There are actually so many Slot 1 homebrew devices for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS lite that it is tough to know exactly which 1 make sure you get.  The existing favorite, and I say this only based on the OUT OF STOCK notices on over the internet stores pages, will be the M3 DS.  The M3 DS was not the first slot 1 solution, but it is sure become the favorite of the pack.  Alot more than most likely as a result of the enormous popularity of the original M3 Adapter / movie player for the Gameboy Advance console.

In my investigation then again, I found the R4 DS.  While this in and of itself is not quite interesting, what is intriguing is that both the M3 DS and the R4 DS Slot 1 remedy are manufactured by the identical persons – or at the highly least – the very same factory.  What this means for gamers and homebrew enthusiasts is that they can get their hands on the R4 DS and know that they’re acquiring the precise exact same item they’d be finding if they bought the M3 DS Basically at a further shop.

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You see, the R4 DS and M3 DS Simply are Exactly the same.  The only distinction between the two units is the packaging plus the logo that’s displayed on the primary screen when you boot up your Nintendo DS or DS Lite.  Functionality, attributes, even firmware upgrades and updates are released at the very same time, and it appears all of the features and functions in each update are identical to the other.  No matter whether you get the M3 DS Simply, or the R4 DS Slot 1 Remedy, you’re going to essentially get precisely the same things – every thing you will need to load games, homebrew and applications is included inside the box.

The R4 DS Slot 1 Solution Package

It is pretty much a dead giveaway here, except for the truth that the R4 DS comes in it is own R4 DS Box.  But you’ll notice that when you open the box, the contents of the box are identical to the M3 DS Merely, you even get the very same light blue colored keychain / carry case that comes with the M3 DS just.  You get every little thing you need, appropriate out of the box.  This includes the R4 DS slot 1 cartridge, a USB microSD Reader / writer (and this actually permits you to use your microSD as a USB Drive) as well as the keychain carrying case plus the software program CD.

Setting up the R4 DS is uncomplicated

Setup is as easy as could be.  The included instruction manual (which is located on the CD itself) details precisely what you’ll need to do as a way to get your R4 DS working.  The first factor you’ll need to do, is insert the microSD Card (not included – but you can actually obtain this anywhere) into the micrSD reader / writer and plug it into any totally free USB port on your personal computer.  It’ll immediately come up as a portable drive / flash drive.  Here, you could do one of two points.  You can either copy the software program from the CD, as stated inside the manual to the microSD card to put all of the system files on it.  I would suggest although which you go to the R4 DS firmware page, and download the most recent drivers, as they are generally updated there.

As soon as you’ve copied your system files to the micro SD Card, it’s time to load the games and homebrew applications you’d like to play.  Again, this works the exact same way using the M3 DS just, no distinction between the two units at all.  Merely copy and paste the files from your PC which you want on the microSD card.  A merely drag and drop is all which is necessary.  The games and homebrew applications work with out any patching or fixing or compression.  They work as they’re, ideal out of the box so to speak.

Now that you have copied your system files, plus the files you’d like to make use of and play, it is time to put your microSD card into the slot on the leading of the R4 DS cartridge.  The R4 DS Cartidge is the exact same size as any regular Nintendo DS or DS Lite game cartirge, so there’s no bulging or sticking out when it is inserted into the cartridge slot on your NDS.  The micro SD slot is situated on the top of the R4 DS and it is in fact spring loaded.  The microSD card inserts into the slot with the SD label on the opposite side of the actual R4 DS Cartidge label.  You’ll hear a CLICK sound as soon as you’ve inserted the microSD Card into the slot, this is to let you know that it is in place, and you are set to turn on your Nintendo DS console.  The microSD card fits perfectly flush against the R4 casing.

As soon as you’ve turned on your Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS lite, the program files will load from the R4 DS cartridge, exactly the identical way they do when using the M3 DS Basically.  It takes about 2 seconds for the most important menu to appear, with the R4 DS logo on the leading screen, as well as the menu on the bottom.  On the bottom screen it is possible to select 1 of three solutions.

1. GAME MENU – Whenever you pick this menu, you will be immediately taken to a list of all of the game files, homebrew applications, etc.. that you have stored on your microSD card.  You could use the controller pad on the NDS to choose the file you need to load.  If you’re loading a game for the very first time, you’ll be prompted, immediately after choosing the game, to confirm which you wish to develop a save file for the game.  This is necessary if you want to save you game.  Your game saves are stored on the identical microSD card as the game files themselves – this is fantastic if you would like to delete those games later, to replace with other files, as you can actually copy your save game files back to your PC, for future use when you’re ready to continue playing that game again.

2. MULTIMEDIA MENU – Whenever you choose this 2nd option, you’ll kick off the multi media player / moonshell.  Within this menu, you’re capable to have a look at digital pics stored on the microSD Card, listen to your favourite MP3 Songs, see films that you have converted from DVD with the included software, also as read through ebooks in TXT format.  This basically turns your Nintendo DS or DS Lite into a full blown multi media amusement unit.

3. BOOT SLOT 2 – This menu option allows the R4 DS, similar to the M3 DS, to boot the GBA Slot, or Slot two, in your Nintendo DS / DS Lite console.  It is for those of us that also desire to get our fingers on the GBA Flash card, and wish to operate GBA Homebrew games and programs as well as Nintendo DS.  Furthermore, it adds additional storage for NDS Homebrew, mainly because you are able to really use a GBA Flash card to boot NDS files, so long as you use the R4 DS like a PASSME / PASSCARD answer.

All in all, no matter which one you get, both the R4 DS Slot 1 Remedy at the same time as the M3 DS Basically are superb accessories for the Nintendo DS / DS Lite.  Which 1 you get will need to only depend on which model is in stock.  As stated earlier in this post, the two units are identical in each and every way.  The only difference being the box packaging as well as the logo that appears when you first boot up your Nintendo DS console.