Zeus
09-01-2006, 09:40 PM
Product: DS Link
Reviewer: Cyber_Sniper
Official Website: <A href="http://www.gbalink.net" target="_Blank">GBALink.net</a>
1. What is the DS Link?
The DS link is a revolutionary new product which not only is the same size as normal DS game cartridges, but also supports expandable memory in the form of microSD cards.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink1a.jpg"></center></a>
It also features 4M EEPROM flash memory which does not require a battery so as to improve image compatibility. The cart is made by eDIY, who also made GBA Link. Check out another one of our extensive and picture filled reviews of one of the most innovative DS homebrew devices to date!
2. What’s in the package?
The DS Link comes in a nifty metal tin can similar to the G6 Lite series and is insulated on all sides with foam. Inside the package, you will find:
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink2a.jpg"></center></a>
- DS Link cart
- Instruction manual (in simplified Chinese)
- An installation disc containing the DSLink 1.0 patching software
- USB 2.0 SD/MMC/RS-MMC card reader
-
The card reader is currently listed as a free gift on the packaging so it may not be included later on.
3. How to get it up and running
For optimal performance the DS Link really requires you to flash your NDS with flashme. This right here is the major downfall of the product and perhaps one why retailers will stay clear of it. If your DS is already flashed, then you may already have a flash cart solution in place, if you don’t, then you will need one to get it flashed!
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink3a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink7a.jpg"></center></a>
However all is not lost thanks to the MK4-mini, you can use its DS cart boot swap method to boot into your DS Link without having to flash your NDS.
When you install the patching program called DSLink, you will have the choice of English or Chinese. The usage is very simple, press add and select your image to be added to the DS Link. The only options available for users to set are language and filename conversion.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/dslinkmenustuff1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/dslinkmenustuff1a.jpg"></center></a>
The instruction manual states that you must fully exit the DSLink patching program before ejecting your microSD card from your computer. eDIY also suggests using Kingmax microSD cards for the best performance. The microSD card that I used was a Sandisk 1GB (non ultra).
4. On with the review
The card promises the following:
- Supports GBA game carts usage at the same time the DS Link is used
- Supports Slot-2 peripherals including the Opera memory card, motion senser, vibration module, etc.
- Uses 4M of EEPROM flash memory, does not require a battery so your game saves will never be lost
- Can play GBA games when used with GBALink Zip series carts
- Upgradeable firmware to increase compatibility and speed
- Unlimited memory support; firmware upgrades will allow microSD cards of any capacity to be used with the DS Link
- Built in moonshell, supports multimedia capabilities like music, videos, photos and ebooks.
- Customizable DIY interface
The DS Link’s dimension is exactly the same as normal DS carts when compared side by side. However, the DS Link seems to fit more tightly inside Slot-1 as a little resistance is felt when trying to remove the cart.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink5a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink6a.jpg"></center></a>
<Center><i>MK4 is NOT included!</i></center></a>
Although the microSD card is top loading just like the Supercard Lite, the microSD fits quite snugly inside and so removing it will require ejecting the DS Link from Slot-1 first. The problem where the microSD seems to fit too loosely in the Supercard Lite is not present on the DS Link. It should be noted that the microSD slot seems to be slightly larger than the microSD card so you will have to align the card to the left when sliding it in.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink4a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink9a.jpg"></center></a>
<Center><i>MK4 is NOT included!</i></center></a>
The DS Link’s build quality is excellent and feels just like genuine Nintendo DS carts. One thing that may worry some readers is that the DS Link currently does not support GBA games without the GBA Link as it uses Slot-1. Regarding the support of Slot-2 peripherals, a reliable source states that using a ROM image of opera along with the official Opera GBA cart, Opera could be used on the DS Link which proves its Slot-2 support functionality.
The Interface
One thing worth talking about is the menu of the DS Link cart. When you patch images, the DSLink program automatically adds an icon, Chinese name, and English name to the image that would show up inside the DS Link cart’s menu. This is accomplished by comparing the image that you add with information within the database that is upgradeable in the DSLink patching program. If the game is not in the database, the English filename of the image file would be used and displayed within the DS Link menu.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink11a.jpg"></center></a>
To update the menu’s theme, drag and drop a BMP image file with the following formats: 256x192 pixels / 24bits or 8bits / filename main_bg.bmp (lower screen) sub_bg.bmp (upper screen), into the Skin folder within the system_ folder. Sounds can also be modified by replacing the sound folder within the system_ folder with other wave files of 22k 16bits. There are no settings available within the DS Link cart’s menu.
Booting the DS Link and Images
Turning the DS Link on will take about 3-5 seconds in which it would load your own theme if you added one, check for newly added images, add save files to the SAV folder, and add moonshell to your microSD card if it is not present. To boot an image, you simply press A on the highlighted game.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink12a.jpg"></center></a>
The boot process will take about 3-5 seconds the first time you boot a newly added game. Subsequent boots will only require about 2 seconds. During this time, you will see a dialogue box with a loading bar that states “Now loading save file” and then “Transferring save file to DS Link’s flash memory”.
Updating The DS Link
The DS Link contains two upgradeable components: the patch program and the DS Link cart. At the time of writing, two updates were available. The patch program is updated simply by replacing the ROM.DAT file within the installed directory of the DS Link patching program. The update added more ROM information and corrected save problems for some games. The DS Link’s firmware can be updated by placing the DS_link.nds update file from gbalink.net into the microSD directly. Hold down the start button and then turn on the NDS to start the update immediately. If the update failed for any reason, you may retry the update by holding the start button and turning on the NDS again. You may also choose to burn the update file to any other GBA slot flash carts that support NDS rom files to update the DS Link. This update states that it will improve speed and compatibility with
Homebrew Performance
Homebrew was hit or miss. I will just quickly go through what I tested and let you know what did and did not work for me.
Moonshell
BeUP
NDSMail
MegaETK (non fat version)
NON-WORKING:
DsOrganize (tested all versions, grey,green,blue)
DoomDS (froze after the “survived graphic int”
ScummVM (loads then gives a zip not found error)
SnezziDS (black screens when choosen to load)
Looks like homebrew compatibility is hit or miss at the moment but I was pleased at the amount of homebrew that already works. Seeing at how much homebrew currently does work im sure it wont take much to get the others working as well once the DS-Link has sometime to get out in the hands of the developers.
GBA Rom Functionality
To have GBA functionality, you must have the GBA Link also created by eDIY. If the GBA Link is plugged into Slot-2, you can run GBA ROMS that are placed within the DS Link’s microSD card.
NDS Rom compatibility
It’s hard to list this all in this review and this information is subjected to the DS Link’s firmware and patch program. The New Super Mario Brothers’ mini game mode definitely has trouble when running as a backup image on the device.
A Flash in the Pan, Good device, needs a PASS..ME!
The DS-Link is the first DS Slot 1 mod available on the market today. If you have a flashed DS and are perhaps looking for an upgrade then the DS Link is not a bad option. There is no English support web site but the Chinese web site easily translates with Google Translate and is easy to navigate once that is done. The DS-Links pc and DS OS software is all in English so there is no hassle there either. The DS backup image compatibility is very high too, the supplied patching is very simple to use. Unfortunately the homebrew compatibility is poor; hopefully this will be addressed over time as developers understand the libraries better. The major negative of this product is that it has no built-in passme device, so you are required to have a flashed DS prior to usage or use the MK4 Mini method described earlier, something which will require extra hardware and a lot of newbies have messed up their DS (flashing)trying to do. If a future revision was to come out with a built in no pass, then this would definitely rank amongst the best.
Positives
- DS game sized flashcart, will fit DS phat or DS Lite
- Nice customizable interface with automated renaming of image files
- Save files all stored within one folder under the microSD card
- MicroSD fits snugly inside the DS Link
- Supports Slot-2 peripherals
- Sleep mode supported
Negatives
- Does not support GBA files without extra hardware
- NO INBUILT PASSME, REQUIRES FLASHED DS IDEALLY!
- Images need patching
- Slower boot times compared to the Supercard Lite (this problem should be addressed by DS Link firmware updates)
- NO INBUILT PASSME!!!
Reviewer: Cyber_Sniper
Official Website: <A href="http://www.gbalink.net" target="_Blank">GBALink.net</a>
1. What is the DS Link?
The DS link is a revolutionary new product which not only is the same size as normal DS game cartridges, but also supports expandable memory in the form of microSD cards.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink1a.jpg"></center></a>
It also features 4M EEPROM flash memory which does not require a battery so as to improve image compatibility. The cart is made by eDIY, who also made GBA Link. Check out another one of our extensive and picture filled reviews of one of the most innovative DS homebrew devices to date!
2. What’s in the package?
The DS Link comes in a nifty metal tin can similar to the G6 Lite series and is insulated on all sides with foam. Inside the package, you will find:
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink2a.jpg"></center></a>
- DS Link cart
- Instruction manual (in simplified Chinese)
- An installation disc containing the DSLink 1.0 patching software
- USB 2.0 SD/MMC/RS-MMC card reader
-
The card reader is currently listed as a free gift on the packaging so it may not be included later on.
3. How to get it up and running
For optimal performance the DS Link really requires you to flash your NDS with flashme. This right here is the major downfall of the product and perhaps one why retailers will stay clear of it. If your DS is already flashed, then you may already have a flash cart solution in place, if you don’t, then you will need one to get it flashed!
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink3a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink7.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink7a.jpg"></center></a>
However all is not lost thanks to the MK4-mini, you can use its DS cart boot swap method to boot into your DS Link without having to flash your NDS.
When you install the patching program called DSLink, you will have the choice of English or Chinese. The usage is very simple, press add and select your image to be added to the DS Link. The only options available for users to set are language and filename conversion.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/dslinkmenustuff1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/dslinkmenustuff1a.jpg"></center></a>
The instruction manual states that you must fully exit the DSLink patching program before ejecting your microSD card from your computer. eDIY also suggests using Kingmax microSD cards for the best performance. The microSD card that I used was a Sandisk 1GB (non ultra).
4. On with the review
The card promises the following:
- Supports GBA game carts usage at the same time the DS Link is used
- Supports Slot-2 peripherals including the Opera memory card, motion senser, vibration module, etc.
- Uses 4M of EEPROM flash memory, does not require a battery so your game saves will never be lost
- Can play GBA games when used with GBALink Zip series carts
- Upgradeable firmware to increase compatibility and speed
- Unlimited memory support; firmware upgrades will allow microSD cards of any capacity to be used with the DS Link
- Built in moonshell, supports multimedia capabilities like music, videos, photos and ebooks.
- Customizable DIY interface
The DS Link’s dimension is exactly the same as normal DS carts when compared side by side. However, the DS Link seems to fit more tightly inside Slot-1 as a little resistance is felt when trying to remove the cart.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink5.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink5a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink6.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink6a.jpg"></center></a>
<Center><i>MK4 is NOT included!</i></center></a>
Although the microSD card is top loading just like the Supercard Lite, the microSD fits quite snugly inside and so removing it will require ejecting the DS Link from Slot-1 first. The problem where the microSD seems to fit too loosely in the Supercard Lite is not present on the DS Link. It should be noted that the microSD slot seems to be slightly larger than the microSD card so you will have to align the card to the left when sliding it in.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink4a.jpg"> <A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink9.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink9a.jpg"></center></a>
<Center><i>MK4 is NOT included!</i></center></a>
The DS Link’s build quality is excellent and feels just like genuine Nintendo DS carts. One thing that may worry some readers is that the DS Link currently does not support GBA games without the GBA Link as it uses Slot-1. Regarding the support of Slot-2 peripherals, a reliable source states that using a ROM image of opera along with the official Opera GBA cart, Opera could be used on the DS Link which proves its Slot-2 support functionality.
The Interface
One thing worth talking about is the menu of the DS Link cart. When you patch images, the DSLink program automatically adds an icon, Chinese name, and English name to the image that would show up inside the DS Link cart’s menu. This is accomplished by comparing the image that you add with information within the database that is upgradeable in the DSLink patching program. If the game is not in the database, the English filename of the image file would be used and displayed within the DS Link menu.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink11.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink11a.jpg"></center></a>
To update the menu’s theme, drag and drop a BMP image file with the following formats: 256x192 pixels / 24bits or 8bits / filename main_bg.bmp (lower screen) sub_bg.bmp (upper screen), into the Skin folder within the system_ folder. Sounds can also be modified by replacing the sound folder within the system_ folder with other wave files of 22k 16bits. There are no settings available within the DS Link cart’s menu.
Booting the DS Link and Images
Turning the DS Link on will take about 3-5 seconds in which it would load your own theme if you added one, check for newly added images, add save files to the SAV folder, and add moonshell to your microSD card if it is not present. To boot an image, you simply press A on the highlighted game.
<Center><A href="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink12.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.maxconsole.net/content_img/mcdslink12a.jpg"></center></a>
The boot process will take about 3-5 seconds the first time you boot a newly added game. Subsequent boots will only require about 2 seconds. During this time, you will see a dialogue box with a loading bar that states “Now loading save file” and then “Transferring save file to DS Link’s flash memory”.
Updating The DS Link
The DS Link contains two upgradeable components: the patch program and the DS Link cart. At the time of writing, two updates were available. The patch program is updated simply by replacing the ROM.DAT file within the installed directory of the DS Link patching program. The update added more ROM information and corrected save problems for some games. The DS Link’s firmware can be updated by placing the DS_link.nds update file from gbalink.net into the microSD directly. Hold down the start button and then turn on the NDS to start the update immediately. If the update failed for any reason, you may retry the update by holding the start button and turning on the NDS again. You may also choose to burn the update file to any other GBA slot flash carts that support NDS rom files to update the DS Link. This update states that it will improve speed and compatibility with
Homebrew Performance
Homebrew was hit or miss. I will just quickly go through what I tested and let you know what did and did not work for me.
Moonshell
BeUP
NDSMail
MegaETK (non fat version)
NON-WORKING:
DsOrganize (tested all versions, grey,green,blue)
DoomDS (froze after the “survived graphic int”
ScummVM (loads then gives a zip not found error)
SnezziDS (black screens when choosen to load)
Looks like homebrew compatibility is hit or miss at the moment but I was pleased at the amount of homebrew that already works. Seeing at how much homebrew currently does work im sure it wont take much to get the others working as well once the DS-Link has sometime to get out in the hands of the developers.
GBA Rom Functionality
To have GBA functionality, you must have the GBA Link also created by eDIY. If the GBA Link is plugged into Slot-2, you can run GBA ROMS that are placed within the DS Link’s microSD card.
NDS Rom compatibility
It’s hard to list this all in this review and this information is subjected to the DS Link’s firmware and patch program. The New Super Mario Brothers’ mini game mode definitely has trouble when running as a backup image on the device.
A Flash in the Pan, Good device, needs a PASS..ME!
The DS-Link is the first DS Slot 1 mod available on the market today. If you have a flashed DS and are perhaps looking for an upgrade then the DS Link is not a bad option. There is no English support web site but the Chinese web site easily translates with Google Translate and is easy to navigate once that is done. The DS-Links pc and DS OS software is all in English so there is no hassle there either. The DS backup image compatibility is very high too, the supplied patching is very simple to use. Unfortunately the homebrew compatibility is poor; hopefully this will be addressed over time as developers understand the libraries better. The major negative of this product is that it has no built-in passme device, so you are required to have a flashed DS prior to usage or use the MK4 Mini method described earlier, something which will require extra hardware and a lot of newbies have messed up their DS (flashing)trying to do. If a future revision was to come out with a built in no pass, then this would definitely rank amongst the best.
Positives
- DS game sized flashcart, will fit DS phat or DS Lite
- Nice customizable interface with automated renaming of image files
- Save files all stored within one folder under the microSD card
- MicroSD fits snugly inside the DS Link
- Supports Slot-2 peripherals
- Sleep mode supported
Negatives
- Does not support GBA files without extra hardware
- NO INBUILT PASSME, REQUIRES FLASHED DS IDEALLY!
- Images need patching
- Slower boot times compared to the Supercard Lite (this problem should be addressed by DS Link firmware updates)
- NO INBUILT PASSME!!!