Hacking Post your questions about which flashcart to buy

[figos]

Use? Games and Homebrew
Price Range? 20$
Slot 1/2? 1
Built in or expandable memory? MicroSD
GBA compatibility? Not important.
Special features? Real-Time Save and Cheats would be nice
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular The TopToy DSTT was recommended to me.

 

[OniLink147]

Alright I have a choice to make. A while ago I had my DS stolen and I've been planning on buying a new one, but I'm not sure what to buy. I've done research and I've heard that Nintendo released a firmware update for the DSi that makes it so that flash carts don't work.(I want to use wi-fi) Should I get the DSi then buy an AceKard 2i or should I get a DS Lite and a CycloDS Evolution?

 

[emmsmama]

Use? Games
Price Range? $10-$35
Slot 1/2? Slot 1
Built in or expandable memory? Hopeully supports up to 8 or 16 gb Micro SD cards
GBA compatibility? Not really concerned about it, though it'd be nice to have the option open in case I change my mind
Special features? Just want it to easly run all new games
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular: AK2i and M3i Zero

Dd currently has a DS X-treme (yes, I know it sucks - normally dh rocks in the research dept. but he really dropped the ball on that one) and I have an R4 (did some researching of my own and it was the top choice a few years back for a cheap price). I like the R4 and can still play a lot of games, but recently I've had to patch a few (can't remember how I did it, but it was a bit of a pain) to get Sim Animals and Elebits to work for example. I want something that is easy to set up and drag and drop like the R4 was. I'm not completely techno-challenged, but I like something really easy to use. Currently the games would be played on DSLites only, but I'd like the option open for DSi in the future if I decide to buy one.

 

[montymintypie]

I've got a tough one...

Use? GBA Games
Price Range? Any
Slot 1/2? Slot 2
Built in or expandable memory? Either
GBA compatibility? Only used for GBA games
Special features? Sized to fit the DS Phat. Cannot be Lite only!!!
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular I've not found any.

I'm looking for a cart that will let me play GBA ROMS on my Phat DS. I really am looking for either:

A GBA only device (which I can run with the DS GBA mode) that takes a memory card and lets me add games to.
A cart compatible with the Acekard 2i (I bought it because it seems more future proof, and was only a couple of dollars more).

For either of these, I would prefer to have automatic save detection/backup etc. I don't want to manually transfer my saves from the different types of memory i.e. I don't want the chance of losing my saves.
Although it's probably a pipe dream, clean ROM support would also be a great idea.
Lastly, real time clock would be an excellent feature too.

*insert generic n00b apology here*

 

[Aeladya]

Use? Nintendo DS Games
Price Range? $10
Slot 1/2? 1
Built in or expandable memory? MicroSD I guess
GBA compatibility? N/A
Special features? Cheat Support
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30787
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19236

I'm looking for a flash cart for my sister, I'm kinda sick of her using mine. I need it to be easy to use because she's not that great with electronics (and I don't want to have to set it up for her every single time). I was looking for something similar to an R4DS since that's what I have myself. I can install YSMenu myself on hers if needed. She doesn't have a lot of money on her now since my dad can't afford to pay us an allowance or anything (job market sucks and I can't find a job myself) she can't quite afford an Acekard 2i. I don't think either of these come with a MicroSD, but we can pick one up at Fry's and I have the reader if needed. She just wants a really cheap one. She and I both have a DS Phat so any cheap flash cart will do. Thanks!

 

[emmsmama]

Use? Games
Price Range? $10-$35
Slot 1/2? Slot 1
Built in or expandable memory? Hopeully supports up to 8 or 16 gb Micro SD cards
GBA compatibility? Not really concerned about it, though it'd be nice to have the option open in case I change my mind
Special features? Just want it to easly run all new games
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular: AK2i and M3i Zero

Dd currently has a DS X-treme (yes, I know it sucks - normally dh rocks in the research dept. but he really dropped the ball on that one) and I have an R4 (did some researching of my own and it was the top choice a few years back for a cheap price). I like the R4 and can still play a lot of games, but recently I've had to patch a few (can't remember how I did it, but it was a bit of a pain) to get Sim Animals and Elebits to work for example. I want something that is easy to set up and drag and drop like the R4 was. I'm not completely techno-challenged, but I like something really easy to use. Currently the games would be played on DSLites only, but I'd like the option open for DSi in the future if I decide to buy one.

AceKard 2i is pretty much your perfect choice here. It falls in the lower end of your price, $14 or so, it is slot 1, and it supports MicroSDHC cards (like pretty much any other cart out there). The reason this cart is the best choice is because with AKAIO (a custom firmware) you are getting the fastest updates. Normmatt who works on AKAIO pumps out fixes for problematic games faster than anyone else (evident in the new Zelda release), and the AceKard 2i is pretty easy to use as well. It has support for DSi, so that'll be future proof sort of.

That being said, the M3i Zero is not a bad choice. It is a little slower in terms of updates, but that's because Normmatt is insanely fast. It is also extremely easy to use, and it has the cool features too.

Moving on to GBA compatibility, you'd need to buy a separate cart for that. If you do go with the AceKard 2i, the best choice is the EZ Flash 3 in 1 Expansion Pack which goes for about $18-$20 nowadays. If you go with the M3i Zero, then go for the M3 Expansion Pack.

Thanks for the help. I decided to go with one of each. It was around $40 total and then dd and I will both have a new card and if either of us or ds get a DSi down the road, then we can use the DS-Xtreme or R4 in that. I actually have no complaints about either card as far as being able to play what we currently have, but for newer games, it only makes sense to get a newer card with updates and better features.

 

[CaptainKishimoto]

Use? Games
Price Range? Nothing over $40
Slot 1/2? Slot 1
Built in or expandable memory? Expandable
GBA compatibility? Would be a nice feature, not a must
Special features? Not necessary, but welcome
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular M3i Zero

I currently have an R4 and am in need of an upgrade. The thing I liked about the R4 was that it had an enormous amount of skins to choose from (I'm huge on cosmetics), and it was extremely easy to use. I've been looking at the M3i Zero, and it seems cool and all, but I heard something about bricking during flashing (see this thread) so I'm not to sure what to think about it. I don't mind if the flashcart has a learning curve to it (as I am somewhat techno-saavy), and ya that's about it.

 

[lnynxx]

Use? Games/Homebrew/Porn.. I mean >_>
Price Range? maximum of around $60, pretty flexible though. (AU price (edit))
Slot 1/2? 1 plz
Built in or expandable memory? SHDC
Special features? works with online games (like mario kart DS, worms open warfare that kinda stuff), and cheats plz... that work online >_> (lol jk)
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular iTouch looks pretty good? or an m3 real?
Other? something that looks nice software and hardware wise, good compatibility, runs snes, nes and gbc emus (so just homebrew basically lol)

For all slot-1's (ignore if you want a slot-2):
Support slot-2 GBA? don't really mind but would be good in case i decide too get one
Support slot-2 rumble packs? don't really mind but would be good in case i decide too get one
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? don't really mind but would be good in case i decide too get one

 

[VicViper206]

Use? Games. Some homebrew (mostly emulators like jenesisDS)

Price Range? No more than 30 dollars excluding shipping and MicroSD

Slot 1/2? Slot 1

Built in or expandable memory? Micro SDHC

GBA compatibility? If it'll work with my ezflash V 3-in-1 on my DS lite that's fine...if not it's not a big deal

Special features? The compatibility needs to be absolutely top-notch...i mean usually getting new games AP measures taken care of within a few days at most. Team Cyclops has been a bit slow on the ball with this one.A fast and decent looking GUI. I don't care about in-game txt reading or RTS. Cheats would be nice. In game exit or reset.

Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular: AK2i or waiting on Supercard DSTWO

Current situation: Previous owner of G6lite and current owner of CycloDS+EZV 3-in-1. Looking into getting a DSi and with that a card that will work with one. I hardly know anything about beyond what I own or DSi flashcards in general. My basic need is a flashcard that is highly compatible and with good support that will work with the DS, DS Lite, and DSi. This is a must.

 

[Todderbert]

Special features? The compatibility needs to be absolutely top-notch...i mean usually getting new games AP measures taken care of within a few days at most. Team Cyclops has been a bit slow on the ball with this one.A fast and decent looking GUI. I don't care about in-game txt reading or RTS. Cheats would be nice. In game exit or reset.

Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular: AK2i or waiting on Supercard DSTWO

Acekard all the way. Kickass fast updates from the local community and one of the fastest and decent looking GUIs out there.

 

[cokeman118]

Use? NDS, Homebrew, Web, emulation
Price Range? no range
Slot 1/2? slot 1
Built in or expandable memory? expandable
Special features? not sure (don't know what they are)
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular AceKard 2i+AKAIO, CycloDS, Supercard DS TWO (not out yet, I know)
Other? SDHC compatibility

Basically I'm a newb to the DS scene. I just got a DSi so I'm wondering if this is a problem. I know that there are flashcards that work with the DSi, but it seems most people are using the older DS with the slot 2. I'm just wondering is slot 2 really necessary for anything other than GBA emulation? I am not really sure what other uses it has. What I am looking for is something that has the best compatibility with NDS, and something that can do auto patching... I'd also like to do some GBA emulation, which after doing research, I find that it's best to have slot 2 for the extra memory. I read the Supercard DS TWO will allow the GBA emulation along with SNES emulation without the added hardware for slot 2. So that would work out best for me....not sure what other features are on the card though. The emulation is not a MUST for me, but more like a bonus. Also, I'm not sure about the expandable memory. Is this expandable flash memory, or is it memory built into the flash card? I am wondering about this because I was reading about the Quake2 Homebrew and not sure if it will run on the DSi. It seems you need the memory expansion for slot 2 to get it to work, but the DSi already has 16 MB built in. I've been trying to read up on all the flashcards but there are so many, with different features...I don't think I know enough about the differences to make an informed decision so any advice anyone can give I would appreciate it!

Thanks.

 

[sfg]

OK...

1. CycloDS doesn't work on DSi.
2. You can't get slot 2 of any kind on DSi because it doesn't have a slot 2.
3. Quake 2 needs a ram expansion in slot 2. I'm pretty sure it can't use the ram in the DSi.
4. At the momentGBA can only be run with a slot 2 (in GBA mode so no emulation problems) or emulated with an iPlayer.
5. Your best option seems to be Supercard DSTwo with its GBA and SNES emulators, but I'd wait and see how good are those emulators and if they are updateable.
6. If you don't want to wait for that, Acekard 2i seems to be the best thing you can get for a DSi. But remember: No GBA.

Edit: As for web, the DSi has a built in browser which apparently is decent. Don't know much about that though.

 

[xaxa]

System: DS Lite
Use?Games/Homebrew(emulators more than anything)/Music/Video
Costless than $70
Slot 1/2?Both, if possible (does this mean gba capabilities as well?)
Built in or expandable memory? Expandable, preferably MicroSD
GBA compatibility?yes

Support slot-2 GBA? Yes
Support slot-2 rumble packs? Yes
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? Yes

Special features?I would like to be able to use savestates(not a must, but it would be nice to have), play online and wirelessly, and use codes (like Action Replay).

Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular CycloDS, M3, and R4 because they seem to be popular, useful, and have constant upd to date patches (or so I hear).

In your recommendations, could you also please state if the card is dsi compatible?

 

[thiagobrigido]

Hey guys, ima noob at DS
so please help me
Im getting a DSi this week so:

Use? DS Games
Price Range? Any
Slot 1/2? 1 (DSi= no slot 2)
Built in or expandable memory? dunno
Special features? not interest, i just would like a good looking interface
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular nope

 

[TheDestroyer]

Hey guys, ima noob at DS
so please help me
Im getting a DSi this week so:

Use? DS Games
Price Range? Any
Slot 1/2? 1 (DSi= no slot 2)
Built in or expandable memory? dunno
Special features? not interest, i just would like a good looking interface
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular nope

I really suggest Acekard 2i for beginners

and AKAIO version 1.5 for the firmware.

And you can get them from the respected sponsors of Gbatemp.. on the homepage

goodluck!

 

[atlboyz_247]

Handheld Device? 2 DS Lites
Use? Games/Homebrew/Music/Video/MP3/Text Files
Price Range? $120
Slot 1/2? Both
GBA compatibility? Yes
Special features? SDHC compatibility, automatic DLDI, RTS, Cheat Code Compatibility, and more(if there is)


Other? Like I was thinking a $50 [Slot 1] Card for me and another for my lil sis thats at most $30 but good as well, and 1 [Slot 2] Card

Support slot-2 GBA? Yes
Support slot-2 rumble packs? Yes
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? Yes

Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular? I was thinking about a CycloDS for me so that would mean ($120 - $50 = $70) and a SuperCard ONE v3 for my Sis so that would also mean ($70 - $30 = $40) so $40 on a Slot 2 Card

***Also, it'd be nice if you gave a website for the stuff too ^^

***BTW Does anyone recommend waiting for SuperCard TWO before I buy? If I should, put the $30 back in(back to $70)

 

[monstersays]

Use? Games only. (especially pokemon)
Price Range? no higher than $50
Slot 1/2? Doesnt matter as long as it works.
Built in or expandable memory? I already have an expandable memory
GBA compatibility? I dont mind if it does not run GBA games
Special features? Cheat Code Compatibility. Anything to make my life easy.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular I have a r4ds (the official one), but it's just a r4 shell at this point. The original r4 software is not even on it anymore. I'm sick and tired of having to change the software every time i want to play a new game. It would be nice if i could find a card that hardly has to be patched to run a rom (or one that patches easily). I know this may be asking a lot, but a girl can dream.

 

[Zanza]

Hardware DS Lite
Use? I want to play backups of DS games, as well as patched version of DS games
Price Range? Doesn't really matter as long as it's reasonable
Slot 1/2? 1
Built in or expandable memory? Preferably MicroSD
GBA compatibility? Don't really care about GBA games
Special features? I want to be able to play online as well as connect the DS to my Wii. A child would be using this DS as well, so a simple interface/OS would be helpful.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular I can't decide

 

[Satangel]

Use? Games only. (especially pokemon)
Price Range? no higher than $50
Slot 1/2? Doesnt matter as long as it works.
Built in or expandable memory? I already have an expandable memory
GBA compatibility? I dont mind if it does not run GBA games
Special features? Cheat Code Compatibility. Anything to make my life easy.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular I have a r4ds (the official one), but it's just a r4 shell at this point. The original r4 software is not even on it anymore. I'm sick and tired of having to change the software every time i want to play a new game. It would be nice if i could find a card that hardly has to be patched to run a rom (or one that patches easily). I know this may be asking a lot, but a girl can dream.

AceKard 2

QUOTE(Zanza @ Dec 28 2009, 09:36 PM) Hardware DS Lite
Use? I want to play backups of DS games, as well as patched version of DS games
Price Range? Doesn't really matter as long as it's reasonable
Slot 1/2? 1
Built in or expandable memory? Preferably MicroSD
GBA compatibility? Don't really care about GBA games
Special features? I want to be able to play online as well as connect the DS to my Wii. A child would be using this DS as well, so a simple interface/OS would be helpful.
Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular I can't decide

CycloDS Evolution

 

[tj_cool]

Handheld Device? 2 DS Lites
Use? Games/Homebrew/Music/Video/MP3/Text Files
Price Range? $120
Slot 1/2? Both
GBA compatibility? Yes
Special features? SDHC compatibility, automatic DLDI, RTS, Cheat Code Compatibility, and more(if there is)


Other? Like I was thinking a $50 [Slot 1] Card for me and another for my lil sis thats at most $30 but good as well, and 1 [Slot 2] Card

Support slot-2 GBA? Yes
Support slot-2 rumble packs? Yes
Support slot-2 RAM (web browser)? Yes

Any flashcarts you are looking at in particular? I was thinking about a CycloDS for me so that would mean ($120 - $50 = $70) and a SuperCard ONE v3 for my Sis so that would also mean ($70 - $30 = $40) so $40 on a Slot 2 Card

***Also, it'd be nice if you gave a website for the stuff too ^^

***BTW Does anyone recommend waiting for SuperCard TWO before I buy? If I should, put the $30 back in(back to $70)

The M3 perfect bundle is a good choice if you want GBA support (since it comes with a GBA and rumble expansion cards!)
The OS is great as well (build-in media player)

The supercard DSTwo is probably also worth waiting for as it has build-in extra memory for GBA games

But you can choose any cart and combine it with an EZ 3-in-1 expansion too.