Hacking Acecard and DSi native OS updates and other questions

[laserjock]

A week or so ago I ordered a DSTWO/Supercard and got it quickly, but after 2 days having it, the darned spring loaded MicroSD mount stopped click locking the SD cards in place. I then tried using tape to hold them and broke two MicroSD cards in the process. Also, things weren't working that were supposed to work: AVIs wouldn't play, PDFs wouldn't open, and it kept saying the wireless capability was disabled even though it was set up in the native OS.

So why, in an acecard forum do I say all this? Because I am pondering getting a Acecard instead. I have questions if I may ask?

The acecard doesn't have a processor like the DSTWO, correct? So does that mean that if Nintendo updates their OS the acecard could end up not functioning?

I am sending this DSi and flashcart and 2 MicroSDs to my step son overseas in Asia. I need to choose the wisest choice since he doesn't have a computer or internet (uses a cafe for that), and shipping there is a hassle. Sadly, just buying this stuff THERE is a no go, the DSi costs upwards of 300 bucks there, and I doubt he could get ahold of a flashcart there.

Am I better off with an Acecard or R4 or something, or should I stick with the DSTWO/supercart...

 

[Another World]

you should send your scds2 back for a refund and/or replacement. what you experienced is not normal behavior.

the dsi has not had a firmware update for a long time. the ak2i fully supports all dsi updates. the ak2i can not run on the 3ds v4.4.0-10+.

this is all the important information you will need to know:
http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/AKAIO
http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/Updating_the_AK2i_Bootloader
http://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/Solving_Acekard_2i_Contact_Issues

-another world

 

[Rydian]

The DSi actually got a firmware update last night, it looks like. 1.4.5, nothing new in the OS, just blocks carts again... including the AK2i, and we don't know if it'll be updated.

The safest option at this point is the DSTwo.

 

[laserjock]

You guys are the greatest, thank you so much for the invaluable information. I'll stick to the DSTWO/Supercard. I liked it, just the darned spring loaded mechanism I don't like, but maybe my experience is rare (MicroSD card slot spring loader broken)? So I should disable the update setting in the DSi too, huh?

 

[Fishaman P]

DSTwo >>>>>>>> AK2i

1) Built-in CPU
2) No contact issues
3) Really good construction (usually)
4) Works on ALL firmware versions and probably always will at least for the DSi
5) Damn good warranty/RMA support

 

[Rydian]

Yeah, your issue sounds like a rare defect.

Unlike the 3DS, the DSi will only try to update when you go online (eshop and such), so as long as you keep the DSi offline you should be fine (as no DS/i game has needed a firmware update to run).

 

[laserjock]

Ok, so it was a fluke. I am trying to decide between getting him One pc @ 32 Gig and one pc @ 4 gig {OR} two @ 16 Gig MicroSD. Also, what class should I shoot for, is class 4 adequate? On Newegg, what would you get? My BIL swears by Sandisk. I've owned GSKILL and TEAM memory among other brands (Corsair, OCZ, Samsung, Kingston, and others). I lean towards GSKILL. I realize there are probably only a few fabs that make all of them. The reason I suppose a 32 Gig and another small one for backup is my favored choice is it would mean less often he would unplug it, since I've had this experience. I'd like this all to last him a couple years. Then I'll get him the latest greatest if I can afford it.

 

[Rydian]

DS games are small, you can fit 70-100 (depending on the selection) on an 8GB MicroSD already. A 16GB or 32GB will be more than enough for DS games.

We usually recommend Class-4 or Class-6 (6 to be safe since the price difference is negligible nowadays), but higher is often wasted money.
Class is write speed, not read speed, so it's not exact (you can have a class-4 that reads better than a class-6 for example), but usually if you get a decent-manufacturer Class-4 or Class-6 you'll be fine.

Yeah some of them are rebrands, and some, for example Kingston, actually sell extra stock from other companies (so the quality's inconsistent). We tend to recommend PNY, A-Data, and Transcend in particular.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208453
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208475
These are examples of what I personally recommend.

 

[laserjock]

Thank you! I have some more DSTWO questions, so I'll open a new thread in that forum. One more question acecard related: I was under the impression that the acecard was the next best choice after the DSTWO. If the latest DSi update voids that, IS there a second best choice?

 

[Rydian]

3DS updates already voided the AK2i for that console.

The second best would be the R4i Gold (r4ids.cn), which was the AK2i's direct competitor (same software base, same feature set, same price).

 

[Aeter]

3DS updates already voided the AK2i for that console.

The second best would be the R4i Gold (r4ids.cn), which was the AK2i's direct competitor (same software base, same feature set, same price).

True, but you still have to watch out what PCB type you're gonna get with the R4i Gold since as of now they only support revision C, instead of 9, A, B and C.
But I guess you can always ask them to pre-update it with the latest firmware, so they have to give you a rev C.