[REVIEW] AceKard R.P.G. - 8G PRO Opzioni

[Evrain]

AceKard R.P.G. - 8G PRO
[ English Version | Versione Italiana ]

Quick Links
Homepage: www.acekard.com
System Updates: GbaRL.it Download Archive

Our thanks to Acekard Team and their outlet BambooGaming.com for the sample provided.

A long time has passed since the first Slot-1 design was unveiled to scene sites: after the first, awkward attempts, every major manufacturer has opted for this format, releasing more and more perfect units, free of problems and pre-processing steps. Obviously, we've now come to the point where adding new features is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
Many of you are already aware of Team Acekard, whose curtain call was a Slot-1 solution, called AceKard+, although its popularity wasn't too high. Now, after 10 months worth of development, they're back, taking the scene by storm with an atypical flashcard: the AceKard R.P.G.

Introduction & Features

The acronym in the name stands for Real Play Gear, meaning that this product, in the manufacturer's intentions, is aimed towards maximum simplicity for unexperienced users, as well as full flexibility for hackers and more expert developers, with solid support to both games and homebrew code.

At the time of this review, the flashcard is not yet available for purchase: the sample we've been given by the AK Team, even though fully completed and stable on the hardware side, is having its packaging still being defined. Those aspects will be further developed through our review.

For now, let's take a look at the declared features for this card:

• Dual Memory System: an internal high-speed NAND memory chip with a capacity of 8 Gbit (1 Gbyte) and a dedicated slot for external microSD/TF memory card
• SDHC Support: the latest evolution of the Secure Digital standard allows for storage medias up to 8 Gbytes to be used with the R.P.G., leading to massive amounts of space
• Full Compatibility: 100% support for Clean Dump, no need for external patchers
• DLDI Autopatching: homebrew code will be automatically patched with the relevant DLDI driver, making its use immediate and hassle-free
• PassCard: the card doubles as a third generation PassCard device, useful for booting Slot-2 flash cartridges
• “Quick Exchange” Technology: games, programs and saves can be swapper between NAND and microSD card without resorting to a PC
• Auto Save Type Detection: the game/homebrew's save type is automatically determined, although the user can set a different size if he so wishes
• U-Disk: the NAND chip can be used as a flash drive, using the on-board mini USB connector (USB 2.0)
• Auto Trimming: games are freed of redundant data when copied to and from the NAND flash
• Open Source OS: the system software, easily skinnable and with full touchscreen controls, can be freely modified via the publicly released source code (a copy of which is hosted in our own File Archive)
• "Write Balance" Technology: the NAND memory life is extended via a smart management of read/write operations
• Direct savegames backup: instead of relying on battery-backed RAM, savegames are stored in the internal EEPROM, then written to media as the console is switched back on

That's not the end of it: the above list, which applies to retail units, is expanded with upcoming features, such as multiple saver files and Action Replay cheating support. Indeed, the card's features have impressed us, due to being the first adding peculiar characteristics to the one now common to flash kits: we're talking, for example, of its dual memory system and full OS-based file management, along with the open sourcecode.

Update - 24/02/2008: we can confirm how those promises have been kept in full. The open-source philosophy, along with the manufacturer's dedication, noticeably lengthened this list. Now AR cheats are fully supported, along with user-created shortcuts, DS-Linux can now take advantage of both data storages and, particularly impressive, the EZ V 3-in-1 is supported straight out of the box, even automatically patching most GBA games. Something we weren't expecting, we have to admit: it's the first time we witness such a powerful system software.

On paper, this is a high-end dev kit, easy to use and with special features geared towards hackers and programmers alike. Is that the truth? We'll soon find out.

[Evrain]

Compatibility and Performance

We've now reached the most important part of our review, the one you were awaiting for. Naturally, the question is "ok, cool features, but what about homebrew and games?", and our tests will promptly give an answer.

As those who've read our previous articles already know, we utilize a standard set of games, specifically chosen according to their peculiarities or the particular DS hardware they put strain onto. This time, we've updated our list to reflect a few changes Nintendo has made to its game cartridges. Pictured above is our toolkit, made of:

• Nintendo DS "phat" v3 (con FlashMe v7)
• Kingston microSD 1GB
• AceKard R.P.G. 8G PRO
• Technical sheets, assorted DS games, coffee and more coffee (not pictured)

You'll notice we haven't used a High Capacity microSD: even though this storage media is becoming increasingly popular and affordable, in Italy it's still difficult to find said memory cards, and more often than not they're quite expensive. In order to ensure the same performance an average user will obtain, as well as to find out the card's capabilities when running on an ordinary microSD, we made our decision. Rest assured, though, that the device fully supports the HC standard. Now, on to the actual tests!

Homebrew

No doubt, one of the most interesting uses for a DS flashcard: over the time, an impressive number of homemade software has showed up, turning a simple Nintendo DS into virtually anything, from a (not too) useful kitchen timer to a full-fledged PDA. The R.P.G. includes the now common auto-patching feature: homebrew code will have the relevant DLDI driver applied on the fly, making it easier for programmers and users alike. Here's a detailed report of our findings::

• BeUP Live! v0.3
  This has been one of th first true communication programs made for the DS. Lightweight and fully functional, works as a perfect stand-alone MSN Messenger client, interacting with both firmware data (for Nintendo WFC connection parameters) and locally stored files. It has been tested on NAND memory.
• IRC DS v0.3d
  Another "keep in touch whenever you go" homebrew, capable of acting as a substitute mIRC even when/where a PC is not available, supporting a wide range of options and, the author announced, DCC transfers support.Even without being patched, it effortlessly accessed the microSD and saved its configuration file.
• NesDS build 7-31-2007
  Back from the time videogames were a matter of tiny pixels and hand-drawn backgrounds, we tested the Saint Seiya NES game with this emulator, who had no problem at all. Tested on microSD.
• ScummVM v0.10.0a
  Back to the past once more: veteran gamers will have fond memories of LucasArts adventures, which can now be emulated, within hardware limitations, on the DS: we opted to keep the games uncompressed and use both storage support on the flashcard. The program ran, detected the game (Beneath a Steel Sky) and ran it at full speed, even when faced with multiple subdirectories.
• DSOrganize v3.0
  If you were looking for an excuse to bring your DS to your next business meeting, this is it: a full-fledged PDA application in the palm of your hand. The setup process took a while to complete, due to DLDI drivers' self testing, but even so it automatically created a DSOrganize folder in the root (we mistakenly put it into a subdirectory) and worked perfectly, saving and connecting to our router without a single complaint.
• MoonShell 1.71b
  The media player application for the console: music, movies, text, pictures, it's all there. This program is so popular it was modified and used as a shell for many flash kits. It's bundled with every sistem update eleased by AceKard Team, yet we opted for a clean install. Just make sure you pick the unpatched executable and you'll be fine, but beware: you won't be able to run any homebrew through the shell, as it won't detect an installed DLDI driver. Installed on microSD, no problems detected.

Whatever the promises on the homebrew side, they've been kept: five-star performance, with each program being automatically patched for the relevant storage media, without having the user move a single finger.

DS Games

Here we are, DS games. The following tests were conducted extracting the game from an original cartridge using Rudolph's NDS Backup Tool, then performance data for both media was compared. Here are the results:

• 42 All-Time Classics - Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection test
  42 ATC is maybe one of the most popular online games, along with Mario Kart DS: we weren't expecting troubles from this one, and we were right. Connected smoothly, played smoothly.
• Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow - video streaming test
  If you were there, when DS flash carts were first released, you'll rmember for sure how troublesome this game was. The second chapter of Soma Cruz's adventures used a different video codec than the usual ACT IMAGINE one. This issue has long since been resolved, and that is the case with the R.P.G. card.
• Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin - cartridge access speed test
  Truth is, the result of this test is uncertain: this game was released twice it seems, fixing the infamous random freezes bug so many players experienced, even on original Nintendo media. Our copy is an Italian version bough two months ago, and our R.P.G. never hanged up in more than two hours worth of gameplay. Be it due to its increased compatibility, faster storage media or due to the game being a bug fixed version, we are unable to determine. We consider it as "working", though.
• Elite Beat Agents - 1Gbit dump test
  This test, as the following three, is more geared towards harware-stressing situations. This 1 Gbit large mix of music and madness was handled without a problem, along with its savegame; same goes with our file transfer test, its results described in the previous section.
• Megaman ZX - cartridge direct access test
  Next chapter of the Reploids' saga, it was one of the first games using direct cartridge access features, requiring firmware/patcher updates for it to work. Nowadays, it's not as troublesome, but we tested just to be sure.
• Metroid Prime Hunters - full 3D test
  Again, more of a hardware test than anything else. One of the best 3D graphics ever seen on the DS console: it saves and works perfectly.
• New Super Mario Bros. - 2D/3D hybrid test
  Same as above, although it is sometimes reported that older or slower storage media lead to it hanging up at the minigames screen. Needless to say, we encountered no problems.
• Trauma Center: Under the Knife - "we like this game, so what?" test
  Err... we just bought this game for our tests (and personal enjoyment), so why not giving it a try? It works. That's it.
• MySims - Mbit saver type
  As The Legend of Zelda - Phantom Hourglass and Worms: Open Warfare 2, this game is equipped with both that now defeated Macronix security chip and a new 4Mbit saver type, which is somehow checked by the game on boot. This is the driving force behind all those updates major flashcard manufacturers are releasing around every week or so. We were pleased to see that we weren't forced to use fixes or edit the source doce/wait for an update in order to enjoy this title.

Games and saver lifes are managed quickly and efficiently: when first executing DS code, your microSD is benchmarked and the system folder is copied over; after that once-in-a-lifetime procedure, booting is a matter of roughly three seconds, whereas saver backup, performed on rebooting the unit and entering the flashcard's system menu, is almost istantaneous. A note on savegames: they're RAW data with .sav extension, fully compatible with every other flash kit or emulator that uses them, such as the Supercard series. Be careful when using proprietary or compressed files, as they'll need to be converted before use. Also, imported saver files will not be recognised unless you manually select the correct save size before starting the game; a temporary solution is to play, save, then reboot and let it backup the save. Its type now automatically detected, all you have to do is overwrite the newly created .sav with your own, and it's done. Of course, we expect a simplified procedure in future system updates.

Last but not least, a little tale about the team: while we were browsing through the OS, we closed the lid and, upon starting a game, discovered that the audio subsystem had been completely shut down. No speakers' output, no headphones' either. After sending a mail to AK Team, it took them only four hours to get back at us with the explanation, namely a compatibility issue with FlashMe v7, installed on our test unit. We have no doubt the issue will be fixed in the future, neverthless it was a pleasant show of attention towards the end user.

Download Play

As of firmware version 4.05, Download Play-specific routines have been added: the downside is that they break some games and are therefore presented as a feature to be toggled on beforehand. Neverthless, our tests showed no sign of troubled plays.

An award, also, for being the only card, to date, to offer full compatibility with the Wii Linkage featured in Pokèmon Battle Revolution and possibly other Wii titles.