Hacking Expansion packs

[Madridi]

Yeah I do have CycloDS but I'm interested to test other carts as well.. asking around for some info.. getting a bit into the DS scene (well informed with the wii and I consider myself a pro with the psp)
As for the 4$ rumble, I saw that on dx. But why would I order that if I can order the 14$ ewin2in1? (that the one from psxboy.com right?) Also I heard sometime before about a cart that has more ram than the 3 in 1 but I cant remember what it is.. (any idea?)
No idea why I ordered M3 rumble ram pack.. hopefully it will come to some use later on
As to my understanding, the 3 in 1 is the best slot 2 because, well, its 3 in 1 + cheap price + support for some cards (cyclo included).. So I'm ordering that.. But I also know that in terms of GBA compatibility the EZ IV lite deluxe is considered the best. So I ordered that as well.
SCDS1 is the only card that ppl say that compares to cyclo in terms of features, so I'm intersted in seeing what it has to offer. Edge, Acekard2, Acekard RPG, DSTT are some cards that are recommended as well so I might test them out (but they arent a priority).. and finally not intersted in R4 or M3 whatsoever..

I know I would probably not use the rumble or the ram pack, hell I'm probably never going to play GBA games as well.. I would just like to own the best carts for each feature out there..

 

[Bri]

As for the 4$ rumble, I saw that on dx. But why would I order that if I can order the 14$ ewin2in1? (that the one from psxboy.com right?)

The $4 eWin rumble is just rumble. The $14 eWin 2in1 is a GBA expansion cart (no rumble). I was just saying that if you're interested in rumble, you can get both of the eWin carts for less than the EZ 3in1 or that other slot2 cart you were talking about.

Also I heard sometime before about a cart that has more ram than the 3 in 1 but I cant remember what it is.. (any idea?)

The eWin 2in1 has more fast (but volatile) memory than the EZ 3in1, if that's what you're referring to. For larger games, you're stuck using the slow NOR memory on the EZ 3in1. Otherwise, I don't know what cart you're thinking of.

As to my understanding, the 3 in 1 is the best slot 2 because, well, its 3 in 1 + cheap price + support for some cards (cyclo included).. So I'm ordering that..

Like I said, the EZ 3in1 isn't all that cheap for a GBA expansion, and has some disadvantages over the far cheaper and simpler eWin 2in1. As Urza indicated, either will work with any slot1 cart including the CycloDS with GBA ExpLoader.

QUOTEBut I also know that in terms of GBA compatibility the EZ IV lite deluxe is considered the best. So I ordered that as well.

It's overkill if you're just using it for GBA with a slot1 cart (it has a separate microSD slot and is really made to be used with a simple passkey in slot1 to play NDS games from slot2). For use with a slot1 such as the CycloDS, you're better off with the eWin 2in1 or EZ 3in1, both of which have very good GBA compatibility.

QUOTE

SCDS1 is the only card that ppl say that compares to cyclo in terms of features, so I'm intersted in seeing what it has to offer. Edge, Acekard2, Acekard RPG, DSTT are some cards that are recommended as well so I might test them out (but they arent a priority).. and finally not intersted in R4 or M3 whatsoever..

Of the carts you listed, the AK2 is worth checking out. It doesn't have RTS or slow-motion, but few people really use those features anyway. It's only $25 but it has one of the best menus of any cart (it's comparable to the menu of the more expensive Acekart RPG). The Bliss menu for the Acekart 2 has the same great look and feel as the official menu, supports both the eWin 2in1 and the EZ 3in1 without needing to use a loader like GBA ExpLoader, and has tons of additional features as well.

The DSTT is a good cart at $20, but it's menu is extremely simple (would be good for little kids or folks who aren't technologically savvy). The AK2 is a better deal at only $5 more.

If you have a CycloDS, you've seen the Edge menu (it's exactly the same as the CycloDS except for no RTS, slow-motion, in-game menu, etc) and its microSD card often sticks out a bit from the cart.

The SCDS1 doesn't have a particularly nice menu, but it has a lot of features similar to the CycloDS (RTS and slow-motion) at a lower cost than the CycloDS.

-Bri

 

[lewjay]

Dang, this thread (Bri) sold me on the ewin expansion cart. I just put an order at psxboy, just need to decide on a slot 1 card (acekard, edge, or scds1).

Which slot1 card his the best integration with the ewin expansion?

 

[Bri]

I'd recommend Acekard 2 with Bliss' menu. It will load the GBA games without any loader or patching.

The SCDS1 might be a good choice IF you think you'll use the extra features like RTS and slow-motion and you think the extra money and not-so-good menu system are worth those features. I don't know if the SCDS1 will load GBA games to the eWin without a loader.

If you decide to go with one of the carts that requires a loader, just grab GBA ExpLoader from the download section.

-Bri

 

[Madridi]

The $4 eWin rumble is just rumble. The $14 eWin 2in1 is a GBA expansion cart (no rumble). I was just saying that if you're interested in rumble, you can get both of the eWin carts for less than the EZ 3in1 or that other slot2 cart you were talking about.
Oh.. for some reason I had them mixed up *really regretting the 9$ M3 rumble ram pack ordered*

The eWin 2in1 has more fast (but volatile) memory than the EZ 3in1, if that's what you're referring to. For larger games, you're stuck using the slow NOR memory on the EZ 3in1. Otherwise, I don't know what cart you're thinking of.
Maybe it is.. I dont remember which card it is..
For larger games, EZ lite deluxe will handle that normally cause it has higher capacity for PSRAM

Like I said, the EZ 3in1 isn't all that cheap for a GBA expansion, and has some disadvantages over the far cheaper and simpler eWin 2in1. As Urza indicated, either will work with any slot1 cart including the CycloDS with GBA ExpLoader.
Native support for CycloDS is tempting
besides its only around 17$

QUOTE(Bri @ May 13 2008, 02:30 AM) It's overkill if you're just using it for GBA with a slot1 cart (it has a separate microSD slot and is really made to be used with a simple passkey in slot1 to play NDS games from slot2). For use with a slot1 such as the CycloDS, you're better off with the eWin 2in1 or EZ 3in1, both of which have very good GBA compatibility.

True, it sucks having another microSD for it, I guess this slot card is for GBA fanatics only..

QUOTE(Bri @ May 13 2008, 02:30 AM)

Of the carts you listed, the AK2 is worth checking out. It doesn't have RTS or slow-motion, but few people really use those features anyway. It's only $25 but it has one of the best menus of any cart (it's comparable to the menu of the more expensive Acekart RPG). The Bliss menu for the Acekart 2 has the same great look and feel as the official menu, supports both the eWin 2in1 and the EZ 3in1 without needing to use a loader like GBA ExpLoader, and has tons of additional features as well.

The DSTT is a good cart at $20, but it's menu is extremely simple (would be good for little kids or folks who aren't technologically savvy). The AK2 is a better deal at only $5 more.

If you have a CycloDS, you've seen the Edge menu (it's exactly the same as the CycloDS except for no RTS, slow-motion, in-game menu, etc) and its microSD card often sticks out a bit from the cart.

The SCDS1 doesn't have a particularly nice menu, but it has a lot of features similar to the CycloDS (RTS and slow-motion) at a lower cost than the CycloDS.

-Bri

So, if I already have a cyclo, waste of money to buy an edge?
Acekard 2 over RPG?
SCDS1, good features, sucky menu..
DSTT, 20$ is whats tempting me to get one..

After getting a cyclo, and reading this, I wonder if any card is worth having (maybe Acekard 2 only)..

 

[lewjay]

From what I've read, cyclo's at the top of the food chain. I'm trying to save some money so I ordered the Acekard 2. BTW thanks Bri.

 

[Urza]

From what I've read, cyclo's at the top of the food chain. I'm trying to save some money so I ordered the Acekard 2. BTW thanks Bri.

acekard RPG would be the top.

 

[Madridi]

Are there any updates for RPG? I feel that the support for that has stopped, even if it is open source..

 

[Urza]

Are there any updates for RPG? I feel that the support for that has stopped, even if it is open source..

The open source AKBBS project easily pushes it over the top as far as features are concerned.

The original loader is fairly bug-free with good compatibility, so theres not much need for updates (aside from adding new features, although the open-source project is doing an incredible job of that).

 

[Madridi]

So there is a project aimed at adding new features? while as a loader its fairly bug free?

 

[Urza]

So there is a project aimed at adding new features?

http://gbatemp.net/index.php?showtopic=84222

 

[Madridi]

Nice..
Thanks!

PS. Any idea where I can get that from the US? or somewhere that ships internationally? (Not overpriced though)

 

[Urza]

PS. Any idea where I can get that from the US? or somewhere that ships internationally? (Not overpriced though)

As far as I know, BambooGaming is the only store selling them (Australian based, but ships internationally).

The site is down at the moment though.

 

[Madridi]

Alright thanks, I'll check them out when they're back up

 

[Bri]

For larger games, EZ lite deluxe will handle that normally cause it has higher capacity for PSRAM

Yes, true. But realize that the EZ lite deluxe is a standalone slot2 flash cart, not a GBA expansion cart like the EZ 3in1 or the eWin 2in1. It's designed to play both GBA and NDS games stored on its own microSD card (it requires a passkey in slot1 in order to play NDS games from slot2). That's why it costs a lot more than a GBA expansion cart that just plays GBA games stored on your slot1 cart.

Native support for CycloDS is tempting
besides its only around 17$

Does the CycloDS only support the EZ 3in1 or does it have support for the eWin 2in1?

So, if I already have a cyclo, waste of money to buy an edge?
Acekard 2 over RPG?
SCDS1, good features, sucky menu..
DSTT, 20$ is whats tempting me to get one..

I would say it's a waste of money to buy any of them if you have a CycloDS.

But if you just want to try some new carts, either of the Acekards are great. The Acekard RPG is more along the lines of the CycloDS (expensive, but with some extra features like RTS). The AK2 has the same great menu system as the RPG but is a lot cheaper (and lacks the extra features).

QUOTE

After getting a cyclo, and reading this, I wonder if any card is worth having (maybe Acekard 2 only)..

Not really. The RPG has a couple features that the CycloDS doesn't have, but those features certainly aren't worth buying a whole new (expensive) cart for. For example, it has a second on-board memory chip that would allow you to (somewhat painfully) copy files from one microSD to another without a computer. It's really not often that you'd need (or want) to do that. It involves copying the file from the microSD to the internal chip, then removing the microSD and inserting the other one and copying it back to the other one. It's a lot easier and faster to use a computer.

There are reviews of all these carts on this site (although some of the reviews are a little outdated).

-Bri

 

[sk3tch]

The Acekard RPG is more along the lines of the CycloDS (expensive, but with some extra features like RTS).

The Acekard RPG does not have RTS.

 

[gratefulbuddy]

For example, it has a second on-board memory chip that would allow you to (somewhat painfully) copy files from one microSD to another without a computer. It's really not often that you'd need (or want) to do that. It involves copying the file from the microSD to the internal chip, then removing the microSD and inserting the other one and copying it back to the other one. It's a lot easier and faster to use a computer.
There are reviews of all these carts on this site (although some of the reviews are a little outdated).

-Bri

If you are using this feature because you don't have a computer handy, then it shouldn't matter how fast or easy it is on a computer, cause you don't have one available. So "painfully slow" still seems better than "not possible" (to me at least.)

 

[Urza]

For larger games, EZ lite deluxe will handle that normally cause it has higher capacity for PSRAM

Yes, true. But realize that the EZ lite deluxe is a standalone slot2 flash cart, not a GBA expansion cart like the EZ 3in1 or the eWin 2in1. It's designed to play both GBA and NDS games stored on its own microSD card (it requires a passkey in slot1 in order to play NDS games from slot2). That's why it costs a lot more than a GBA expansion cart that just plays GBA games stored on your slot1 cart.
It can perform all the functions of an expansion pack, in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to act as a standalone cart.

Not really. The RPG has a couple features that the CycloDS doesn't have, but those features certainly aren't worth buying a whole new (expensive) cart for.

I definitely disagree.

Buy the RPG and sell the Cyclo

QUOTE

For example, it has a second on-board memory chip that would allow you to (somewhat painfully) copy files from one microSD to another without a computer. It's really not often that you'd need (or want) to do that. It involves copying the file from the microSD to the internal chip, then removing the microSD and inserting the other one and copying it back to the other one. It's a lot easier and faster to use a computer.

The on-board flash memory has a much higher R/W rate than a MicroSD card. This of course means a faster, more fluid menu, shorter file copy times, shorter load times, and higher compatibility in-game (one of the main reasons the ak2 has such a noticeable number of game compatibility issues is because the loader was designed to work off flash memory). In addition, the USB port makes copying over games easier than having to fiddle with a MicroSD card.

 

[sk3tch]

The on-board flash memory has a much higher R/W rate than a MicroSD card. This of course means a faster, more fluid menu, shorter file copy times, shorter load times, and higher compatibility in-game (one of the main reasons the ak2 has such a noticeable number of game compatibility issues is because the loader was designed to work off flash memory). In addition, the USB port makes copying over games easier than having to fiddle with a MicroSD card.

This is a common misconception (and frankly, that misconception caused me to buy an R.P.G). The internal NAND memory on the R.P.G is not much faster or even significantly faster. It's quite disappointing, actually.

I used cf_bench at the root of the NAND and my Kingston 2GB Japan card:

RPG NAND:
0.497 ms RAT (random access time)

RPG 2GB Kingston Japan:
0.568 ms RAT

To make these results even more disappointing, take a look at these numbers:

CycloDS 4GB A-Data Class 6 microSDHC:
0.394ms RAT

So, if your speed argument were to be believed, Urza...we'd get better results from the CycloDS + A-DATA (or, one can assume, the R.P.G + A-DATA) than using the R.P.G's NAND.

These facts have dropped down the R.P.G a few pegs in my book. I thought the NAND was going to be super fast and the answer to all potential future compatibility issues (i.e. if Nintendo decides to use some code to detect lag). Ah well.

 

[Bri]

The Acekard RPG does not have RTS.

Not even with the custom menu? Hmmm...I thought it did. If not, I stand corrected!

If you are using this feature because you don't have a computer handy, then it shouldn't matter how fast or easy it is on a computer, cause you don't have one available. So "painfully slow" still seems better than "not possible" (to me at least.)

True, true. My point was that it's not a feature I'd pay a whole lot extra for (but some people would) because I'm not far from a computer that often.

It can perform all the functions of an expansion pack, in addition to the obvious benefit of being able to act as a standalone cart.

Right. My point was that for the average owner of a slot1 cart who just wants to play GBA games, this would be overkill. Usually a GBA expansion cart such as the EZ 3in1 or the eWin 2in1 is simpler and cheaper.

QUOTE(Urza @ May 13 2008, 09:50 AM)

I definitely disagree.

Buy the RPG and sell the Cyclo

That is certainly another option! Thanks for pointing out some of the features of the RPG that I missed. I'm not terribly familiar with that cart since I don't own one.

-Bri