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DSTT DS Top Toy TTDS SLOT-1
Manufacturer: DSTT
Site: Buy from BambooGaming
Price: $36.00


Overview : Essentially based off the NeoFlash Top Toy DS (TTDS), which supports SDHC 256Gbit, plug and play, support cheat code and soft reset!

Features:

• DSTT = 100% NEO-DSTT, Same OEM products, only the brand Different .
• DS original cartridge size, Slot1 interface.
• Plug 'n Play, easy to use, just Drag 'n Drop file from PC to flash memory card.
• No FlashMe, built-in NoPass, and the GBA cards in slot2 can be started directly.
• Supports CleanROM, No covert.
• 100% SDHC TF and standard TF compatibility up to 4GB (4096GByte) flash memory card.
• High speed SDHC. Supports any TF card speed with no lag in game,
• Save directly to TF card, not to onboard chip, Never lose your saves.
• Automatically detect and generate save type.
• Supports Moonshell and homebrew. DLDI auto-patching.
• Supports FAT/FAT32, works on any OS.
• Supports Action Replay cheat and edit the code base.
• Built-in energy-saving design.
• User friendly skinnable interface. Touchscreen or button operation. Supports Skin DIY.
• Supports the Hot-Key SOFT RESET.
• Supports the WiFi game, DS Rumble Pak, DS Browser.
• Supports Download play.
• Supports 4-scale-lightness adjustment (DS Lite only).
• Free SDHC high-speed reader, Ultimate copy documents.

Quality/Usability : So with the R4DS being highly sought after and the constant backorder, gamers having been searching for other alternatives. I just so happen to stumble upon a new product called DSTT. Some people stated that it was better. Is it better than the almighty R4DS?! Little did I know, the DSTT is actually the same product as the NeoFlash Top Toy DS just rebranded and a whole lot better looking. But to be fair, instead of just copying and pasting the NeoFlash review, I'd start fresh.

My review sample did not come with packaging, instructions, GBA carts/packs or software CD. All I received was the DSTT cartridge and a very small microSD USB Card Reader. There is another package offered that includes GBA Expansion Pak, Rumble Pak and even a USB Nintendo DS Charger. That is the first time I heard a flash cart manufacturer throwing in a USB DS charger. The TTDS didnt even come with one.

Like all flash carts on the market, the size is the same as the original DS cartridge. Unlike some carts on the market, you do not see a protruding chip coming out from the sticker. The DSTT is white and has a spring loading mechanism. The microSD Card Reader itself is very very small compared to others included with different flash carts. But due to the size, removing the microSD can be a pain in the ass.

Set up is the same like any other flash carts. Download the latest system files from DSTT's website, load it onto the microSD along with some games and homebrew and you're ready to go. As mentioned above, since the DSTT is rebranded from the NeoFlash TTDS, you can use NeoFlash's system files on the DSTT and vice versa. You can place your files anywhere even in folders and it will be read. Unfortunately, it does not put your files in alphabetical order but in the order you placed your files in. You're also able to add your own background image which is known as skinning. The included skin is just an image of DSTT's logo.

DSTT uses Action Replay codes for your cheats. To enable cheats, simply press the (+) button or SELECT and choose the cheats you wish to enable for play. You can also enable and disable cheats in-game as well simply by pressing the corresponding buttons: L+R+START+UP (enables cheats); L+R+START+DOWN (disables cheats)

If you're in a game and want to go back to the DSTT menu system, simply press A+B+X+Y+L+R in-game and it will exit the game and goes straight to the menu system.

There is no dedicated Media button like some flash carts such as the M3 or R4, so the Moonshell will be listed with your games/homebrew files.

Speaking of homebrew, all homebrew games are automatically DLDI patched. Just select your homebrew and it will automatically patch it and run your game. No longer do you have to manually do it yourself.

Having tested the DSTT with a 1GB microSD (Japan) and a 4GB microSDHC (Japan), I can say that there was no problems with games that I threw at it. Granted there are so many DS games available, I didnt have a chance to test them all but for the majority that I did, I did not have a problem. All games are saved immediately and directly to your microSD in a .sav format similar to that of the R4 and M3.

Conclusion : Overall, the DSTT DS Top Toy TTDS SLOT-1 may sound new, its actually a rebadged NeoFlash TTDS and different packaging. The DSTT was very sturdy, clean looking and worked how a flash cart should work. The spring mechanism for the microSD was very smooth. Although the microSD Card Reader is probably the smallest I have seen and is cute, removing the microSD can be a pain in the ass due to its very small size. Those looking for an alternative to the R4 or any other ...

NDS Shock! DS Lite Replacement Case
Manufacturer: Xtreme Enterprises
Site:
Price: $34.99-44.99


Overview : The saying goes, if everybody looked the same, we'd get tired of looking each other and the same goes for the Nintendo DS Lite. It's time to Shock! your DS Lite and give it a unique and vibrant look wherever you go via Xtreme Enterprises range of SHOCK! DS Lite replacement cases. Manufactured with the highest quality in mind, SHOCK! are a range of stellar replacement cases for DS Lite suitable for a fantastically aesthetically pleasing makeover of Nintendo's handheld or as a replacement to damaged or defective original casing. Every SHOCK! case is created with rigorously durable ABS material which will ultimately preserve the shockingly wonderful appearance for the entirety of the handheld.

SHOCK! cases included everything required for a complete overhaul of your DS Lite. As standard the following is included in every professionally boxed case:

• Top and bottom casing, complete with battery compartment
• All buttons (both triggers, left control pad, right buttons, start/select and power/volume)
• GBA front cover
• Screwpads

Quality/Usability : We have all dreaded the cracked hinges on our Nintendo DS and Lites. It is a known problem and issue with the DS. This is due to the poor quality of the plastic that Nintendo used. My onyx DS Lite and original grey DS phat didnt have this problem but my white DS Lite did. Luckily, I kept it around for desperate moments or for parts. Xtreme Enterprises is known for their replacement cases such as the Chuckii Wiimote Replacement Shell. The NDS Shock! DS Lite Replacement Case comes in a glossy black cardboard box with all necessary parts wrapped in a bubble padded package.

You can view videos on how to dismantle your Nintendo DS Lite: step video 1, step video 2, step video 3 and step video 4.

Once the original case is off, the replacement case is a perfect fit. The quality and how sturdy the case is, is on par with Nintendo's own OEM casing. But not everything is the same. At a close look, there are 3 extra speaker holes on each side of the DS allowing better output of sound. There were some stuff that Xtreme Enterprises have left out such as the upper and lower LCD frame, silicone cover pieces that are used to cover up screw holes and matching stylus. Since the shields and LCD frame are not included, you'll have to remove them from your original case.

What I also noticed was that the top of the case no longer has the dual screen logo. This makes customizing whether it be applying skins or painting a lot cleaner. Also, the START/SELECT buttons are slightly different. It's not smooth or flat like the original buttons. It has a slightly raised edge around it.

Conclusion : Overall, the NDS Shock! DS Lite Replacement Case is a great product for those looking to stand out from the rest of the DS crowd or just looking to replace a damaged case. Although the case fits like the OEM, it does really feel like the OEM case. The lack of silicone pieces and other parts, makes the case short of being fully a replacement case. The price of the case is a bit high as well costing almost 1/3 the cost of the Nintendo DS Lite itself. Since the case is plastic, both the clear and chrome will shows scratches if not kept properly.

By removing the faceplate, you void you warranty. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Networks is not responsible for any damages that user may have caused.

Images via comments ...

iTouchDS DS Card SLOT-1 MicroSDHC
Manufacturer: M3 / iTouchDS
Site: Buy from Homebrew Dev (iTouch2) / Buy from ConsoleSource / Buy from DealExtreme / Buy from VolumeRate
Price: $34.95-$36.99


Overview : iTouchDS introduce a new concept to NDS gaming. Now you will be able to launch your favorite Homebrew and games with a touch of a button. 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.

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.

Quality/Usability : M3 Team has a new flash cart for you Nintendo DS users. M3's new product is called iTouchDS. Although the iTouch DS does the same as the M3DS Real, only difference is sticker on the cartridge, packaging, GUI, no RAM/Expansion pakc and quality of the cart.

I love the new packaging design even though it comes in a cardboard box. Inside the cardboard box is a plastic sleeve that holds the iTouchDS and microSD card reader. The card reader is pretty much a standard with flash carts that uses microSD's. If you have a bunch of flash carts like I do, you'll have a lot of them. The back of the box lists the features that you read above. However, no mini-CD is included. Usually the CD contains files to load onto your microSD. You can download the latest files at Simple + Easy.

The quality of the cartridge itself feels cheap and flimsy. Its similar to the M3DS Real and is the same size as the original cartridge. Instead of a screw holding the shell together, there are clips along the side holding them together. Like some flash carts on the market, the PCB chip protrudes from behind the iTouchDS sticker just slightly. At a certain angle, you can see it as well as moving your finger over the center of the sticker. On the back of the iTouchDS, the plastic guides are no longer present like the original cartridges. This can cause potential scratches if not kept and protected correctly.

The iTouchDS automatically boots into the main menu of the iTouchDS. In the main menu, you are unable to change the brightness of the Nintendo DS Lite screen. Some areas of the GUI does not utilize the touchscreen capabilities. The main menu has 3 options: iCard, iFav and iGame.

iCard is your file browser where you can view all the contents on your microSD. It also lets load homebrew files. iTouchDS auto-DLDI patches your homebrew files. All you do is load the file and let iTouchDS do all the work. You can save files as favorites to iFav by simply pressing the X button. This will than place an icon on your iFav.

As mentioned above, iFav is where all your favorites are stored. This directly links you to your games and applications. You'll mainly see icons but once an icon is highlighted, the file name and path of the file is shown at the top of the screen. This is the only menu that allows you to use the touchscreen.

iGame is where the game loading takes place. Here, only .nds files are viewable. Unfortunately, you can not load homebrew files from this menu. As mentioned above, you can only open homebrew files from the iCard menu. You will also need to place your games in a folder and not in the root of the directory. Doing so will result in an error message stating that it can not create a save file. Within the iGame menu, you can choose your cheats, adjust settings such as soft-reset, Normal or Download Play and a reset button.

In the system settings, you are able to enable/disable and choose cheats, enable/disable slow motion, slow motion level, back up save files, Normal or Download Play. The GUI is also skinnable but the icons are not moveable. You can only change the looks but not placement.

Conclusion : Overall, the iTouchDS DS Card SLOT-1 MicroSDHC did what it was suppose to do. Compatibility, auto-DLDI patching, cheats all work great. The new GUI system is very nice looking and user friendly. However, although these budget cards are a cheaper alternative and they work, I feel that the build quality is compromised. The cart feels really cheap in the hands. But those looking to upgrade their M3 Simply or R4 to a card that supports microSDHC, they may want to consider getting the iTouchDS.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions ...

N-Card 16Gbit SLOT-1 (2GB)
Manufacturer: N-Card (Chinese)
Site: Buy from SuperCardNDS
Price: $57.99

Overview : N-Card is a slot 1 device (no passcard required). It does not use any external storage cards such as microSD. There is a 1GB and 2GB versions.

Features :

• Same size as the Original DS Card. Same Manufacturing technology. Colours of case to choose.
• No FlashMe, No PassMe, No conversion anymore.
• Support clean rom, no transfer software need.
• NAND chip inside,provides your same experience of Original DS Card. Internal memory and comes with 8Gbit/16Gbit memory card (16 Giga bit = 2048MB).
• Low power consuming and long sustaining time.
• Support Moonshell and lots of homebrew which could patched with DLDI.
• Firelinke exclusive, your DS could be a Mouse or a game controller.

Quality/Usability : There have been a lot NAND memory Slot-1 flash carts such as DS Linker, DS Fire, Express Card, Ultra Flash Pro EX, MK5 GIGA, etc., but each has its own limitation as the internal memory is not upgradeable.

The packaging is pretty much similar with a cardboard box and inner plastic tray. The tray holds the Slot-1 N-Card, Slot-2 N-Card Flash Linker, USB cable and manual underneath the tray. No software CD was included but you can download the latest files from their website. Another alternative download location would be here. The manual is in Chinese so if you cant read Chinese, it would do you no good. Whats also weird is that the images they used in the instructions, they are either backwards or upside down.

Like all Slot-1 flash cards, it is identical is size to the original Nintendo game cards. It fits flush in the DS. Whats awkward is that the Slot-2 says NDS/NDS Lite but the design of the cartridge will only fit on a NDS Lite. But when placed in to Slot-2 of a NDS Lite, it fits flush with with the DS. The included USB cable is short. So if you have a USB port that is not close to you, you may either have to stretch or walk back and forth.

To transfer files to the N-Card, you will need to connect the USB cable to the flash linker. Once connected, turn on your DS. Your PC will not recognize it and you will be able to drag and drop files.

The GUI isnt the prettiest of things. The top screen displays the games information such as file name, file save, etc. The bottom screen displays icons of the games you have loaded onto the N-Card. If you dont like the background images, you can simply change them just like all other Slot-1 flash carts.

Every game loaded has worked fine. I did not notice any slowdowns or lags. I did however have problems with some homebrew. Hopefully the DLDI support would be better when new updates are released.

Conclusion : Overall, the N-Card 16Gbit SLOT-1 (2GB) is a decent product but falls short in some areas. The short length of the USB cable can be a turn off for some. Although it says NDS, the Slot-2 flash linker will only work with NDS Lites. Would of been nice if they included the GBA flash linker size but this would probably raise the price due to manufacturing costs. Transferring of files takes a little longer than any of the other flash carts. The upside is that it works with all if not most of the games available on the market. Considering this is a 2GB version, I would think this is enough space...for me that is. But for some, it may be too small and would prefer a flash cart with removable memory. But for the price of a N-Card, its fairly reasonable in price.

Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.

Images via comments ...

Acekard R.P.G. 8G PRO SLOT-1 (1GB)
Manufacturer: Acekard
Site: Buy from Shop.01Media
Price: $76.00


Overview : The Acekard R.P.G. is the only slot-1 solution that offers both internal NAND flash memory, as well as removable media via MicroSD. In game lag is a thing of the past thanks to the ultra fast NAND memory and combined with the MicroSD slot, you can have virtually unlimited capacity. Supports microSDHC card.

[Build in "Quick Exchange" Technology"]
With the "Quick Exchange" Technology", Acekard R.P.G can easily exchange files between NAND Flash and MicoSD memory card and you can also choose either start the game in NAND or Micro SD memory card.

[World's first "AUTO Save type detection" flash card]
Acekard R.P.G build in with the "AUTO SAVE TYPE DETECTION" technology which able to auto detects the save type up to 99% of the games. (Until now, we still haven't found any games that Acekard R.P.G is not able to detect.)

[Build in USB connector, support U-Disk]
No more Card Reader or slot 2 USB Reader is needed. To transfer the games between computer and Acekard R.P.G, the only thing you need is a standard Mini USB cable. Acekard R.P.G supports both USB 1.0 and 2.0, so the file transfer speed is extremely fast. Once the Acekard R.P.G connects with the computer, it can be used as an U-Disk as well.(However, if user want to use the microSD card on PC, a card reader is needed.)

[100% Compatibility for all NDS games]
Acekard R.P.G simulates the original game cart which makes it able to play all the new released NDS games (Clean roms) without updating the kernels.

[Build in "Rom Trimming" Function; automatically remove the un-necessary data in the Roms]
Acekard R.P.G is the world's first flash card which has the "Rom Trimming" Function build in. When you copy the file between Micro SD and NAND flash, if there is any un-necessary data in the Roms, Acekard R.P.G will remove it automatically.

[Fully touch screen operation]
Acekard R.P.G is using the idea of iPhone which gives the customer a totally new control experience*.

* You are able to switch to "Button Control" as well.

[Original game cart size, no flash needed, no passme needed, easy plug and play]
Acekard R.P.G has the same size as original game cart and you don't have to flash your machine or using passkey in order to use Acekard R.P.G. It is just plug and play.

[Able to use as a passkey to boot slot2 flash cards]
Acekard R.P.G can be used as a passkey, so you can boot your slot2 flash cards with it, and no MicroSD card is needed.

[Using "write balance" technology, able to re-write NAND flash more than usual]
The "write balance" technology makes the Acekard R.P.G utilize the NAND flash evenly, so it will last longer than the original game cart.

[Save file directly stored into memory card, no battery needed and never lost]
Acekard R.P.G will store your save file directly into NAND flash or Micro SD memory card, so there is no battery needed to keep the save file, and it will never lost.

[Micro SD files exchange]
You can exchange the files between two Micro SD memory cards by using the build in NAND Flash. Make games sharing more easily

[Support Multi-language]
You can easily change the language within Acekard R.P.G.

[Easy Skin Change]
You can easily DIY Acekard R.P.G skin, and change it at anytime.

[Open Source]
We will open all the source code of our OS and also the AKMENU and Acekard R.P.G I/O interface, so homebrew programmer could easily change or re-code the whole system.

[Acekard R.P.G future function]
Support multi save files
Support Action Replay cheat

Quality/Usability : Acekard R.P.G. is not only the first open source flash cart but also the first to offer both onboard flash memory (1GB) and the ability to use microSD as well (SDHC compatible). The acronym for R.P.G. stands for Real Play Gear. Acekard has also released the open source files for the loader but not the firmware itself.

The packaging for the Acekard R.P.G. is nice and comes in a plastic case with instructions included. The case holds the Acekard R.P.G. as well as a GBA cart. The plastic case slips inside a white cardboard sleeve. Shop.01Media includes a mini-USB cable for all your transferring needs.

The cart itself is the same size as a normal DS cartridge but looks wise, it does not. the R.P.G. does not look like your standard flash carts that you see. The Acekard sticker is on the back side rather on the front. On the front or the back, has the Acekard logo molded onto a semi-transparent casing. So when inserting the cart into your DS, instead of the sticker facing out, it will be facing in. What you'll notice immediately is the mini-USB port on the top of the R.P.G., along with a microSD slot. The microSD slot is spring loaded and accommodates both standard microSD and microSDHC cards. Built internally is a flash memory that holds up to 1GB. So you have the option of using the internal memory or microSD slot.

What is mostly unique is the open-source feature. Anyone who is talented or has the knowledge, can modify, customize, ...

Ninjapass Evolution X9 SLOT-1
Manufacturer: Ninjapass
Site: Buy from DealExtreme / Buy from DealExtreme (1GB) / Buy from DealExtreme (1GB) / Buy from DealExtreme (2GB) / Buy from DealExtreme (1GB) / Buy from DealExtreme (2GB)
Price: $55.00

Overview : The X9TF is the real revolutionary of the DS Cartridge, support Multi Language, compatible with Homebrew and multi media function on the all DS and DS Lite (via DLDI). Duo to the X9 Smart Loader will automatically detect gamesave type and automatically create the gamesave file (support 4k, 64k, 512k EEPROM, 2M and 4M Flash). support pokemon pearl/diamond and use dsrom.lst or NOT.

Offering a SINGLE unified solution which allows you to do the unthinkable and push the limits of DS console. The Ninjapass X9 does NOT require the use of a passcard or any unsightly GBA cart, just one intelligently designed piece of kit, the same size as an ordinary DS cart, giving an unrivalled experience to any DS enthusiast.

Same size as original DS cartridge, Never stick out of the DS & DS Lite, Supports the ultra large capacity memory and Intuitively designed custom operating system which is fully upgradeable. Directly Drag‘n drop all your favourite media and homebrew into the TF (MicroSD) card. With minimal effort as the NINJAPASS X9 will be instantly recognized by your console. Support OS skinnable (Touchscreen or button operation), So you can DIY your own style interface. Built in onboard EEPROM and Flash memory chip, real save method or patch save method support.

Features :

• New generation storage device (no booting tool required)
• The same size as an original DS cart
• Uses MicroSD card, FAT16
• Supports MicroSD speed Adjustment
• Supports movie/MP3/eBook/Comic Book and photo on the DS via homebrew(by DLDI)
• Supports Clean ROM, drag and drop. Works on any OS
• Built in Passcard function
• Automatically detect the save type & automatic generate saver file
• Compatible all gamesave type (4k, 64k, 512k EEPROM, 2M and 4M Flash)
• Save to onboard chip or MicroSD card, real save method or patch save method
• Supports 99.99% homebrew. (via DLDI)
• User friendly skinnable interface. Touchscreen or button operation
• Support WiFi, DS rumble pack & DS browser
• Supports Multi Language, NO language bias price
• Support User Skin DIY, Adjust the menu.txt to change the Language and OS font color
• Supports the Soft Reset* (release soon)
• Built in Action Replay function* (release soon)
• Built in WiFi Transfer function* (release soon)

Quality/Usability : Ninjapass Evolution X9 comes includes a SD/MMC USB card reader as well as the X9 in a black casing. The Ninjapass Team also included 2 additional empty casings (clear and pink) as well as 2 Ninjapass stickers. These stickers are to be placed on any of the casings to cover the exposed PCB board. No instructions or CD was included but is not needed as you can view them on their website. The quality of the cartridge is well built and the same size as the actual DS game cartridge from Nintendo and other Slot-1 cartridges on the market.

Setting up the X9 can be a bit troublesome and requires some tinkering in order to get things running. First, you will have to read their manual. It will explain what files are needed and copied over to the microSD card in order for the X9 to work. You can download the latest files here.

The Ninjapass Team has improved the look of the GUI dramatically. It looks alot better. The top screen shows Ninjapass' logo and underneath the logo shows the game logo and save type. At the very top above the logo shows the date, time and temperature.

The bottom screen shows the list of games loaded on the microSD. Not only does it shows your games, but also folders for your homebrew, DSOrganize and whatever folders you have on the microSD.

Once you have chosen your game, you are given an option of 1: Turbo, 2: Fast, 3: Medium, 4: Slow. Its best to choose #3: Medium. If you have a high speed card, you can choose either #1 or #2.

The X9 allows you to skin the GUI. You can change the skin by:

As for game compatibility, I didnt have any problems with any of the games. You can take a look at the Wiki compatibility list here. But its best to get a very good highspeed card to avoid any problems with loading of games.

The compatibility for homebrew is very good. The X9 has DLDI support which lets you run all the latest homebew with full DLDI support.

Conclusion : Overall, the Ninjapass Evolution X9 works great but falls short in some areas. There is no soft reset as well as cheat system. Swapping of the casings can be ...

DS Lite Stereo FM Radio Converter
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $10.00

Overview : Listen to the radio using your DS Lite.

Features :

• High quality 3rd party product.
• Specially design for NDS Lite.
• Built in LCD display - easy to set up.
• No need to add extra battery - get the power from the NDS Lite.
• Stereo sound signal.
• Supports full range of FM frequency - from 87.5 to 108.5

Quality/Usability : The DS Lite Stereo FM Radio Converter operates on 87.5MHz-108Mhz frequency (Stereo signal). Inserting the FM Radio into the DS will stick out.

On the front of the FM radio is a blue LCD display that shows you the station you are listening to. Underneath the LCD display are 5 buttons; CH+, CH-, MODE, Volume UP and DOWN. To the right of the LCD display is the headphone jack.

In order for the FM radio to turn on, you must turn on the DS. You can not use the radio with the DS off. You can only adjust the volume on the FM radio. Adjusting the volume on the DS will do nothing. And you can only listen using the headphone jack on the FM radio, not on the DS Lite. Removing the headphone out of the jack will turn the FM radio off.

To scan through the stations, press MODE. This will make the volume bars disappear. Use UP/DOWN to scan through the stations. If you want to save that station to one of the 40 preset channels, just hold the MODE button down. The channels will now blink. Use the CH- or CH+ to select which channel you want to save that station to. Once you choose a channel, press MODE to confirm. To select your preset stations, just press either CH+ or CH- to scroll through your saved stations.

Pressing the buttons will require a little force. In other words, you'll have to press the buttons a little harder in order for it to recognize.

The quality of the sound is fairly decent with a little static. Dont expect any bass/tremble as there wont be any.

Conclusion : Overall, the DS Lite Stereo FM Radio Converter is a decent product. Nothing fancy or high tech. Having to press the buttons harder can be annoying. It would have been nice if it didnt require you to turn the DS Lite on. Since it does, it should have at least let us use the headphone jack and volume slider on the DS Lite. The FM radio only comes in one color, white.

Images via comments ...

G6 Flash G6DS Real SLOT-1 (1GB)
Manufacturer: G6
Site: Buy from Divineo China / Buy from Console Source / Buy from DealExtreme (2GB)
Price: $64.95

Overview : Designed to backup and play anything you can throw at it the G6DS Real is the latest Nintendo DS backup unit offered by the G6 Flash Team.

The G6DS Real does not use SD memory cards, instead it comes with a built in 8Gb (1GB) of NAND memory and offers a simple drag and drop interface via its USB linker with high speed USB 2.0 write speeds. In addition the G6DS Real introduces a new operating system called "TouchPod" which breaks from the many lackluster GUIs and Moonshell systems seen in comparable products.

Features :

• The real NDS Clean dump rom compatibilty & support.
• Boot clean dump images without the need for any patching.
• Same size as an ordinary DS flash cart.
• Extreme simple to use: just drag and drop files to the G6 Cart.
• Exclusive super "Cheat Code" function.
• Software reset function.
• No drivers & any software required.
• Work as U disk with USB 2.0 ultra fast burning speed .Standard FAT system support.
• Built-in 8G bit (1GB) or 16G bit (2GB) NAND Flash memory. No need to use the SD card & worry about the ejection problem of SD card slot.
• Perfect preformance. (Runs games without any lag or slow down. You don't need to worry about the compatibility & speed of SD card.)
• Auto detect the save type and automatically generate save file. No need to operate manual by yourself.
• Upgradeable Firmware (OS/Bios/Kernel)
• Includes a fully touch screen & button control operating system/GUI Menu.
• Perfect download Play compatibilty. (Single card multiplayer works)
• Compatible with DS Rumble Pak, RAM Pack, DS browser.
• Compatibile with Wi-Fi Connection.
• NDS-GBA Linkage works fine.
• Built in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart/passcard etc.)
• Homebrew support.
• Robust & skinnable GUI.
• Ability to boot slot 2 flash carts for GBA/NDS support, with the G6 cart as a passme in slot 1.
• Built in Multi-media player.(MP3, OGG music & DPG /DSM/GBM movies). Boots MP3’s and video files via of our media player or Moonshell.
• Super E-book function, support Word/TXT file directly.
• Super picture viewer function, support *.BMP, *.JPG, *.GIF, *.PNG directly.
• Built in PDA (Worldwide Time, Memo, Note, Phone book, Calculator.)
• Supports DS sleep mode.
• Brightness adjustment within GUI.

Quality/Usability : The G6 Flash Team has finally released their G6DS Real after announcing the product over 4 months ago. The G6DS Real comes in a box with a plastic holder. Item was shipped in a regular envelope so the packaging got squashed during transit. Hopefully, resellers will package the item in a box to prevent damage during transit. In the box are the following items you would get:

• G6DS Real 8Gb Flash Cartridge
• G6DS Real card reader / writer
• USB cable
• Mini-CD Software disc
• Blue rubber protective case

As listed above, it is suppose to include a mini-cd with G6 Real software but I never received one. It was probably left out during packaging. Its OK though because you dont really need it as you can download it from their site (link further down in review).

The G6DS Real comes in only one color, grey. Like all other Slot-1 flash carts, it is exactly the same size of that of the Nintendo DS cartridges. Only difference is that the bottom back of the cart where it shows the chipset, it doesnt have plastic pin separators like the Nintendo DS cartridges. The plastic pin separators help guide the connections.

Considering the G6DS Real uses NAND memory and does not use any external memory cards, to transfer data to and from the PC, a USB linker is included. One end is the male USB connector and the other end is the female DS slot. On the top of the linker is a blue LED. This will let you know when data is being transferred. Do not remove the DS cart when the light is flashing/on. Since the linker is fairly big, the G6 team has included a USB extension cable for those tight spots where the linker wont be able to fit.

To get the G6DS Real running, like all other flash carts, you'll need the necessary files to run the SLOT-1 card. You can download the latest files from G6 Flash or from linfox. Connect the USB linker which is now black, not blue as pictured, to your PC and insert the G6DS Real. Your computer will now recognize it as a REMOVABLE STORAGE. Once the computer has recognized the G6, extract the latest files to the root of the G6DS (example X:\SYSTEM). This is pretty much the same process for the M3 Simply, R4DS, SuperCard DS One and any other flash carts. Copying of files is a simple drag and drop process. To place your NDS games, they will need to be placed in a folder called "NDS".

Once everything is placed onto the G6DS Real and you boot it up, you are given the TouchPod menu and features. The TouchPod is very responsive and accurate when selecting games and menus. The G6DS Real allows you to have up to five (5) skins. The skins are stored in the "SYSTEM" folder and consists of 22 .BMP images. The skins are ...

NeoFlash MK5 8Gbit GIGA Cart (1GB)
Manufacturer: NeoFlash
Site: Buy from IC2005
Price: $49.00

Overview : NeoFlash MK5 8Gbit GIGA is a slot 1 device (no passcard required). It does not use any external storage cards such as microSD. It holds up to 1GB of storage.

Features :

• Support clean rom,not need any patch,just need drag and drop
• Huge memory space,from 8Gbit upto 64Gbit
• USB 2.0 high-speed data transfer
• USB disk function, compatible with any operation system
• Build in the last moonshell V1.5 and upgradable
• Support homebrew
• Build in SMS multi save function,and auto save
• Menu upgradable,just need drag and drop the new core to MK5
• Multi rom support,media play support
• MK5 turbo engin, 100% full game running speed, without any delay
• Build in passme function, can boot almost GBA flash cart perfectly

Quality/Usability : NeoFlash has entered the DS scene with their version of the Slot-1, MK5. Included with the package is Slot-1 MK5 8G DS Cartridge, Slot-2 GBA Linker, mini-CD and USB cable. Before you get ahead of yourself, this is not 8GB. This is 8Gbit which means 1GB of flash memory. There is also a 16Gbit as well (2GB - $59.00).

Out of the box, there were preloaded apps such as Moonshell and DSOrganize. The Slot-1 MK5 DS cartridge is the same as that of the real DS cartridge. It acts as a pass-me similar to that of the M3 Simply and R4DS. Unlike other Slot-1 cards, the MK5 uses flash memory to store all data rather than external cards such as microSD.

To transfer data, you will need to insert the MK5 GBA Linker. This is the cartridge that looks and is the same size as a GBA cartridge but has a USB port built-in. If you are to insert this into a DS Lite, the cartridge will stick out. Since the MK5 uses flash memory, the GBA Linker is used to communicate with your PC to transfer data. This does not store any data.

So how does this work? Insert your MK5 DS cartridge into Slot-1 of the DS and insert the GBA Linker into Slot-2 of the DS. Once the GBA Linker is inserted, connect the USB cable to the GBA Linker and PC. Turn on your DS and the PC will recognize the device as a removable storage. All you have to do now is just transfer your files. File transfer is pretty quick. When you have transfered all your files, turn off the DS. Since the GBA Linker only communicates with your PC, you will have to remove it. If you do not, you will not be able to access any of the MK5's feature and will be prompted with a message.

Upon turning on the DS (after you have removed the GBA Linker, you are brought to the DS menu screen. You will have to manually select the MK5. Once inside MK5, you can control the menu either with d-pad with A button to confirm or with the stylus. The menu screen itself isnt really attractive. With other Slot-1's you have some slight control over the look of the menu such as skinning. Unfortunately, you are unable to with the MK5. Although, you are able to customize Moonshell since they are based on BMP images and the fonts on MK5 via "global.ini".

The top screen shows the selected ROMs information such as ROM icon, filename, file size, last save date and page numbers (if you have more than 12 files).

The bottom screen shows the ROMs that you transfered onto the MK5. Each ROM has a 3D icon. As the current ROM is selected, the icon pulses to let you know which one is highlighted.

The MK5 worked perfectly with all the homebrew files I loaded onto the card. All homebrew booted quick and without a problem as it supported DLDI.

Booting of commercial ROMs were quick as well. The MK5 gets its save game size from a database. Luckily, the database is updated often. If for whatever reason the game save is not available, you can manually make one yourself by holding SELECT and pressing LEFT or RIGHT to select the save size. But this takes some trial and error if you dont know the size. You can see the compatibility and save game list here.

If you have a Slot-2 GBA Flash Cart, MK5 acts as a Pass-Me card which allows you to boot the GBA cart.

The MK5 also allows for future firmware upgrade. Upgrading the firmware is similar to that of loading a commercial ROM. It only takes a few seconds to upgrade the firmware.

A nice feature that NeoFlash included is the ability to format the MK5 incase it is corrupted. To format, just insert the MK5 and GBA Linker into the DS but dont insert the USB cable and dont turn on the system just yet. Hold down the L Trigger + R Trigger and the Down button then power on the DS. The MK5 logo will appear. While still holding the L Trigger + R Trigger and Down button, now press A + B button. The GBA Linker will now format the MK5. Since it is formatted, all data have been erased and you will need to transfer all data to the MK5 again.

Another unique feature that NeoFlash has released since the release of the MK5 is the ability to use the DS as a USB joypad and mouse. For more information, you can check out the official release.

Conclusion : Overall, the NeoFlash MK5 8Gbit GIGA Cart met my expectations if not more. The drawback of the MK5 is not being ...