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by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:33- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
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 ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Penguin United DS 24 Game Card Collection Pouch
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $9.99
Overview : Keep track of your DS games all in one location without having to worry about losing them.
Features :
- Fits up to 24 games! The only game card holder for serious ds gamer.
- Transparent Inner Pages for full view of your games collection.
- Fit 6 Nintendo DS game cards per page, with 4 inner pages to fit up to 24 games
- Make of Premium Material - Not from real leather so no animal was harmed.
Quality/Usability : Penguin United has sent us their DS Game Card Collection Pouch. Packaging of the products is really nice. The Pouch is available in two colors, gray/white and red/white.
The case is made of leather and has a zipper going around the case to secure your games. The quality is very good. The case itself measures 4.5 inches wide, 6 inches tall, 1 inch thick. When you unzip the case, there are four plastic sleeves. Each sleeve holds 6 games (total of 24 games). The sleeves is made from plastic vinyl similar to that used for sports cards.
Inserting the games is fairly easy and the same goes for removing. Considering its plastic, you would think that the plastics would stick together but it doesnt. The sleeves are binded together and placed onto a plastic backing. The backing is then slipped into each side of the case and under a pouch. Similar to the Trapper Keeper back in grade school. Although its not stated on the package but you can insert some manuals or papers in these pouches.
Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United DS Game Card Collection Pouch is a nice product. It holds up to 24 games and isnt bulky. Fits nicely into a backpack. Would have been nice if there was a different version that featured a flap with a magnetic button closure rather than a zipper that kind of resembles a daily planner. Also maybe a smaller version that holds 5-10 games for those who would like to keep the pouch in the pocket?
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Capdase Soft Jacket Silicone Case
Manufacturer: Capdase
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (solid black) / Buy from Play-Asia (white) / Buy from Play-Asia (blue) / Buy from Play-Asia (purple) / Buy from Play-Asia (pink) / Buy from Play-Asia (black)
Price: $7.50
Overview : The Soft Jacket Silicone Case gives better grip and protection to your controllers.
Features :
- Ultra thin with Exquisite Details
- Protection against dust, dirt & scratches
- Smooth & Soft to Touch
- EZ Dust Go Treatment
Quality/Usability : Capdase has released their first Wii product. Capdase is well known for the accessories and silicone cases. Included is a wrist strap and silicone case for the Wii remote and Nunchuk.
The soft jacket has a nice thickness to it that feels comfortable in the hands. What is nice about the Soft Jacket is that on the back, there are grooves which allows better grip to your controllers. Besides the grooves on the silicone cases, the soft jacket is slightly different from the rest of the silicone case such as the Wii Silicone Case and Wii Controller Glove (Official). The silicone cases just mentioned all have holes cut out for each button. Capdase decided to leave silicone over the buttons but have the rubber pop out a little so you can feel where they are. Having the silicone over the buttons still allows you to press the buttons easily without having to dig your finger/nail into the button in order for it to recognize.
Unlike the other cases, Capdase added a little hole at the bottom of the case. This allows you to clip a wrist strap on to the case. Why do you need this? Well, the wrist strap that Nintendo included isnt strong, so Capdase hopes to remedy the situation. The strap has a metal clip that clips on to the bottom of the case. The strap itself is very durable and so is the hole. With this attached, you no longer need to use wrist strap that Nintendo included.
Conclusion : Overall, the Capdase Soft Jacket Silicone Case is a very nice product. The soft jacket feels comfortable in the hands. With the included wrist strap, this gives extra durability. Capdase offers in the Soft Jacket Silicone Case in a variety of colors such as blue, purple, pink, white, black and grey (tinted black).
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Capdase Soft Jacket Advance (Lite)
Manufacturer: Capdase
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (white) / Buy from Play-Asia (blue) / Buy from Play-Asia (pink) / Buy from Play-Asia (black)
Price: $12.90
Overview : The Soft Jacket Advance protects your Nintendo DS Lite from scratches and fingerprints.
Features :
- Perfected design for flip-up game consoles
- Semi rigid frame keeps Soft Jacket Advance in place without hassle
- Advance technology that combines silicon with rigid plastic
- Includes Hand Strap
Quality/Usability : The Soft Jacket Advance is a silicone case that covers and protects the outside of your Nintendo DS Lite. Majority of the Soft Jacket Advance is made of rubber silicone but around the edges, it is made of plastic. The purpose of the plastic is to give that stiff and firm protection to latch on to the DS Lite.
Unlike other silicone cases on the market, Capdase decided to make the whole Soft Jacket Advance one piece. There is an opening for the stylus, power button, headset, volume, charging port and even the loophole so you can attach a wrist strap.
There is a slight problem though. The Soft Jacket Advance doesnt slip on to the DS Lite like other silicone cases, it clips onto the Lite as mentioned before. But it doesnt clip onto all sides perfectly. You may have one corner that doesnt clip on completely but the case is held on tightly. Some of the ports is slightly covered which makes it kind of hard to reach.
Capdase included a wrist strap just like they usually do for any of their protective cases. They also included "silicone caps" that cover the headphone jack and charging port. These are similar to that of those dust cover ports. Unfortunately, they are loose. So loose that you will lose it easily. The best thing they included was a silicone Slot-2 cover. This fits directly into the Slot-2 port of your DS Lite which matches the Soft Jacket Advance itself and replaces the one that Nintendo included. The Slot-2 cover is completely made of silicone and fits slug inside the port.
Conclusion : Overall, the Capdase Soft Jacket Advance does a great job of protecting the DS Lite from scratches and finger prints but falls short. The soft jacket doesnt clip on completely depending on which corner but with a little strength, you can force it to. The "silicone caps" will be of no use since it is so loose and will fall off. But I like that they included a Slot-2 silicone cover to match the Soft Jacket Advance. It comes in a variety of colors such as blue, pink, white and black.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
DS Lite Crystal Case
Manufacturer: Unknown
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $6.00
Overview : Protects the DS Lite from scratches and fingerprints.
Features :
- High quality 3rd party product.
- Protect the NDS Lite from dust, scratches, etc....
- Shock resistant.
- No need to take out the console when playing.
- 6 colors available - black, pink, navy blue, ice blue, white or clear.
Quality/Usability : The DS Lite Crystal Case is made of very durable plastic. Putting the DS Lite can be a little tricky but doesnt take a genius. Since the power button and volume button sticks out a little, either side depending on how you place it in to the case might get caught on the edge of the case. This will require a little extra force to get it in the case. All buttons, ports and switches are easily accessible.
With the DS Lite in the case and the case closed completely, it is flush without any gaps. The DS Lite is held securely in the Crystal Case. Unfortunately, the top cover doesnt always stay on. When flipping the DS Lite open, at time you'll end up flipping the cover while the DS Lite is still closed.
Conclusion : Overall, the DS Lite Crystal Clear Case protects the DS Lite from scratches and fingers. Only drawback is that the flip cover doesnt lift the DS Lite top screen as well. Removing the DS Lite is alot easier then it is to put it in. Also, the clear case, isnt really clear. It has a bit of cloudiness to it.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Capdase Life Style Urban Wallet S
Manufacturer: Capdase
Site: Buy from Play-Asia (white) / Buy from Play-Asia (black) / Buy from Play-Asia (light blue) / Buy from Play-Asia (pink)
Price: $12.90
Overview : Protects DS Lite as well as hold games and cards such as money, drivers license, credit cards and many more. Life Style Urban Wallet S is available in 4 colors; white, black, light blue and pink.
Features :
- Made of light weight water-resistant nylon
- Secure & safe S-Bracket attachment
- Compartments for game disk and cards
- Stylish Hand Strap
Quality/Usability : The Capdase Life Style Urban Wallet S is specifically for the Nintendo DS Lite. The Urban Wallet is made of durable nylon.
On the Urban Wallet, there is a plastic holder. There are two small clips on the plastic holder that clips onto the top right of the DS. If you have a wrist strap, these clips will not be able to clip on. The DS Lite is placed into this holder. There is an opening at the bottom to allows access to the GBA Slot-2 and at the top, there is an opening for Slot-1 and to charge your DS without having to take it out.
Underneath the DS Lite holder is a flap. This flap is similar to that found in an ordinary wallet. The flap has three pockets, one with a clear window for identification cards and the other two can be used for credit cards or business cards. On the backside of the flap is another pocket. This can also be used for credit cards, business cards or for your cash.
On the back of the case are two elastic bands. These hold two DS games of your choice for when you want to change games.
The Life Style Urban Wallet case is held closed with velcro and has a keyring if you want to attach either the Urban Wallet to a bag, attach your keys to it or use the included wrist strap.
Conclusion : Overall, the Capdase Life Style Urban Wallet S is a unique product. Capdase tried to make this an all-purpose case by incorporating your DS Lite and as a wallet for your ID cards and cash. The that concerns me is the elastic to hold your DS games. If for whatever reason the elastic may be loose or if you are moving around, the DS game may fall out. It would of been nice if it was a pocket instead. Another flaw is the DS clipping on to the holder. I use a wrist strap since I am clumsy at times. But with the wrist strap in place, the Urban Wallet is not able to clip into the DS since it is occupied. So in order to use this, I have to take the wrist strap off.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
DS Lite Polycarbonate Case
Manufacturer: Black Horns
Site: Buy from Goldenshop
Price: $13.00
Overview : Made from polycarbonate. Virtually indestructible armor case. The silicon insert makes your DS Lite more colorful and stylish. Cutouts for all controls on the console, gives you easy access to the power, headphone, cartridges and volume control.
Features :
- High quality 3rd party product.
- Protect the NDS Lite from dust, scratches, etc....
- Shock resistant.
- Comes with a clear color polycarbonate hard case and 2 sets of silicon inner soft silicon cases per set.
- No need to take out the console when playing.
- 3 sets available - black & navy blue, orange & pink or white & ice blue.
Quality/Usability : I have been a big fan of Logitech's PlayGear Pocket for the PSP. It had a nice look to it, ability to customize the look of the case with inserts or even just the nice rubber silicon made it look nice. So I thought I would give the DS Lite the same treatment.
The DS Lite Polycarbonate Case didnt come in those normal 3rd party blister packs (plastic). Instead, it came in a cardboard sleeve all shrinkwrapped. Inside that cardboard sleeve was a black box with the logo of a rhino. Inside that box was a polycarbonate case with a silicon already placed inside and another silicon case. There are three sets: black and blue, orange and pink and white and ice blue.
The case is very durable and so was the silicon case. The silicon case fits perfectly inside the case and if just placing the silicon on the DS Lite, it fit perfectly as well. But you wont be able to just use the silicon as there is nothing to attach it to the DS Lite.
The Polycarbonate Case came with a 3 months warranty as well as instructions on how to remove the DS Lite from the case. Placing the DS into the silicon and polycarbonate case took some trial and error. The only areas that gave the most problem were the trigger areas and right above the Slot-2. The reason why it gave some problems is because it was a thin strip of rubber silicon. So when you place the DS Lite into the case, the strip of silicon would move out of place and you would have to take out the DS Lite and reinsert. You would have to repeat this process until its is perfectly in place.
Once in place, the bottom half of the DS Lite is snug and secure. The top half of the polycarbonate case isnt hard. Its just one big piece of silicon. You can either place it on the top cover of the DS Lite or on underside of the polycarbonate case. Once its in, the case fits perfectly. The case is flush with no bulges or gaps. Lifting the cover of the polycarbonate case also opens the DS Lite as well.
Since the polycarbonate case also uses a silicon case, there will be some thickness added. So this means that reaching for the volume button and power switch requires you to reach a little further in. But that isnt a problem because you can use your stylus to help you reach in.
Removing the DS Lite from the case is a little more simpler...thanks to the instructions. To remove the DS Lite from the polycarbonate case, you first need to open the flap. Next you'll have to pull on the piece of plastic under the bottom screen but above the Slot-2. While pulling the piece of plastic this gives room for you to push the bottom of the DS Lite up. Just to pull on the plastic too much or you'll crack it. Once the bottom of the DS Lite is out of the case, hold the DS Lite as if you were playing and press on the L & R trigger. This will push the DS Lite towards you. As it gets loose, you can slide the DS Lite out.
Conclusion : Overall, the DS Lite Polycarbonate Case is a nice product. With the polycarbonate case and silicon, I know my DS Lite is securely in place and protected. The annoying part is having to get the DS Lite in the case without the silicon (above Slot-2 and trigger area) being moved out of place. Accessing all buttons and ports didnt cause a problem at all. Its nice that the manufacturers included two silicon inserts so you can switch to whatever color you're feeling.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Retractable Metallic Touch Pen Stylus
Manufacturer: DragonPlus
Site: Buy from Goldenshop / Buy from DealExtreme
Price: $6.00
Overview : Retractable stylus to be used as spare or replacement for comfort and easy use.
Features :
- High quality 3rd party product.
- Replacement of original stylus pen.
- Comes with 4pcs Retractable Metal Touch Pen - black, enamel navy, ice blue and white.
Quality/Usability : Having previously owned the original DS (phat), I wasnt too fond of the stylus. The stylus was too thin and too small for my big grubby hands.
Now that I have a DS Lite, the improved stylus is llonger and thicker which is great, but I wanted something a little longer. I wanted something that was a little longer without my fingers going over the top of the stylus. Thats where the Retractable Metallic Touch Pen Stylus came in handy.
The Retractable Metallic Touch Pen Stylus comes in four colors, white, enamel blue, ice blue and black. What happened to pink?! Even though the stylus is made of metallic copper, the weight feels the same as the plastic stylus that comes with the DS Lite.
The stylus is the same as the original stylus but when you extend it, it adds about an extra 3/4". The stylus fits flush with the DS Lite. The top end of the stylus has grooves which allows you to easily grip stylus to pull out of the DS Lite.
Conclusion : Overall, the Retractable Metallic Touch Pen Stylus is a good substitution to the original stylus. If the original stylus is a little small for your hands, I suggest checking out the retractable stylus.
Images via comments ...by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
WaterField Designs DS Lite Case
Manufacturer: WaterField Designs
Site: Buy from WaterField Designs
Price: $39.00
Overview : As recommended by Mario and Zelda to revolutionize your DS Lite. From Yoshi's Island to Castlevania, our compact and protective Nintendo DS Case holds it all.
The slim DS Lite Case is constructed from ballistic nylon, with a double layer leather flap and a scratch free interior liner. The back of the case has a self-locking zippered pocket to hold your games and ear-buds. On the exterior of the flap, choose between our standard black or our patterned design. On the underside of the flap, choose between black, kiwi and pink leather.
Features :
- Ballistic Nylon exterior.
- Double layer leather flap.
- Super soft lining to keep the DS Lite scratch free.
- Storage for 6 DS Games.
- Stylus holder.
- Rear back pocket w/ Self Locking Zipper.
- Pull strap (to ease removing your unit from the case).
- Nintendo DS Lite Case / 5.75" x 3.5" x 1.25" / 3 oz.
Quality/Usability : Its hard to find a decent case these days. Theres so many on the market but only a few really satisfy your needs and your eyes. WaterField is one of those companies aiming to satisfy your needs and to make you oogle over their products. The DS Lite case is made of smooth, soft nylon with a leather flap. WaterField offers three different colors to choose from: black, kiwi, or pink. Being able to choose the color of your choice, you also get a choice as to what pattern you want on the front of the case. You can choose either a non pattern leather flap or one with the cut out that resembles the DS' directional pad and buttons. With this cut out, you can see the leather of the inside.
WaterField tried to incorporate everything you would need or want into this case. On the back of the case, there is a zippered compartment. You can use this compartment to store your games and or headphones.
On the bottom of the case, you'll notice a loop hole. This is actually a pull tab. When you're taking out your DS, you would hold onto this tab.
The DS Lite is fit snuggly into the case and is well protected with scratch-free padded lining all around. In front of the DS are three little leather pouches. These pouches can let you slip 6 DS games (2 in each). I must say though, doing this is a very tight fit. Removing games is very simple. The leather pouch has a small cut-out at the bottom to allow you to push the cartridges out for easy grabbing.
Below the leather pouch is a stylus holder. If you have an extra stylus that you might need in case you loose one or just want to use it to hold your stylus, this is where it would go.
The leather flap is closed using two buttons (one on each side of the case). When the leather flap is closed, its very tight and thats a good thing. That means you wont have to worry about your games or DS falling out.
Conclusion : Overall, the WaterField Designs DS Lite Case is probably the best case I have used to this date. Its nice looking, does everything that I want it to do and is easily portable. Maybe it would of been best to leave out the stylus holder..but then again, I personally dont use it. Also, maybe instead of two buttons, maybe one down the middle or with a flap that extends to the back. The price of $39.00 is a little pricey for a case but is well worth it.
...
(click on color to view pouch)by Published on February 2nd, 2011 12:32- Categories:
- Nintendo DS News,
- DCEmu Reviews
Cyclone Charger Stand (Lite)
Manufacturer: Dragon
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $9.00
Overview : Recharge your NDS Lite with style and safety!
Features :
- NDS Lite charger stand with fashion design
- Features with red light illumination
- Safe and easy to use
- Connect the original, 3rd party NDS Lite power supply or USB Charger Cable to the charger stand and insert the NDS Lite into it for charging
- 3 colors available - White, Enamel Navy or Ice Blue
Quality/Usability : The Cyclone Charger Stand is a fancy way of charging your DS rather than have your DS lay there. No power adapter/cable is included so you'll have to use your own NDS wall adapter or a USB cable that charges the DS Lite.
To charge your DS Lite in the Cyclone Charger Stand, you'll have to turn the DS upside down (USB port facing down). On the inside of the stand, is a USB plug that inserts into the DS. Inserting the DS into the USB plug takes a little of trial and error. Once the DS is inserted and a power cable is inserted into the stand, the DS will start to charge. The Cyclone Charger Stand lights up in red it is charging. Charging time is the same amount as if you were to just insert the cable into the DS. Unfortunately, the only way to tell if your DS Lite is done charging is by looking at the LED on your DS. If the orange light is lit, it means it is charging. If it is off, that means it is completely. The red LED on the Cyclone Charger Stand will still be lit up regardless if the DS is done charging or not.
On the front of the stand is a button. This helps with the removal of the DS Lite but pushing it up. If you have a case or silicone skin on your DS, you will have to remove it in order for it to fit into the Cyclone Charger Stand.
Conclusion : Overall, the Cyclone Charger Stand is just a fancy way of charging your DS. All it does is charge your DS in an upright position with a fancy red LED. Would have been nice if there was a green LED to state that it was done charging. Would of also been nice if there was a pink and black version.
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