NES-Hacks: Your home for Wii and DS Hacking!

* Acekard

There are 3 types of AceKard. One uses the AceKard File System(AKFS), another is identical to the first. It is called AceKard+. It uses FAT and not AKFS. This improves homebrew compatibility. The last is very different. It is called AceKard R.P.G. It uses FAT file system for SD cards and FAT for its internal memory. The article below was intended to describe the first type that used the AKFS, but a user has modified it to be a mix of all of them. The features do apply to the RPG, but they were not meant to at first.

Acekard is a slot 1 Flash Cart. It is the only flash cart to have dual storage (built in NAND flash as well as MicroSD cards).

Functionality

    * NDS real card size
    * Uses micro SD cards
    * Works on any model DS
    * FlashMe/PassMe not required
    * Low power consumption
    * Supports clean ROMs - no patching
    * 100% compatible with all games
    * No slowdowns in game
    * Quick Exchange (Transfer from micro SD to NAND flash and vice versa)

* Acekard 2 DS

The all new and all powerful Acekard 2 has received a GBATEMP.net golden award. Designed for the NDS and NDS Lite Acekard 2 has many great features and is a great buy. The interface is by far the best of any cart available: fast, responsive, 25 image skinning, many settings can be tweaked through "glabalsettings.ini".

The Acekard 2. is compatible with all homebrew because of the DLDI auto-patcher. You can just copy the homebrews to the MicroSD card and run it. You can use Moonshell, one of the most well known homebrew software on DS, for multi media. Watching movie, listening MP3, reading TXT novel on DS is so easy!

Includes Acekard 2 & MicroSD Card Reader

-Perfect compatibility. No need to convert, No need to flash!

-Save file is written directly to TF card. No need to manually select save size, no data loss.

-Automatic DLDI patching. Run homebrew programs without converting.

-Support soft-reset, Download Play and WiFi gaming!

-Support SDHC TF card. Virtually unlimited storage size !

-Support any brand of TF, with no slowdown!

-Support Action Replay cheats . Build-in editor!

-Low power consumption for longer operational time!

-Built-in multiple languages and DIY skinning!

    * CycloDS Evolution

The CycloDS series of Slot-2 Nintendo DS Flash Cards from Team Cyclops seems to be a Supercard clone. If this card is licensed from the official manufacturer or if it is just one of the various clones now sold under its own brand is unknown at the moment.

Evolution

CycloDS Evolution is a multi-functional Micro SD adapter for NDS and NDS Lite (Slot 1) which allows you to play games, listen to MP3's, view images, read e-books and enjoy the vast collection of homebrew applications for NDS. It also uses an inbuilt cheat code system to allow the use of cheats in games.


Enhanced mode offers useful features during game play which are activated through an in-game menu. These features include in-game LCD brightness adjustment, SlowMotion mode, Real Time save and load and in-game reset. The cheat code engine is directly compatible with Action Replay codes.


CycloDS Evolution uses an Automatic DLDI patching feature, meaning you don't even need to apply DLDI patches to your homebrew software; CycloDS Evolution's inbuilt OS can run commercial ROM's and homebrew software. To load a ROM browse to the game you want to play and tap to execute.


Evolution loads media from MicroSD cards. The CycloDS comes packaged with a MicroSD USB reader. Connect to your PC and drag & drop the desired files onto your MicroSD card.


Listen to MP3's, watch videos or even read e-books via Moonshell. The Moonshell multimedia application is very customizable.


The CycloDS Evolution GUI was designed with user friendliness in mind and can be operated exclusively with the stylus if desired. Skinning is supported. The user interface is multi-lingual, currently supporting the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Latin American Spanish and Portuguese.


CycloDS Evolution supports WiFi connection and single card download play.

    * DS Linker

DS Linker is a new Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS. It is the second Slot-1 card announced from the Supercard manufacturer.

Some marketing pitch:

    * Original Size, same size as original DS cartridge does NOT stick out!
    * No Flashme, No Passme, No convert.
    * Boot from DS slot directly
    * Built-in flash memory design, without any slow down.
    * Clear ROM support directly
    * Multi-games support
    * U-Disk Operation, no PC software required, just Drag 'n Drop file from PC
    * MoonShell support, MP3 & Movie.
    * Micro firmware designed, can be upgraded by user.

* DS-Xtreme

DS-Xtreme or DS-X for short is a DS-Slot based Flashcard. It has no removable storage. They claim to be friendly to homebrew developers.

Marketing Pitch

    * No GBA cart, Passme, or any additional hardware needed
    * Fully Upgradeable Firmware/Hardware
    * 4GBit (512MByte)
    * "High Speed" USB 2.0 Mini-B connector built in
    * Mass Storage standards compliant
    * Guaranteed to work with all DS's
    * "Full-sized onboard EEProm"
    * Size of standard DS cart

* DSLink

DSLink runs roms from microSD cards in the DS slot. Just like Ninjapass DS Flash FAT accessing homebrew does not currently work on DSLink, only licensed DS (no GBA) game rom dumps.

It does not have NoPass functionality built in, so you must first use some other device to flash your DS firmware with FlashMe to use this card.[1] The reason NoPass or something similar is still needed when using the DS slot is that original DS game cards are encrypted and digitally signed to verify that they're official.

Game compatibility is so-so. Problem games like Pokemon Dash that were fixed on GBA slot kits ages ago does not work, and apparently the memory chips in it are slow, because the Castlevania intro video lags.
Reportedly the developers of this card stated before it was released that while they haven't fully tested compatibility with DS game roms yet, it is a software issue that can always be fixed later.[2] Apparently they didn't fix it prior to releasing the card. This card, just like Ninjapass DS Flash, is relying on rom patching in the same way that the GBA slot kits do.

DSLink, like Ninjapass, is not exactly the final automagic DS slot solution we're all waited for. But NinjaDS, for example, has an autopatcher and supports fatacces by homebrew software. Another solucion (called DS-Xtreme) is about to be released soon, too.

* DS TOP TOY (DSTT)

The Top Toy Cartridge is a DS SLOT-1 development homebrew/media cart. This amazing little device matches the original DS cart size. It is a complete solution with no need to purchase any additional components or deal with any messy software and truly a easy media enhancer for DS and DS Lite. This bundle includes everything you need to get started - including a 1GB Sandisk MicroSD memory card (inclues an SD adapter).

The Top Toy supports both normal MicroSD (TF) and also the higher capacity SDHC memory cards (presently available upto 8GB and set to go higher).

Features:

* Slot-1 1:1 Original small size
* Build in passme function
* Not need patch, just need drag and drop, then plug and play
* Ultra high compatibility
* Support homebrew auto DLDI patch in memory
* Support moonshell MP3/Movie player
* Inbuilt Cheat function - acts like an action replay!
* Support 4-class brightness adjust in menu (NDSL only)
* Pure hardware save, never lose data
* Automatically detect and generate save type
* TF menu core upgradeable
* Supports FAT/FAT32, works on any OS
* Supports any TF card speed
* Built-in power-saving function
* User friendly skin able interface. Touch screen or button operation
* Supports skin DIY
◇Support normal TF and SDHC, up to 4096GByte.
◇Support soft reset in the game
◇Support wireless multi-player (WIFI Game)
◇Save data compatible with all major emulators

* Edge Card for DS

    * Supports MicroSDHC cards up to 32GB
    * Plays Commercial NDS ROM
    * MicroSD support
    * PDA-style interface
    * Video/Mp3 playback
    * Plays Homebrew NDS ROMS
    * Touch to execute OS system
    * Works with Moonshell for multimedia playback such as movies and MP3's
    * Frequently updated OS for best compatibility
    * Action Replay compatible cheat system
    * Brightness adjustment for NDSL
    * In game reset
    * Full download play support
    * Supports slot 2 expansions
    * Multi language user interface
    * Save game saves directly to Micro SD
    * Automatic save game type detection
    * Supports clean ROMs
    * Robust non-spring loaded Micro SD slot
    *
      Micro SDHC card reader included

Software for this product can be downloaded at: http://www.edge-ds.cn/eng/downloads.html

* EWin 3

eWin 3 is a new, yet unreleased (Dec 14th, 2006) Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS. It is the second Slot-1 card announced from the Supercard manufacturer.

Some marketing blah:

    * Works on ANY DS unit (even unflashed)
    * Supports clean ROMs via drag and drop
    * Uses FAT format on micro SD card (FAT16/32 TBC)
    * Fits flush
    * Available in many different colours
    * "Supports" slot 2 memory/rumble paks

eWin will release rumble and RAM add-on together with this flash card.

* EWin2

The EWin2 is a SD-based flashcart that is used in the GBA slot. It is compatibile with DS ONLY, and will NOT play GBA roms. Homebrew compatibility is unknown. There are three versions, SD-(Sticks out from regular DS), MiniSD-(Fits in regular DS), MicroSD-(Almost fits in lite). It has the advantage of being very cheap compared to SD-based other carts.

Features claimed by manufacturer

    * Compatible with all NDS/NDS Lite version;
    * Support Win98/Win2000/WinXP
    * Support Memory from upto 1GB
    * 100% comatible for all NDS games.test the NDS games all pass!!
    * buildin cell battery,saving game directly to it
    * requires a NoPass device

* EZ-Flash II

Available as 1Gbit, 512Mbit, 256Mbit and 128Mbit.

The current revision is the EZ-Flash PowerStar, which has chips with lower power consumption than the first.

As of version 3.21 the EZClient software is capable of patching and running clean NDS ROMs, however you cannot mix GBA and NDS ROMs on the cart. As with GBA ROMs, there is a multi-game menu facility available for NDS ROMs or they can be flashed as single ROMs onto the cart if you prefer. Saving is a very mixed issue at the moment since (at least in my experience -Vinpire) the client does patch some ROMs to save onto the cart but the majority still require real NDS cards to save on to.

Update to EZ-Flash, followed by EZ-Flash III.

DS Homebrew Usage

Open the menu System Config and in there make sure:

    * "Use loader" is not enabled
    * "Use Nds loader" is not enabled
    * "Use logo" is not enabled
    * "Remove intro" is not enabled
    * "Use SMS" preferably not enabled

After this, delete all the roms from the card.
Then, open your dsrom.ds.gba rom and burn it.

* EZ-Flash III

USB writer, lots of fancy features

Update to EZ-Flash II

Available as 1Gbit, has a combination of NOR and NAND flash chips.

* EZ-Flash IV

Uses mini Secure Digital cards for data storage. The same physical size as an original GBA game cart.

Update to EZ-Flash III.

EZ-Flash IV Lite is a smaller variant for DS Lite using micro SD cards.

* EZ-Flash IV Lite

Uses micro Secure Digital cards for data storage. Smaller than a GBA card is sticks out about 1mm from the GBA slot in the DS Lite.

Too small to fit into any DS or GBA except for the DS Lite.

Variant of EZ-Flash IV.

* EZ-Flash V

EZ-Flash V is a new Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS.

Some marketing blah:

    * 1:1 original card size，side loading.
    * Using MicroSD(Trans Flash) as external storage. cheap and variety usage.
    * Direct boot, no need another boot card or flash your DS. EZ5 also can be used as bootcard.
    * Moonshell integrated bootloader, direct watch DPG movie, listen MP3, read TXT book in loader.
    * Bootloader can be full customized. included skin and function. bootloader sourcecode almost full opened.
    * Dual read mode: CLEAN and HYBRID. CLEAN means just drag the rom to card and play. HYBRID means EZ5 supporting the modified rom for further function, include softreset and cheat. it also provides improved compatiblity, such as boost the readspeed. no lag can be feeled even you have a low speed microsd card.
    * Perfect FAT system support, automatic generate saver file. multi saver function available.
    * Using hardware flashchip saver. never lose your save.
    * Loader upgradable
    * Homebrew support, IO lib will release on launch.

The EZ-V Slot-2 Expansion Pack

The EZ-V offers a slot-2 "3-in-1" expansion pack that serves three purposes to expand the capabilities of the slot-1 EZ-V:

   1. GBA compatibility through the use of 256 megabits of built-in NOR-based memory
   2. Rumble support with patched roms - works with official games with rumble support, and has three levels of intensity
   3. 16 MB of RAM for use with the Nintendo DS Opera web browser (via a patched rom image)

As of April 2007, only a DS Lite-sized cartridge has been released; however, a version that fits in DS Phats has been announced [1].

The EZ-V Expansion Pack with Other Slot-1 Devices

The slot-2 expansion pack officially is only supported by the slot-1 EZ-Flash V device. However, through the efforts of homebrew developers, other slot-1 devices may take advantage of the cart's GBA compatibility and additional RAM.

In order to write GBA games to the expansion pack's NOR memory, use the program "gbaldr" by cory1492 or "GBA ExpLoader" by Rudolph.

In order to utilize the extra RAM with the Opera browser and experience the limited Rumble support, use the program "GBA ExpLoader" by Rudolph. When you run the nds file using your Slot-1 device, use the L or R button on your DS to cycle between SRAM, NOR, and Rumble mode. In the Rumble mode, you can set the extra RAM and Rumble options. This mode will only appear on supported cards.

If you are using a CycloDS Evolution, Rumble support should be enabled via the CycloDS Settings menu and also in the Rumble/Ram settings menu of "GBA ExpLoader", currently the only way to do this is to download SoftReset [2] to the root of your card and accessing the Rumble/Ram menu in "GBA ExpLoader". Rumble support is available in firmware version 1.3 and newer, available via the CycloDS website.

* G6 Flash

G6 Flash is a GBA and DS flash card from by the company behind the M3 and GBA Movie Player.

Similar to the M3 and EZ-Flash III, it seems G6 has a combination of NAND flash chips and RAM (SRAM?) for storing and running roms.

The G6 uses the FAT file system. This allows for simpler ROM and gamesave management. Due to file system overhead, the one gigabit version is unable to store the largest DS roms without a small bit of trimming.

Has a Save Memory System, where it loads the games save data from SRAM into flash, and will rewrite the memory from flash into SRAM.

Unlike most other flash cards, you can to copy clean, unpatched DS roms to the G6, and they will be patched on the fly when you run them. This does not work with all games however, and you still need to also copy blank save

M3 Comparison

For most purposes the G6 is very similar to the M3 in function. The DS compatibility is supposed to be higher on the G6.

The main difference is that the G6 is physically smaller than most versions of the M3, and the NAND flash storage is self-contained inside the flash card itself, while with the M3 it's a separate CF/SD card.

The main drawback of the G6 is the higher price, the main advantage is the compact size.

Backing Up Original DS Card Saves

G6 has a built in feature for backing up save games from original DS game cards.

   1. Put your original DS game card in your DS
   2. Put your G6 in your GBA slot
   3. Boot up the DS in G6 DS mode
   4. Highlight the original DS game in your DS games list
   5. Press select
   6. Choose the "DS Card->Default" option (6th from the top)

* G6 Lite

G6 Lite is a DS and GBA flash card from by the company behind the G6, M3 and GBA Movie Player.

Smaller than a standard GBA cartridge it sits flush in the GBA slot of the DS Lite. It also comes with an empty plastic shell the size of a standard GBA cartridge so you can use it in GBA and the regular DS.

* GBA Movie Player

    This article is about version 2 of the GBA Movie Player. For version 3 of the GBAMP, see M3.

The GBA Movie Player, or GBAMP for short, is a peripheral that connects to the GBA cartridge slot of a GBA or DS. It uses a CompactFlash or Secure Digital card to store data and comes with Windows-only software to convert video, audio, and images into special formats the device can read.

The GBAMP is a media device and not a full-fledged flash card for running roms or homebrew applications. It's much too slow to play regular GBA roms, but it can use nearly all multiboot compatible roms as well as emulators like PocketNES, Goomba and SMSAdvance to play NES, Game Boy and Master System games with some limitations. The newer SD version of GBAMP is even more limited than the previous CF version.

Technical Specifications

    * CompactFlash or Secure Digital card for storage
    * 512KB internal flash for firmware
    * Saving only with special versions of PocketNES and Goomba


Features

    * Video playback with sound
    * Audio playback, optionally with synchronous lyrics
    * Viewing images (uncompressed BMP format)
    * E-Book (text file) viewer, with bookmarking.
    * Playing NES, GB, SMS, and GBA multiboot, with some limitations; see List of GBA multiboot games

* iTouchDS NDS Flash Cart

The iTouchDS is a Slot 1 all-in-one backup unit for the Nintendo DS and DS Lite. The iTouchDS does not require any additional Passcard or Passme devices to operate. Fully compatible with MicroSD and MicroSDHC cards up to 32GB. Simply copy your ROMs or multimedia files onto a low cost, high capacity MicroSD or MicroSDHC card, insert the card into the the iTouchDS and now insert the iTouchDS into your DS or DS Lite and enjoy!

You can play MP3's, read TXT books, and run your homebrew applications with ease. The iTouchDS team has made functionality their number one priority with this new generation of DS development. This simply is the best product currently available for the Nintendo DS.

iTouchds features a system which will allow you to create custom shortcuts pointing to any homebrews or games. These shortcuts will appear in the iFav menu from here you will be able to access, run and manage your shortcuts.

Product Features:
# Plug and play feature for it is easy to use.
# 100% Game compatibility.
# Automatically detect and generate game save file.
# Built in cheat engine.
# Fully customizable skin interface.
# Supports both the Micro SDHC and MicroSD. (Capacity over 4GB)
# Supports homebrew applications.
# Supports software reset function.
# Supports Multi-Language.
# Supports Download Play.
# Single-chip solution, highest level of stability & lowest power consumption.
#
Support Multi-Language: English, French, Dutch, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean and Thai Language.

* M3

The M3, also knows as GBA Movie Player version 3, is a DS and GBA Flash Card, using CompactFlash or Secure Digital cards as a storage medium. The M3 is the 3rd version of the GBA Movie Player. It has 32MB of built-in RAM for playing GBA and DS roms.

Technical Specifications

    * SDRAM for GBA and DS roms, 256 Mbit (M3 Perfect) or 32 Mbit (M3 Pro)
    * 8Mbit SRAM for GBA Saves and DS Saves (not confirmed)
    * Built-In RTC
    * Uses Type I CompactFlash, Secure Digital or Mini-SD and Micro-SD (not yet released) cards for storage

GBA Compatibility

The M3 supports any GBA rom up to 256Mbit (32MByte) without patching. GBA roms can only be run in GBA mode. To access GBA mode, press start at the main menu while in DS mode.

DS Compatibility

A PassMe or NoPass device is required to use the M3 in DS mode. M3 cards are often sold bundled with a Passkey brand PassMe device or a PassCard 3 brand NoPass device. WifiMe does not work with the M3.[1]

Homebrew

Virtually every DS homebrew that reads files from the memory card (such as MoonShell or DSOrganize) supports the M3 CF, as it is so similar to the GBAMP v2 CF. Support for the various M3 SD adapters in homebrew is more spotty and depends on the version of the file system library used in the program.

Piracy

The M3 supports DS roms over 256Mbit (32MByte) by streaming them directly from the CF or SD card. All commercial DS roms must be patched before they will run. The manufacturer released patching software (available on their website) which works on most roms.

Most DS roms can save directly to the CF/SD card for easy storage and backup.

A DS rom compatibility list can be found at the Unofficial M3 Wiki

Another compatibility list in Italian at gbarl.it

Saving Games

The M3 has built-in SRAM capable of saving any DS and GBA game. When loading games onto the flash card using the game manager software, a new file is created in a directory, based on the game system of origin of said game (NDSSAVE or GAMESAVE for DS and GBA respectively). The savefile will be named after the rom file loaded into the game manager software, and from there the sram will be automatically saved into that file, on the media card. When you play that rom again, you will be given the option of loading the backed up save.

Movie Capabilities

The primary function of the original GBA Movie Player was, as the name implies, to play movie and audio files, and not for development or piracy purposes. The M3 includes all of the original functionality of the V1 and V2 models, in addtion to including support for the Nintendo DS' native, and larger, resolution of 256x192.

* M3 DS Simply

M3 DS Simply is a new Slot-1 Nintendo DS flash card announced by the M3 manufacturer. Marketing blah:

    * The same size as an original DS cart
    * Build in PassMe (No need for boot card or anything else to boot )
    * Using Micro SD card (Trans Flash) as external storage . Cheap & variety usage .
    * Boot clean dump images
    * Super simple to use , drag and files over to the micro SD card . - No drivers required
    * Standard FAT system support .
    * Support different speed of micro SD card even the low speed SD card .Run games without any lag or slow down .
    * upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
    * Touch Screen control & robust skinning support .
    * No need battery , back up the save file into the micro SD card directly .Never lose your save .
    * Auto detect the save type & automatic generate saver file .
    * Homebrew support , IO lib will release on launch .
    * Direct watch movie , listen MP3 & read TXT on the DS via the use of Moonshell.
    * Support WiFi , DS rumble pack & DS browser .

* MAX Media Player

MAX Media Player is a video and audio playing package for the DS made by Datel. It consists of a 4GB hard drive cartridge that's inserted into the GBA slot and a passthrough card inserted into the DS slot. This card is also sold separately as the MAX Media Launcher and has NoPass functionality.

The MAX Media Player can also be used to play some homebrew. You will need to check compatibility. Most apps like Moonshell work, and many emulators now have MMD support. The 4GB HDD version has some issues with homebrew, including loading speeds.

Max Media Dock

Like the Media Player but instead of a built in hard drive it uses replaceable CompactFlash cards for media storage.

Official page/store

Max Overload

Max Overload is a third party patcher for commercial DS roms. The ROM Patcher for the GBAMP also works, as it is just cracked for GBAMP for this version.

For more details, see article Max Overload.

Newer Versions

Recently, a newer version has been released called "Max Media Player PMP." PMP stands for Personal Media Player. It comes with a Max Media Launcher updated to V1.22, a 'GigaPack', a USB cable, and a CD with the video converter software. The 'Gigapack' is a cartridge aroung the size of a standard GBA cart, with a rounded top. It fits in the original DS, but practically dissappears. It has one Gigabyte of memory (8 Gbit) and has significantly faster loading speeds. The easiest place to buy it is Best Buy, but you may have to ask them to go to the back room to get one.

* MK5 GIGA

The MK5 GIGA is a new DS Slot 1/Slot2 homebrew kit by the manufacturers of NeoFlash.

Marketing info:

    * Support cleans rom, no patching needed.
    * Drag and Drop support
    * Huge memory space,from 8Gbit up to 64Gbit
    * USB 2.0 high-speed data transfer
    * USB disk function, compatible with any operation system
    * Built-in moonshell V1.5, upgradable
    * Supports homebrew
    * Build in SMS multi save function and auto save
    * Menu upgradable,just drag and drop the new core to MK5
    * Multi rom support, media play support
    * MK5 turbo engine, 100% full game running speed, without any delay
    * Built-in passme function, can boot almost any GBA flash cart perfectly

* Magic Key 2

From the makers of NeoFlash.

Does not have the functionality of PassMe2. However, MK4-mini and recent versions of FlashMe can boot Magic Key 2.

Features

Feature list from official site:

   1. Boot from ANY Flash cart.
   2. Included 8Kb high-speed inner cache, can use command to read/write it.
   3. Included 2M SRAM for NDS game save ( 100% hardware save, support EEPROM and Serial Flash directly ), and can compress the game save then backup to 16M menu flash later ( SMS function ).
   4. Included 16M Menu Flash, can store the MK2 / MK3 boot menu program, and can backup / restore the NDS SMS file
   5. Support SD and MMC card directly, maximum memory size up to 16Gb ~ 32Gb.
   6. Included Li-Ion battery, lifetime over 5 years, can keep the game save data around 3~7 days, for temporary using only, must backup the save data to menu flash later for a long time safe backup.
   7. Battery voltage display, can show NDS working voltage and MK2 / MK3 Li-Ion battery voltage.
   8. Support software reset, it'll help to make the multi-files loader.
   9. Support memory bank swap, very easy to use offset to swap the memory bank.
  10. Support power saving mode, some hardware module can enter sleeping mode when it don't run, and can use command to call them wake up.

MK2/MK3 don't support iQue and new color NDS, it's for original version NDS only, and you need to use ANY GBA flash cart to boot it from GBA port)

* Magic Key 3

Copies roms of a generic flash card to the Magic Key 3 itself. Is so far the only DS flash kit that runs roms from the DS port directly.

Does not have the functionality of PassMe2.

From the makers of NeoFlash.

Information

The Magic Key 3, as of menu version v0.6b1, and in conjunction with FlashMe v7, can now start directly from the DS slot without use of a GBA Flash Card.

Current menu version as of April 19, 2006 : v0.6b3

Link for latest menu version : http://www.neoflash.com/forum/index.php … 119.0.html

Features

Feature list from official site:

   1. Boot from ANY Flash cart.
   2. Included 8Kb high-speed inner cache, can use command to read/write it.
   3. Included 2M SRAM for NDS game save ( 100% hardware save, support EEPROM and Serial Flash directly ), and can compress the game save then backup to 16M menu flash later ( SMS function ).
   4. Included 16M Menu Flash, can store the MK2 / MK3 boot menu program, and can backup / restore the NDS SMS file
   5. Support SD and MMC card directly, maximum memory size up to 16Gb ~ 32Gb.
   6. Included Li-Ion battery, lifetime over 5 years, can keep the game save data around 3~7 days, for temporary using only, must backup the save data to menu flash later for a long time safe backup.
   7. Battery voltage display, can show NDS working voltage and MK2 / MK3 Li-Ion battery voltage.
   8. Support software reset, it'll help to make the multi-files loader.
   9. Support memory bank swap, very easy to use offset to swap the memory bank.
  10. Support power saving mode, some hardware module can enter sleeping mode when it don't run, and can use command to call them wake up.
  11. MK3 only: Included 256M / 512M Game Flash, for run PD rom and APP rom through MK2/MK3 and not need SD/MMC support.
  12. MK3 only: Included 64M / 128M Zip RAM, for decompress the data and run directly, also can use for a huge size high-speed working buffer, for example the Linux / EMU / PDA ...

Note: MK2/MK3 don't support iQue and new color NDS, it's for original version NDS only, and you need to use ANY GBA flash cart to boot it from GBA port)

* Magic Key 4

Magic Key 4 is a DS flash card that's under development by the makers NeoFlash. It will be inserted into the DS slot and work with any DS, including DS Lite.

* Media Gamer

Media Gamer is a new, yet unreleased (Dec 14th, 2006) Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS. Due to an unedited logo in a slideshow on its website it is rumored to be a clone of the MicroNinja card.

Some marketing blah:

    * Media Gamer will be the function of your NDS,
    * To be extended into a multi-media audio and video products,
    * It can also allow you to make use of your stored files NDS NDS more convenient.
    * Original DS Cart size
    * NDS let you store files.
    * Plug and Play, not to install any driver.
    * Support for MP3 music files, games homebrew, movies and image files.
    * Micro SD: Simple file management, the files are copied onto the Micro SD simply.
    * JPG / BMP / GIF / PCX / MP3 / WAV / MOD/ SMedia and NDS NDS Lite Gamer on compatibility, and support NDS used files. JPG / BMP / GIF / PCX images, such as documents, MP3 / WAV / S MOD/ 3M3M / IT and other music files, and featured movies.

* MicroNinja

MicroNinja is a new, yet unreleased (Dec 14th, 2006) Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS. It seems to be a redesign of the NinjaDS Sticky brand of NDS flash cards

Some marketing blah:

NINJA TEAM proudly Announces his lastest MICRONINJA DS Backup/Mediaplayer Device for NINTENDO DS/DSLITE...
Enjoy same Features as NINJADS in a ORIGINAL DSCART SIZE MICROSD Card Based Solution...
UNLIMITED SPACE FOR BACKUP ROMS/HOMEBREW,MP3,WAV,JPG,BMP,GIF,etc....

There will be two versions available, a blue and a red one.

* N-Card

N-Card is a new Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS.

Some marketing blah:

    * No stick-out
    * Clean ROM support
    * Opera Browser works (with hacks)
    * High Compatibility
    * Works on unflashed DS
    * Fits into DS perfectly
    * Touch Sensitive Menu
    * Very Inexpensive
    * Standard FAT format
    * Comes in different colours
    * Data transferred through Slot-2 device (included)
    * Download Play doesn't work for some games
    * Saves for new games need to be specified manually
    * Not much homebrew support so far

* NDS 1:1

NDS 1:1 is a DS-Slot based Flashcard.

Store PR Pitch

The NDS 1:1 is a linker especially made for the NDS/NDSL. It fits into the DS slot of your console, and allows you to launch NDS and other multimédia files (movies, music, e-books, ...). It includes flash memory so no extra memory card is needed. It can also be used as a passcard for other flash cards. This is a all-in-one product for your NDS/NDSL.

Features and Details:

    * Original NDS cart size.
    * No passcard needed.
    * No memory card needed.
    * Easy to use, plug and play.
    * 100% compatible to NDS, support all DS roms.
    * 512Mb flash memory included.
    * Saving system built in, no battery needed.
    * Support sleep mode.
    * Support USB 2.0
    * Can be used as passcard for M3/G6/Supercard/EZ Flash

* NeoFlash

NeoFlash was the first dedicated DS piracy solution. It consists of a rebranded XG card sold together with a Passme clone called MagicKey. Though many people have criticized NeoFlash for being overpriced, others have praised the Magic Key for its sturdy construction

NeoFlash only works with specially encrypted roms released by Golden Sun Team, a Release Group believed to be closely associated with the company behind NeoFlash (since the members obviously had technical knowledge about NeoFlash not available to the general public.)

* Ninja DS

Ninja DS runs roms from SD cards in the DS slot, instead of resorting to the GBA slot. It has yet to be released.

Proposed Functionality

The Ninja DS site claims that their product will not only be cheap, but it will run clean NDS roms and MP3 files as well, without the use of the GBA slot. It will run roms from SD cards. An original cart will not be needed, there will be no need to flash the DS, will work on the DS Lite. They appear to list two versions, a 'sticky' version, with formfactor similar to the Magic Key 3, and a 'U-shape' version, which folds under the DS, instead of sticking out.

    * NOTE: This is NOT the same as the Ninjapass DS Flash. It appears to be a completely unrelated company.

* Ninjapass DS Flash

Ninjapass DS Flash is a DS specific flash card. It's the same size as an original DS game card, has built in flash memory and NoPass functionality. It runs roms directly from the DS slot on vanilla DS or DS Lite units, with no additional equipment or firmware replacement needed. Homebrew does not work with it at all. It only works with clean dumps of licensed game roms.

As of August 2006 it is only available from Winsunx, in a "Jr" variant.[1] The "Jr." model has some problems playing more than one rom that the regular NinjaPass supposedly does not have, although it is possible to store and play more than one rom on NinjaPass Jr. (For example, Tetris DS and Bust a Move DS will both work at the same time) On the plus side, the Jr is only $35, but the shipping from Winsunx to most locations is $20-25. [2]

November 2006: ninjapass have released a new product X9TF, it's a slot1 device with a micro SD (TF) memory slot {up to 2GB). Winsunx is the main dealer and it sells for $50.

Similarities to other cards

Ninjapass DS Flash is most likely internally identical or very similar to the Ultra FlashPass, with the feature list being almost exactly the same. Allegedly Ninjapass can use the Ultra FlashPass software as well.

Ninjapass DS Flash is NOT the same as the Ninja DS device. Most likely the company behind Ninjpass decided to use the "Ninja" moniker for brand recognition, and to separate it from the shady rep of the Ultra FlashPass brand.

The X9TF is comparable with the DS-X, which has 512MB internal memory (not expandable).

Features

DS Game compatibility is supposed to be good with no noticeable slowdowns. Known problem games like Star Fox Command and Ultimate Spider-Man are running fine.

Save compatibility with DS games is reportedly bad.[3] It is currently unknown if saves can be backed up to PC from the card.

The company claims that the roms don't need patching, but it seems they are in reality patched on the fly when you flash the card. The software used to flash the card is even named "NinjaPass Patcher". This means that when newer games are released, this software will have to be updated to support them, the same as with any of the previously available GBA-slot based DS piracy kits.

It seems newer versions of the patching/flashing tool are being released to support newer roms. As of August 2006, Mario 3 on 3 was not working with the current Ninjapass software, but supposedly a newer version of the Ultra Flashpass software supports it. But there is no knowing if these releases will be consistent given the shady nature of the company. (see the Ultra FlashPass entry for details.)

Flashing of the card is slow. A full rewrite of 512Mb generally takes about 20 minutes, but can take much longer, up to an hour has been reported. With most SD or CF based cards writing a rom that size would only take a few seconds.

The Ninjapass variant available only has 512Mbit of onboard flash memory. This is adequate for the vast majority of DS roms, but there are a handfull of games that are bigger. See PH release list search.

The X9TF features everything you want if you read the advertsing. It has a lot of potential but still isn't living up to his full potential, it accepts clean roms but not all work or save (Kinston 512MB is proving not to be compatible). A nice upcomming feature is putting roms and files on the card wirelessly.

Notes

Many people have waited for the ultimate DS piracy solution with a DS game sized card that works automagically with any rom you throw at it. If anything Ninjapass shows that this might not be as straight forward as you'd wish.

There's really nothing inherently superior about the Ninjapass compared to a GBA slot based solution, especially since those are now available in sizes that don't stick out of either the DS or the DS Lite. The Ninjapass still needs patched roms, and the saving is most likely patched too. And since the current Ninjapass Jr only supports one rom, there is no increased portability. In contrast, the GBA slot cards allow you to bring a large amount of games on a single small card.

The X9TF accepts "clean roms", however it stores a file on the TF which tells his hardware what kind of safe-type it should use. Also the sav system isn't very friendly. Everytime you start a game you have to choose a sav file.

* R4

R4 is a Slot-1 flash card for the Nintendo DS. It is actually the exact same as the M3 Simply and the two can be converted to one another by bridging a single connector on the PCB. However, there has been a rumor that newer R4s will be modified to prevent this conversion. [1]

Some marketing blah:

    * 2nd generation storage device (no booting tool required)
    * Flush fitting slot 1 card
    * Uses MicroSD card, FAT16 or 32
    * Supports any MicroSD card speed with no lag in game.
    * Supports Clean ROM, drag and drop. Works on any OS
    * Built in NoPass
    * Automatically detect save type
    * Save directly to MicroSD card, not to onboard chip
    * Supports Moonshell and other homebrew
    * User friendly skinnable interface. Touchscreen or button operation
    * Supports rumble pak and memory pak

* SuperCard DS

SuperCard DS is the first Slot-1 flash card announced by the Supercard manufacturer. It was release on mid-December 2006.

However, SuperCard DS demands an extremely High-Speed Micro SD to fully utilize its gameplay function. Most of the games could not be played with other MicroSD cards, where they hanged with white screen after starting the game. Only a few of High-Speed MicroSD card are available in the market. Even games exhibit occasionally hangs in the middle of the gameplay while using an extremely High-Speed MicroSD cards all the time. Updates are maintained at sporadic rather than regular intervals. It does not offer a proper Cheat Function. It also has a price disadvantage to R4DS and M3 DS Simply.

Such users should take care not to temper the white sticker cover on the front facade as this would have dislocated the exposed chip out, and hence spoiling the product.

Due to the unprofitable nature, several vendors had since withdrawn their trade on this product over the past few months as of April 2007.

Marketing blah:

    * Using MicroSD/TFlash flash memory card.
    * Plug 'n Play(no need for GBA Cart and passme/flashme)
    * 100% Clean Rom Support, do not need any convert
    * no PC software required, just Drag 'n Drop file from PC to flash memory card
    * Hardware save support, Unlimitated storage, support FAT, FAT32

* Supercard

SuperCard is an adapter for generic Compact Flash or Secure Digital cards. It copies GBA ROM files to onboard RAM and executes them from there. NDS roms can be patched to run from RAM or stream directly from the CF/SD.

There are six types of SuperCard available.

Supercard DS ONE

Supercard DS is a Slot-1 solution that uses Micro SD / Transflash cards for storage, made by the SuperCard Team.

A major point of interest is that the Supercard DS requires MicroSD cards with extremely fast Micro SD cards in order to prevent games from freezing intermittently. While firmware updates have increased the tolerance for slower cards, a fast card is still highly recommended. In general, cards made in Japan and not Taiwan are the ones to look for. Updates are maintained at sporadic rather than regular intervals, though this is the case with nearly every other slot-1 device. While more expensive and less user-friendly than some other slot-1 devices, the Supercard DS has many powerful functions that can be utilized once one learns how to use them. Examples of such features include:

    * Cheat system with support for Action Replay DS and Dipstar codes
    * The ability to enter the cheat menu mid-game to enable or disable specific cheats
    * Real-time book capability, that is, the ability to reference a text file like a GameFAQs guide in the middle of the game with a button combination
    * Automatic DLDI patching for homebrew
    * The ability to patch most homebrew to support soft-reset to the Supercard DS menu
    * Multiple save files for the same game
    * Can use in combination with non-Rumble slot-2 Supercards to run GBA files and use the Opera web browser

The original versions of the Supercard DS were fairly buggy and had some hardware issues. For instance, the white sticker on front merely covered up a bare PCB that could be visible if the sticker was damaged. In addition, many users have had issues with save files being lost. This is because in the past, the Supercard DS held the current save file in a capacitor and wrote it to the Micro SD card upon the next bootup. However, sometimes the capacitors failed and the saves were lost. A firmware update should theoretically have fixed this issue by writing the save file directly to the card rather than using the capacitor.

As of October 2007, an SDHC-enabled version of the Supercard DS has been available, allowing users to use Micro-SDHC cards. A special SDHC version of the firmware is available that parallels the non-SDHC version, and the firmwares are not interchangeable.

* Supercard Rumble Series

SuperCard Rumble Series is a flash card adapter for Nintendo DS. It is similar to Supercard except it has a vibration chip for DS games that support rumble instead of 32 MB PSRAM. This means it cannot run GBA files, which the regular SuperCard loads into the 32 MB PSRAM to increase access speed. Its firmware does not allow use of GBA multiboot games either.[1]

The logo uses a dual "O" representing the dual screens of the DS in the same way that the Nintendo DS logo does. This has led some sellers to misinterpret the name as "SuperoCard".

Older firmware versions were not capable of launching DS homebrew files made with release r20 of DevKitARM. However, this was fixed in firmware version 1.8x. For upgrading instructions, see main article Supercard

* Ultra FlashPass

Ultra FlashPass is a DS flash card. It appears to be internally identical to Ninjapass DS Flash, so look at that entry for more details.

The official Ultra FlashPass site cannot be linked from PHWiki because they provide links to commercial roms and sell CD-R with commercials roms on their site. [1]

This card has been tested by a user and it has been confirmed that this card supports all versions of Firmware. Also, It has 100% compatibility with ALL 1100+ Commercial and Demo ROMS dumped and can support all save types.

Last edited by KinG_Td (2008-05-03 20:24:23)