stuff here!
DealWoot Based in America/USA. Cheapest place to buy CycloDS Evolution. Shipping is pricey-ish as well I think.
Those are probably the best sites to buy from. Just a heads up though so you know what sites to go to!
I am currently looking into new flashcarts that can support SHDC since I also watch .dpgs on the go most of the time... Someone help me.
Use? Mainly for ROMs. Perfect compatibility is a nice bonus. Single card download play is nice too but since I have 2 flashcarts already, Multi Card play > Single Card. (most of the time, right?)
Price Range? Something that is reasonably priced. I dont have a planned budget just yet. I am still a bit undecided if I should continue with my M3 Simply and M3 SD Perfect or not...
Slot 1/2? Both. Slot 1 with Slot 2 support as much as possible.
Built in or expandable memory? Expandable memory.
Special features? I am not looking for any special features (I am after playing games, not cheating) but they can be a nice addition since I use the RTS of the GBA games in the M3 Perfect.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular The M3 team has been very good to me this past year or so but they dont support the two products I have anymore... But I am open to other flashcarts. I have been looking into the EDGE and CycloDS.
Other?
For all slot-1's (ignore if you want a slot-2):
Support slot-2 GBA? YES
Support slot-2 rumble packs? Not necessary but might be nice to have
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? Web browser is not necessary but if the RAM can be used for other things please let me know.
For slot-2's (ignore if you want a slot-1): expansion pack or its own memory? I do not understand this question... If it is the same as Built in or Expandable memory, then Expandable is always nice.
Use? Mainly for ROMs. Perfect compatibility is a nice bonus. Single card download play is nice too but since I have 2 flashcarts already, Multi Card play > Single Card. (most of the time, right?)
Price Range? Something that is reasonably priced. I dont have a planned budget just yet. I am still a bit undecided if I should continue with my M3 Simply and M3 SD Perfect or not...
Slot 1/2? Both. Slot 1 with Slot 2 support as much as possible.
Built in or expandable memory? Expandable memory.
Special features? I am not looking for any special features (I am after playing games, not cheating) but they can be a nice addition since I use the RTS of the GBA games in the M3 Perfect.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular The M3 team has been very good to me this past year or so but they dont support the two products I have anymore... But I am open to other flashcarts. I have been looking into the EDGE and CycloDS.
Other?
For all slot-1's (ignore if you want a slot-2):
Support slot-2 GBA? YES
Support slot-2 rumble packs? Not necessary but might be nice to have
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? Web browser is not necessary but if the RAM can be used for other things please let me know.
For slot-2's (ignore if you want a slot-1): expansion pack or its own memory? I do not understand this question... If it is the same as Built in or Expandable memory, then Expandable is always nice.
@raylgo
I would go with an Acekard2. The Cyclo is the best card out there, but since you don't need RTS or RTG the Acekard is the best for you, imo.
For GBA games you could just continue using your M3 Perfect. It's one of the best cards you can get for GBA, so why change a running system?
I would go with an Acekard2. The Cyclo is the best card out there, but since you don't need RTS or RTG the Acekard is the best for you, imo.
For GBA games you could just continue using your M3 Perfect. It's one of the best cards you can get for GBA, so why change a running system?
So it's down to EDGE and AK2... I have access to an M3 Real which I do not have to order online but I have heard bad things about the M3 team... Should I continue to support them and avoid the hassle of waiting for international shipping? Or go for something new and possibly better? How are they in terms of supprting their own product?
I realized that I dont really need the Slot 2 option. Thanks Slowking
I realized that I dont really need the Slot 2 option. Thanks Slowking
If it's a question between Acekard2 and EDGE, Acekard2 wins big time. It's cheaper, draws less power, has more features and the better menu. The EDGEs advantage allways was that it's built-quality was better, but as of late the Acekard2 is just as good. ^^
I really don't like the M3 team. They still haven't released Sakura outside of asia and they tend to abandon old products. So for the price that they charge I really wouldn't go with them, even if they have RTS as of late.
Just get a Acekard2 from dealextreme. It will take 2-3 weeks, but seeing that you have used your M3 Simply for such a long time, I don't think it's really urgent that you get a new flashcard in the next couple of days, is it? http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16142
I really don't like the M3 team. They still haven't released Sakura outside of asia and they tend to abandon old products. So for the price that they charge I really wouldn't go with them, even if they have RTS as of late.
Just get a Acekard2 from dealextreme. It will take 2-3 weeks, but seeing that you have used your M3 Simply for such a long time, I don't think it's really urgent that you get a new flashcard in the next couple of days, is it? http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16142
Thanks alot, I've ordered my Flashkart, misroSD and adapter. Just a question about the adapter though.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11294~r.53733725
this adapter here, it connects to a computer, right?
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11294~r.53733725
this adapter here, it connects to a computer, right?
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