Hacking A slot-2 solution?

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So I'm pretty experienced in the field of slot-1 flashcarts. I have 2, an R4 and a SCDS1 V2. But recently I've been wanting to play GBA ROMS and have known for awhile there is no way to boot GBA ROMS from a slot-1 cart. I took a peek at some slot-2 kits and it was quite confusing. Like how some slot-2 kits can boot NDS ROMS but don't have GBA ROM compatibility? I dunno, but I'm completely lost. So if someone could do the honors of explaining how a slot-2 kit works it'd be greatly appreciated.

On another hand, I'm looking to play GBA ROMS on my DS Lite/GBA SP, compatibility with homebrew, (ex. Quake II DS, which requires slot-2 RAM) and maybe some other features that I haven't come across, but would like. If possible I'd like the cart to be the original GBA cart size so it fits in my SP too, and if someone could recommend a reputable dealer to buy a slot-2 kit from that'd be much appreciated as well.

I am considering buying another slot-1 solution, seeing as R4 is pretty much dead. (I've had mine since it came out). I was looking at a CycloDS Evo, but if my next slot-1 solution can somehow affect the ability to play GBA games, a heads up would be great. =D

I've done a bit of HW and I've found that I'd like to have a real-time clock if possible, but with removable media (CF, SD, miniSD, microSD, etc...) and if it was the size of GBA cart that'd be wonderful too. Does such a thing exist? o_0

I've also noticed alot of retailers throw in a "Passkey" as part of a bundle for slot-2 carts. What does this do and is it really necessary?

 

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Well after quite a bit of research, I've settled on the following options:

An M3 Perfect miniSD: http://shop.01media.com/info.asp?ProductID=16570

Or an M3 GBA Expansion pack: http://www.kickgaming.com/pack-with-shells-p-326.html

The M3 Perfect miniSD seems to satisfy the conditions I want: a GBA size cart that will fit in an SP or a Lite; has a real time clock in it, and has removable media to put ROMs and homebrew. However, the price seems to be ridiculously high, seeing as the site only provides the card and no miniSD or reader. Does anyone know where I can purchase an M3 Perfect for cheaper? Provide a link perhaps?

As for the second choice, I haven't looked into it as much, but being that it provides a GBA cart shell I assume it has the same core functions as the M3 Perfect? (Ex: GBA ROM support, homebrew). It's much cheaper that's for sure.

Can anyone elaborate if these are good choices or not? I want to have an easy entry into the slot-2 scene. =D

 

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I don't mind if the cart sticks out or not, I just want compatibility with the GBA/SP/DS.

Is there anything wrong with getting the M3 Perfect? Do what I've read about "no patching", "no slowdowns", "has RTC" hold any water?

As for the EZ Flash 3 in 1, does that mean it can't be used as a standalone cart in a GBA/SP? Or did that just apply to the M3 GBA Expansion Pack?

What does an EZ Flash 2 look like? I can't find it anywhere on the web.

If it helps any, I'm looking at buying a slot-2 cart as if I were buying a slot-1 solution. So drag and drop, removable media, etc.... Is it possible to look at purchasing a slot-2 cart that way? Or do you have to look at it from a different perspective? 'Cause most of the reviews I've read here for slot-2's indicate you need to install drivers and use a manager to add/remove files from the cart.

Personally, I'm leaning towards the M3 Perfect more due to the close resemblance it has to a slot-1 cart. But is it still supported by the M3 Team?

On the topic of the M3 Perfect, I've seen 2 different pics of it. One with a silver shell and one with a translucent one. Is one a fake or is it just the shell M3 decided to use to manufacture the Perfect at the time? Will my R4 or SCDS1 V2 work as a Passkey?

Is the M3 Lite better than the Perfect? Does it have RTC support?

 

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Alright, well thanks for all the info you've given me thus far, it's helped me immensely. I'll take a further look into the M3 Lite and see how it goes. On a side note however, does every retailer provide multiple shells + the GBA shell to go with it? I've noticed alot of retailers don't specify this.