FAQ - What Do I Need for Homebrew on the DS
To start playing homebrew on your Nintendo DS you need two things. A flashcart with memory to store the games and apps and a Passme type device.
First I'll start with the adaptors.
You can get Flashcarts and Adaptors.
The M3 is an adaptor. You can get 3 versions it the sd, mini sd and compact flash.
Supercard is the same as the M3
then there are flashcarts with their own built in memory
G6 is by the makers of the m3 but with built in memory that is faster but measured in Gigabits (gigaybyte divided by 8) so storage is less.
4Gbits = 512mb
In order of quality and compatiblity with homebrew/roms in my opinion.
Joint 1 & 2) G6/M3 - BEST but they come at a price and, Supercard - Same as the M3 but GBA compatibility isn't quite as good. I would say NDS compatiblity is slightly better.
3) EZ4Flash and other flashcarts - Compatibility is poorer and I would not recommend.
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Then there is the passme devices. These redirect the processors of the NDS to the flashcarts mentioned above so you can play backup roms and homebrew.
There is Datel's Max Media Launcher, Passcard, Passkey and probably some others but they are the main ones.
In order again....
1) Passcard 3 - doesn't stick out and works great even with sleep mode
2) Max Media Launcher - No Sleep Mode with this device
3) Passkey 2 - Requires NDS Game, would only recommend if you are going to flash your DS although if you are new to DS homebrew etc. I wouldn't because you risk bricking you shiny new games console.
4) Others - The EZ4flash passcard type device is designed for their flashcart. Other passme devices won't work with the EZ4flash so you need theirs. Others are available with built in memory but only store 1 game, can't remember the name
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To Run Homebrew you will need 1 of each type of device mentioned above. I recommend the M3 or Supercard or G6 bundled with a Passcard 3.
If you get the M3 or Supercard you will need to buy flash memory as well but apart from that this is all you will need to start homebrew on your DS.
For people looking to store a few games and homebrew the G6 will suffice but if you're looking to store mp3s and videos I recommend going for the M3 with external memory. You can now get SD cards of up to 4gb in size.
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DATEL MAX MEDIA PLAYER / DOCK
I have seen so many of these posts. The Datel Max Media Player or Dock can only be used for homebrew and you will NOT be able to play backup DS or GBA roms using this device. For media and homebrew though this is a worthy alternative to the M3.
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Where to Buy?
There are many sites but I'll only list the sites I've used.
www.SupercardStore.com - The best store I've ever used for UK buyers looking for a Supercard. Super fast next day delivery, great prices and support emails are usually answered the same day, I've bought a few times from here and I've had excellent service every time.
www.ubid.com/ - If in the UK you will have to order from the US of Chinese Site as the UK site doesn't stock any Backup Devlopment tools for the DS. Pricey postage on US site.
www.winsunx.com - Cheap Prices and High Postage, I would probably use this site over divineo but they only accept Paypal, Western Union and Bank Transfer so you can't pay by credit card without a paypal account. Be warned about pre-ordering though as they have lied to me about shipping dates.
www.codejunkies.com - This is Datel's shop, all Datel products can be bought here. Fast delivery also.
www.lik-sang.co.uk - These do not sell homebrew and backup devices but are good for most other import gaming goods.
http://shop.01media.com/en/ - Overpriced in my opinion but a reliable shop in Europe
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That should be all you need to know if you have any questions don'y hesitate to ask. :D
Mazza
edit 24/06/06 - Supercard Mini SD has built in battery which I don't think the regular Supercard SD does - Go for the Mini version if buying a supercard.
