5 Attachment(s)
Review: Acekard 2.1 DS MicroSDHC SLOT-1
Acekard 2.1 DS MicroSDHC SLOT-1
Manufacturer: Acekard
Site: Buy from DealExtreme / Buy from Acekard.ca / Buy from Acekard.ca (+2GB Combo) / Buy from Acekard.ca (+4GB Combo) / Buy from Acekard.ca (+8GB Combo)
Price: $32.00-$55.00
Overview : This review is an update to Acekard 2 DS Card MicroSDHC SLOT-1. This review will only discuss the new changes in Acekard 2.1 as it is practically the same as Acekard 2.
The Acekard 2 is the same size as an original game cart and you don't have to flash your machine or use a passme in order to use the Acekard 2.
Never lost save data - Acekard 2 use the technology of directly writting save file to MicsoSD card. No need to manually select save size or backup save when turn on DS. No battery needed. Acekard 2 can use save files from other flash carts and do not need convert. All you need to do is make sure the save file has the same prefix name and put it at the same directory of ROM. Then you can just run the game to use new save file.
Perfect compatibility - Acekard 2 inherit the best quality of acekards products. AK2 support clean rom and you can just drag and drop it on MicroSD card to run.
*Loading would be a little long when first run a game due to creating save file. The load time will be very fast at the next time.
Support Homebrew programs/games - 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! Please download moonshell for AK 2 here.
*Some homebrews need to be put at the root of MicroSD card for best compatibility.
Support any brand of MicroSD card - Acekard 2 can be meet with any brand of MicroSD card. Do not need to worry about the speed of MicroSD card. AK2 supports also HC memory (4Gb+).
Support Action Reply cheats. Build-in editor - Acekard 2 support Action Replay cheats in .dat, .xml and .cc format. You can select how to use AR cheats by using the build-in editor.
1, Copy AR cheats in .dat or .xml format to /__ak2/cheats. Copy .cc format file to the same directory of ROM.
2, Press "Y" to popup the editor.
3, Select "Cheat DB file".
4, Select the cheat file.
5, Select "Rebuild".
6, If you have the cheat code of the game then a list window will be shown. You can use "X" and "Y" to enable or disnable them.
7, Press "A" to save your changes and enter game for fun.
acekard2
Built in "Rom Trimming" Function - The Acekard 2 has a "Rom Trimming" Function built in. When you copy a file in the Micro SD , the Acekard 2 will automatically trim any un-necessary data in a ROM.
Fully touch screen operation - The Acekard 2 (and R.P.G.) utilizes the idea of the iPhone which gives the customer a totally new control experience.
* You are able to use "Button Control" as well.
Can be used as a Passme to boot from slot-2 flash cards. Run GBA games by using expand card - the Acekard 2 can be used as a passkey, so you can boot your slot2 flash cards with it.
AK2 also support 3-in-1 expansion card. You can run gba games from MicroSD card directly.
*You need insert MicroSD card with OSMenu to use Passme function.
*Expansion card sold separately.
Build-in file operation - You can use copy, paste and delete at the files in MicroSD card.
Support Multi-language - You can easily change the language within Acekard 2. There are 8 languages in the firmware, Which are Simple Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English, French, Italy, Spanish , Japanese and German. You can modify and replace these languages text as you wish. They are all in /__ak2/language/.
Support Skin and Dynamic skin change - Acekard 2 use the same skin system of AK RPG. You can easily DIY Acekard 2 skin, and change it at anytime. All the pictures, buttons, text, even their coordinate can be customized. You also can add your own customer text and customer pictures. Same skin different style! You can find more skins here.
Perfect GUI -
- Ak 2 will jump to the folder which you have run game last time.
- Every file and folder has icon in front of the name. Games will display games icon directly.
- You can use simply content view for more content shown.
- You can config the scrolling speed and whether to show the hidden files.
Support soft-reset, Download play and WIFI playing - AK 2 support soft-reset in game. You can return to AK 2 menu when you're playing game. You do not need turn off DS to change games. You can disable this function in menu.
Support brightness adjustment
Features :
- 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!
Quality/Usability : Remember that this review is an update to Acekard 2 DS Card MicroSDHC SLOT-1. I will not discuss all the features of Acekard but more on what is different and new between Acekard 2.1 and Acekard 2.
First off, the packaging is different. No more plastic blister packaging. It is now in a cardboard box. The sticker on the cartridge looks exactly the same with the exception of "ver 2.1" is added to the sticker. A new PCB board is added with new firmware that has all the great features of the Acekard 2 but is said to be more stable, resolve the Fat Error issues, consume less power and the new features in the firmware.
The cartridge size remains the same and feels sturdy. However, the PCB chip does not protrude out from the sticker anymore. The top feels smooth. The Acekard 2.1 has a spring loaded microSD slot and has clips on the side that holds the casing together.
The GUI looks the same as well as the features such as brightness settings, folder/file navigation and menus. Acekard claimed to be more stable and consume less power? Honestly, Acekard 2 worked great for me and was stable enough. I'm so into my game that I fail to recognize the battery or how long I have been playing. So if what they say is true, its probably very minimal. You can always download the latest files at http://www.acekard.com/download.php and if you want to change up your GUI with different skins, Acekard has a site where other gamers such as yourself made their own to share with everyone. Visit http://www.acekard.com/skin.php as there is 400+ skins available for you to choose from.
Conclusion : Overall, the Acekard 2.1 DS MicroSDHC SLOT-1 works just as good as Acekard 2. Since Ak2.1 is an upgrade to Ak2, expect to see many online shops to be carrying Ak2.1. The GUI is one of if not the best looking ones around. However, I still prefer the Acekard R.P.G. due to the USB, built-in 1GB memory and ability to use a microSDHC as well. But if you're tight on funds, Acekard 2.1 is definitely worth a look or try.
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
