Guide to NDS Flash carts and Homebrew

[Buleste]

I've had my r4 for a couple of days now so whilst I've had a little play I've no where near tested it's full capabilities. And it's quite a nice thing. I initially had some problems installing the software but eventually it worked, stuck a few ROMs on and away you go. I've tried installing Linux but to no success as of yet but I'll keep trying. Over all well worth the money.
WARNING : If you go for the DSi version make sure you get one built after sept 09 as the earlier versions do not accept the latest versions of the software although all the ones sold on the site I gave should be the newer versions.

I've had a bit more of a play and found there is a built in cheat mode for all but the newest of games that is regularly updated.

UPDATE: I now know why I can't run DS Linux. It requires the memory expansion pack on the DS/DS Lite. The DSi has 16 MB of RAM so it will work fine on that.

[Buleste]

I've managed to get the C64 emulator working!!!!!

[Harrison]

How fast was the emulation? Full speed? What about emulating the keyboard?

[Buleste]

I would say it depends on the game but on a standard DS it's about 95% - 100%. The keyboard is in the touchpad and the joypad is port 2. It's a port of Frodo. It would be interesting to see if VICE could be ported to add a little better compatibility and to add the ability to switch the joypad to port 1 so you can play IM on the move. I'm not sure if there is a possinility to try multiple disk games (KOL for instance).

[Harrison]

A lot of people seem to be recommended the Acekard DSi card at the moment. I just had a look and those cards are compatible with the DS, DS Lite and DSi, so the one card works for all which is good.

And the prices seem about the same as the R4 and R4i cards.

I've also discovered a great Hong Kong site http://www.dealextreme.com that reminds me so much of Lik-Sang. They are selling DS flash carts, plus lots of other stuff for many different systems. They also have some great looking handheld emulation systems worth looking at, and all at great prices with free shipping.

[Buleste]

All of the R4 cards are clones and the original has stopped being made so it's hardware will no longer be developed (I've just found this out) however it is a nice card. However as you say a lot of guys are recommending the AceKard which from what I've seen is very similar to the R4 that I bought although it has a more windoze like interface.

[Buleste]

The R4i-SDHC has had a major firmware update. Included with the latest firmware is something called Games Engine. This app allows you to connect to the Games Engine Site and look at the latest Roms and Cue them for download onto your SDHC card. You then plug your SDHC card into your PC and run the Games Engine software to download the Roms you want. Hopefully soon they will allow direct to card downloading onto the DS and also allow you to connect to the Games Engine site and download some of the latest movies in .dpg format.