[quote=Crackbone]
:siren:
Two important rules.:siren:
Use this thread as a starting point for your purchases only.
Don't fucking talk about warez or backups.
Most homebrew needs to be DLDI patched - see the top of the second post for more info.
What's DS Homebrew?
DS Homebrew is non-commercial DS programs. Organizers, emulators, home-made games, etc.
What do I need to get started?
A flashcart, computer, and some patience. Flashcarts come in either Slot-1 (DS slot cards) or Slot-2 (GBA slot cart) versions.
Do I get Slot-1 or Slot-2?
Short version: Slot 1 cards are better. Slot-2 cards are only if you must have GBA support.
Here are the specifics:
SLOT 1 HARDWARE
Slot 1 devices go in the DS card slot. Most of these use removable media for storage (such as micro-sd cards).
Currently, the most recommended Slot-1 devices are the R4/M3 Simply.
Current Homebrew Compatibility List for R4
The R4 is a standard size NDS card, which accepts a MicroSD memory card. You plug the MicroSD into your computer using the USB MicroSD reader (included in the package). You drag and drop your programs/music/movies onto the card, and you're done! What's different between the two cards? Both cards are produced by the same company, but the R4 is cheaper, so get it over the M3.
There are many slot 1 cards - rather than list them all you can check out reviews of most of them here: www.gbatemp.net
SLOT 2 HARDWARE
Slot 2 hardware goes in the GBA cartridge slot on the DS.
Here are the most commonly recommended Slot-2 Solutions for you GBA freaks out there:
Supercard Series - Used to be the choice for DS homebrew, but slot 1s have replaced it and gba compatibility sucks balls.
M3 Media Player Series - A little more expensive, but has much better GBA compatibility, and a better interface.
EZ Flash 3-in-1 - The odd man out. The EZ Flash 3-in-1 lets you store GBA homebrew on your Slot 1 card, and copy each game as needed to the EZ Flash. A cheap solution for those who must have GBA stuff.
What size/brand memory card should I get?
As of this writing, 1G cards seem to be the sweet spot for pricing - many going for under $10 dollars on amazon now. As for quality or brand, it makes
no difference for homebrew at all.
The only thing that card quality affects is two retail DS games. If you really have to have these "backups"
work, check
this list.
One thing for sure:
avoid ebay for card purchases. There are lots and lots of counterfeit, poorly made flash cards, with no way of telling before you buy. Even these may work with no problem, but when you can grab a legit 1GB card for under 10 dollars, there's no point in risking it.
Where can I purchase all this beepity boop bullshit?
There's a few sites going around that will happily sell you what you need.
Kalibar is selling R4s in SA-Mart. Great price, and fast shipping.
Jandaman!(Gives a 10% discount for goons through this link)
http://www.realhotstuff.com (They even do bundles!)
http://www.winsunx.com
http://www.supercardstore.com/ UK site, recommended despite dodgy website.
http://us.gameyeeeah.com/ New US version of gameyeeeah's site. Good prices.
http://bamboogaming.com - Australian site. Each purchase comes with a free rabid Koala.
Other Helpful Links
http://gbatemp.net/: Reviews for most Slot-1 and Slot-2 cards.
http://www.ndshb.com/: DS Homebrew Database
http://www.double.co.nz/nintendo_ds/
http://www.drunkencoders.com/
http://forum.gbadev.org/index.php
Many thanks to Danbo Daxter & TheHeadSage, and storming vengance, who made this OP as glorious as it is.
If I've missed something, please let me know and I'll update the OP.
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