Hacking M3 real cart variants - which to get?

[Plantguy7]

Hi guys, I want to get an M3 real cart for my DS, but I don't know the difference between 2 types of the cartridge. There's the normal cart, and then one that says "M3 Sakura" in the top right hand corner. Does that mean that I can't use Sakura with the regular cart? It's GUI is just too good to pass up

Here's a picture of the normal cart:
http://www.deveno.com/products/m3real.htm

Sakura cart:
http://www.gamekool.com/m3ds-realm3-adapte...rsion-p-12.html

It might be worth noting that I have a DS lite, and I've never updated the firmware that I'm aware of. Is this the best cart to play backups of my games on? It's definitely priced well. There's also another one, called the M3i Zero. Should I just stay away from that one because it's for DSi's? Here's what it looks like:

http://www.deveno.com/products/m3izero.htm

Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance guys!

 

[DigitalDeviant]

get the m3 ds real sakura for great compatibility using the sakura firmware only if you have a ds lite. If you have a dsi then get m3i zero, which also uses the sakura fw.

 

[The Catboy]

All the M3 carts work and run the same.
Just M3 Sakura Card is the Japanese M3 Real
M3 Real with the Sakura in the corner is version 2 with side-loader and still uses the same software.
M3i Zero is the DSi enabled card and still uses the M3 Real version 2 set up.
Also I would suggest getting your flashcards from here, if you want reliability as well as avoid M3 cards totally and go with a better card like Acekard 2 or Supercard Two. If you still use a non-dsi DS save a few bucks and go with the R4 for 6$.

 

[Schlupi]

Take the Cat Boy's advice.

The M3 Team behind the card you're looking for has been neglectful of their cart... and the Acekard 2i and SuperCard DSTWO are much better.

and an R4 is a great choice with Wood firmware if you don't have a DSi.

 

[Joe88]

no, its just a add on onto the sticker
they all can run sakura

you might consider getting a m3 real perfect bundle since you have a lite
come with:
M3 Real
M3 GBA Expansion Pak
M3 Rumble Pak
M3 Real Expansion Pak replacement casing clear
M3 Real Expansion Pak replacement casing white
MicroSDHC USB Reader/Writer
M3 Real and MicroSD case

 

[Clookster]

Take the Cat Boy's advice.

The M3 Team behind the card you're looking for has been neglectful of their cart... and the Acekard 2i and SuperCard DSTWO are much better.

and an R4 is a great choice with Wood firmware if you don't have a DSi.

As an ex-M3-user, I have to confirm that. You'll have more fun with a R4DS/Wood or an Acekard/Akaio.

 

[Plantguy7]

Thanks for all the fast replies guys! I've heard bad things about the R4 and the discontinuation of its updates, so I think I'll steer clear of that one. So the Acekard 2i seems to be the best choice? I'm not really a fan of the GBA expansion for the M3, so that's not really an issue. Can the Acekard take SDHC memory?

 

[The Catboy]

Thanks for all the fast replies guys! I've heard bad things about the R4 and the discontinuation of its updates, so I think I'll steer clear of that one. So the Acekard 2i seems to be the best choice? I'm not really a fan of the GBA expansion though, so that's not really an issue. Can the Acekard take SDHC memory?

It used to be bad, till the release of R4 Wood, which makes it one of the best cards on the market, with the lack of DSi support and SDHC, but it's still really good now thanks to R4Wood, which updates quite regularly.
And Acekard does support SDHC

 

[Plantguy7]

SDHC is a must for me though. Should I get the DSi compatible Acekard? It looks like the only difference is the DSi compatibility and flashable firmware..It's not that much more though. Is there any downside to the DSi compatible for a DS Lite user?

 

[The Catboy]

SDHC is a must for me though. Should I get the DSi compatible Acekard? It looks like the only difference is the DSi compatibility and flashable firmware..It's not that much more though. Is there any downside to the DSi compatible for a DS Lite user?

If you plan on getting a DSi, go with it. There is no difference between the cards other than the DSi compatibility and flashable firmware. And there are no downside to using a DSi card on a DS Lite. I do it all the time (I use a Supercard DSonei, Acekard 2i, Supercard Two)

 

[Plantguy7]

Thanks again! I'm sure you get basic questions like this all the time here, but I have one more. Does a larger memory card create longer load times? I'm looking at a 4gb for $10, but the same seller has an 8gb for only $17. I know 8gb may be a little overkill, but if it doesn't affect load times I'll probably get it. It's Sandisk brand.

EDIT: Okay, maybe one more question, heh. Is realhotstuff.com a reputable dealer for the Acekard? As much as I want to support this site, I don't really want to wait weeks for international shipping

 

[The Catboy]

Thanks again! I'm sure you get basic questions like this all the time here, but I have one more. Does a larger memory card create longer load times? I'm looking at a 4gb for $10, but the same seller has an 8gb for only $17. I know 8gb may be a little overkill, but if it doesn't affect load times I'll probably get it. It's Sandisk brand.

With most cards, this including Acekard, it doesn't make any difference in the load time. And I use Sandisk myself.

 

[Plantguy7]

Ended up getting the Acekard 2i DSi compatible with an 8gb MicroSD. Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[The Catboy]

Ended up getting the Acekard 2i DSi compatible with an 8gb MicroSD. Thank you so much for your help!!

No problem

 

[gringosam]

Make sure you put the AKAIO alternate menu software on that Acekard, it'll run like a dream