Not too long ago I posted a thread in search of options for playing linked battles with Pokemon emerald while retaining the option to edit the battery save or insert one stored on PC. I explored the suggestion of using emulators for smart phone (using gba4ios), and this worked, but in a limited capacity; the emulated link was quite slow, and although my first few attempts at battling were successful, subsequent attempts were often interrupted by link errors. In short, it was a hassle.
I decided to pursue my original plan, and acquired two used gba sps and two flashcarts. I ultimately decided on the ez flash Omega, since I liked the idea of having a working RTC and a save stored on microsd, plus early reports indicated that the Omega fits better than the reform in the gba cartridge slot. I purchased two cards from nds-card (already had a good buying experience with them obtaining an r4i gold), and the cards came today, so here are some findings.
Firstly, my ultimate objective was achieved: I was pretty easily able to transfer the saves from my computer to the flashcarts, and can confirm that the Omega will support a link between Pokemon games. It should be noted that I used a Nintendo cable, not a third-party one, so ymmv with third party cables. I'm about a dozen battles in with my gf, and so far no connection issues, great speed, everything in working order. We've done head to head as well as multi link in the battle tower, it all works.
Secondly, the fit: the Omega cartridge is indeed snug in a gba sp, but after a few times inserting and removing the Omega, the cartridges seemed to break in a little and now they can be removed or inserted without much more effort than a regular cartridge. Can't speak to the fit in a ds since I don't own one.
Minor notes: the sound for both flashcarts is finicky in one of the GBAs, but not the other. Basically there's been a few times when I started the gba with an Omega in it, and it would produce no sound on the gba screen or at any point after. Same device has no issues with stock cartridges, and at the moment works fine with the Omega. Not sure if this is to do with the fact that it's a refurbished gba, but it's mostly a non issue.
So far I haven't noticed any dramatic increase in battery consumption; starting from a full charge, we've played for a couple hours now and no immediate need to plug in. Haven't tested flashing to NOR yet, but load times from the SD card are fast enough as to be pretty much negligable. I've only tested the link with a clean boot so far, but the add-on features I tested all seem to function in single play with the emerald rom I'm using.
Overall, I recommend the Omega, and nds-card as a vendor in particular. Shipping was free, including a tracking number, and was delivered ten days after shipping (much quicker than when I ordered my r4i gold about a year ago). Can't say if the features are worth upgrading for if you already own a gba flashcart, but for my first one I'm very satisfied. If I can answer anyone's questions please let me know.
Edit: I initially included a link to my original thread, but I guess as a new member I'm not allowed to do that. Googling 'best way to play link battles emerald' should produce the thread for reference.
I decided to pursue my original plan, and acquired two used gba sps and two flashcarts. I ultimately decided on the ez flash Omega, since I liked the idea of having a working RTC and a save stored on microsd, plus early reports indicated that the Omega fits better than the reform in the gba cartridge slot. I purchased two cards from nds-card (already had a good buying experience with them obtaining an r4i gold), and the cards came today, so here are some findings.
Firstly, my ultimate objective was achieved: I was pretty easily able to transfer the saves from my computer to the flashcarts, and can confirm that the Omega will support a link between Pokemon games. It should be noted that I used a Nintendo cable, not a third-party one, so ymmv with third party cables. I'm about a dozen battles in with my gf, and so far no connection issues, great speed, everything in working order. We've done head to head as well as multi link in the battle tower, it all works.
Secondly, the fit: the Omega cartridge is indeed snug in a gba sp, but after a few times inserting and removing the Omega, the cartridges seemed to break in a little and now they can be removed or inserted without much more effort than a regular cartridge. Can't speak to the fit in a ds since I don't own one.
Minor notes: the sound for both flashcarts is finicky in one of the GBAs, but not the other. Basically there's been a few times when I started the gba with an Omega in it, and it would produce no sound on the gba screen or at any point after. Same device has no issues with stock cartridges, and at the moment works fine with the Omega. Not sure if this is to do with the fact that it's a refurbished gba, but it's mostly a non issue.
So far I haven't noticed any dramatic increase in battery consumption; starting from a full charge, we've played for a couple hours now and no immediate need to plug in. Haven't tested flashing to NOR yet, but load times from the SD card are fast enough as to be pretty much negligable. I've only tested the link with a clean boot so far, but the add-on features I tested all seem to function in single play with the emerald rom I'm using.
Overall, I recommend the Omega, and nds-card as a vendor in particular. Shipping was free, including a tracking number, and was delivered ten days after shipping (much quicker than when I ordered my r4i gold about a year ago). Can't say if the features are worth upgrading for if you already own a gba flashcart, but for my first one I'm very satisfied. If I can answer anyone's questions please let me know.
Edit: I initially included a link to my original thread, but I guess as a new member I'm not allowed to do that. Googling 'best way to play link battles emerald' should produce the thread for reference.
