I need to get some chips for my kids' DS Lites. I was told a couple of months ago to get an R4 chip, but in looking around, I've discovered that a) R4 makers aren't updating anymore, b) lots of "R4"-ish clones, like the R4III, and c) some games won't play on the clones. Even Google-ing, there isn't a whole lot on the subject. What are my choices? I want something that has a wide user base, is stable, and is supported. My kids want to play diff. games (and carrying all the chips is annoying, since they tend to get lost very easily.) MP3/movies possibly. They also have a Wii, but I don't know if that makes a difference (although I know some chips can communicate w/Wii) Also, what are the limitations of these chips? Is it memory size?
1. It's not a "chip" It's called a flashcart. 2. You have several choices, and everyone with experience with flashcarts have their favorites. 3. If you require Wii connectivity, G6Real and CycloDS are currently your only alternatives. CycloDS is the most expensive flashcart out there but IMHO, well worth it. 4. My second favorite is the EZFlash V. What do you mean by limitations? Most flashcarts require microSD memory to be installed in them which will contain the flashcart operating kernel, any shell programs and ROMs. Generally speaking microSD comes in sizes from 512MB to 2GB. SDHC microSD comes in sizes from 4GB on up. Some flashcarts have limitations on the size of microSD that they will accomodate (2GB), but most newer flashcarts are designed to accomodate the higher capacities.
Thanks for the reply. This is just one tech area that I don't feel comfortable with, so I appreciate the help. I really want it to be simple for the kids to use (7 and 9.) but I guess that's up to the shell programs and their user interface, correct? What exactly does Wii connectivity allow you to do? If it's not a feature I think would be helpful, what other flashcarts would you recommend? I know some of these flashcarts also have WiFi. Is this feature for internet browsing or playing (or does it have to do with Wii)? Are CycloDS, G6Real, and EZFlash V still supported by their programmers/companies? That was my question on limitations. Do any of the above flashcarts use SDHC microSD?
Wii connectivity only exists for the following games: Pokemon Battle Revolution My Pokemon Ranch Geometry Wars Animal Crossing??? (not verified) For PBR and MPR you can upload/download your Pokemon from Pokemon D/P. Geometry Wars and Animal Crossing I have not tried. All of the flashcarts (that I am aware of) support WiFi. CycloDS and EZFlash V are all actively supported. I wouldn't buy the G6Real because it is a fixed memory card. Something you need to be aware of/realize/understand: OK, POSSIBLY CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT AND I DON'T WANT TO GET INTO A FLAME WAR OVER THIS. CONSIDER THIS MY OPINION. Nintendo considers flashcarts as devices that contribute directly to software piracy. Some countries/jurisdictions consider flashcarts as illegal devices. That having been said, the manufacturers of these devices could possibly go away at any time. There is no "guarantee" that a company will be around tomorrow or the next day or the next month. However, the reality is that the manufacturers that have recommended appear to be reliable companies. It is easier to make this statement. Almost ALL cartridges used microSD and/or SDHC. There are very few (if any) vendors making fixed memory flashcarts. CycloDS supports SDHC G6Real is a fixed memory cart EZ Flash V supports up to 2GB EZ Flash V+ supports SDHC
There's also the M3 Real, its basically an SDHC based version of the G6. Uses the same exact firmware and supports all the same features as the G6, like wii connectivity. And according to the documentation the SDHC flashcarts will support up to 32gig microSDHC cards. Theres no way to test if this is really a limit because I've never even seen a 32gig microSDHC, much less one larger than that.
Penguin98, thanks for that comment. I had often wondered whether the M3Real supported Wii connectivity since I hadn't seen any first hand reports and yours is the first (anecdotal?) report that I had seen that addressed Wii connectivity. Yes, and I'm waiting for MaryD7's Supercard DS One endorsement as well <G>.
I've tested it personally. Used it with geometry wars to unlock the bonus system. Haven't tested it with either of the pokemon games or animal crossing. I know someone with a G6 (my old one that I gave away after getting an M3) who did try with animal crossing and couldnt get it to work, but I didnt try it myself. From what she told me though it dosent sound like it will work since it reads the save file from the DS download and play menu, not from the running game. So it just says that the cart inserted is not the animal crossing game cart. Edit: I never bothered to do any research on animal crossing connectivity before, but I did now. It seems that no flashcart supports the animal crossing connectivity. Not even the Cyclo.
I recommend the EzFlash Vi (please notice the 'i') this card now have RealTime Save and In-Game Guide (useful for rpg games) I still likes the DS One but the menu on EzFlash Vi is little better and a bit cheaper to buy.
yeah, Vi works on DSi (on the Japan DSi, Nintendo may update the EU/USA version) and also works on DS/DSL, also have RTS. but i dont know if V+ have RTS or not. ps DSi US release date is rumour about April at about $190. UK probably gets it a lot later.. much later.. as always.
Thanks to all for the info. I have been looking at CycloDS, EZ flash V+, and M3dsReal prices all day today, since these seem to be the best supported and have high capacity for memory. I have a couple more questions: 1) what is RTS? 2) I know some of these flashcarts also have WiFi. Is this feature for internet browsing or playing? 3) What is the diff. between a rumble pack, and the other slot 2 mem. pack? 4)also, do you recommend any vendors?
1) what is RTS? Real time save 2) I know some of these flashcarts also have WiFi. Is this feature for internet browsing or playing? Flashcarts don't have WiFi. The Nintendo DS has Wifi capability. Some games use that capability, others do not. Thos that do may use it for a variety of things, multiplayer or Internet connection to an 802.11b WEP compatible router or access point. I'll leave #3 for someone else. 4)also, do you recommend any vendors? If you are in the US, Real Hot Stuff (New Jersey) or Deal Extreme (Hong Kong)
3. you can get a rumble slot 2 card that 'rumbles/shakes' only for DS games, or a memory slot 2 card which can play GBA games. Best if you get an All in one slot 2 card likes the EZFlash 3-in-1 card, plays GBA games and rumblessssss..
Thank you all for the replies. I've narrowed down the vendor, dealextreme, thanks to dailun. I looked at 19 vendors (dealextreme wasn't on my original list.) I've also narrowed down the choice of slot 2 device: EZFlash 3-in-1 card (thanks MaryD7) What I cant nail down is the actual slot 1 flashcart: the EZFlash V Plus (or i for RTS), and the M3DS Real. What are the Pros/Cons of each?
If you want simple, EZ Flash V has built-in direct support for the EZ Flash 3-in-1. I have never used an M3 but have never heard anything really bad about it.
I've had 3 flashcarts: the DSX, the G6 and the M3 Real. I wasnt that thrilled with the DSX. The built-in microUSB interface was nice but their compatibility and firmware weren't good at all. The card was expensive too. The G6 was far superior, but I had alot of problems with the memory becoming corrupted when using the USB adapter. If the flashcart wasnt seated exactly right in the socket the whole filesystem could be ruined. Now I have an M3 Real with the M3 RAM expansion and I'm extremely happy with it. It plays everything I want, and the 4gig microSD holds about 100 assorted DS and GBA roms. The RAM expansion support is built into the card as well. It is missing the rumble support that the EZFlash 3 in 1 has, but to be honest I dont really want rumble in my DS games.
yup M3 Real works great. I wanna buy the DSi, which flash carts to buy. DSTTi, AceKard2i or Ez-Flash Vi? I found Depot888 sells them. I have the discount code: d100 Order over $100, get $8 OFF. Seems a good deal. isnt it?
I just ordered EZ Vi flashcarts w/EZ 3in1 (I think it's the 512 version) from DealExtreme. Will post on how it goes later. Thanks all for your help.
