DS-Xtreme 4Gb Review

Written by Brakken
November 2006

Introduction

There has been a lot of hype and positive reviews flying around the Internet for the DS-Xtreme. So you know me, when there is too much hype I want to investigate and thanks to GBA@01Media I have gotten my chance. They supplied me with the sample I’ll be using in this review and are a great place (worldwide) to pick up various console modification products including the DS-Xtreme. So is this small cartridge worth all the fuss or does it lack of storage space and high price out due what it has to offer. Read on!

Features

Slot 1 (NDS) Solution
Built in PassMe Solution (None Required)
4Gigabits (512MB) Internal Flash
Upgradable Firmware (OS/BIOS/KERNEL)
Boots Clean ROM Images (No Patching Required)
Built in Multi Colored LED's
Robust Skinning Support
USB 2.0 Interface (480 Mb p/s)

Contents

DS-Xtreme Cartridge
USB Transfer Cable

The DS-Xtreme comes in a pretty small, but sturdy box. No instructions, software or documentation is included. Luckily, their website location is plastered all over the box so it’s not hard to get a grasp on the unit’s functionality by simply visiting their site and doing a little bit of reading.

The cart itself is a little larger then normal Nintendo DS games and has a built in USB port which is located between the two RGB LED’s. The DS-Xtreme is held together by some plastic snaps (like the XBOX360) and overall feels a little flimsy. I would be careful handling the unit as it seems like you could easily snap off the USB connector if you accidentally stepped on it while it was plugged in.

Installation

To prep the device all you’ll need to do is plug it into a spare USB slot and it will be detected as a mass storage device. Once this is done you can copy over any homebrew and backups you may have laying around by simply dropping them into the “apps” folder. Nothing more is required to get the stuff your using working. This is a great idea as having to pre-convert your files does add to the overall time it’ll take to get them functioning.

Once I had some homebrew and backups on the DS-Xtreme it was time to boot it up. The first time I turned it on nothing came up and was due to the bulkiness of the cart. So I wiggled it around a little bit and then it was detected. Instead of automatically booting into the devices operating system (OS) it will bring you to the Nintendo DS menu where you have to manually select it. This adds to the overall time it actually takes to use the device because it does add up.

Usage

Once you select to boot the DS-Xtreme you’re presented with a “loading” screen. It takes a little bit (2-3 seconds) for the main menu to load up. There’s not much to offer when it comes to the main menu. You’ve got an Apps, Music, Settings and About options.

The About screen shows the current build of the operating system along with the same websites on that are listed on the box. The settings screen loads up to allow you to “instant boot” the device which will boot directly into the last application you had loaded. To bypass the booting and get back to the menu hold the A+B+X+Y keys at the same time. The next option is dancing led’s. This will toggle the LED cycling while MP3/OGG files are played back. The last sets of options are to control the RGB values of the LEDs while in the OS. It defaults on some mild blue settings so I cranked it up to a really bright RED. Although the LEDs don’t affect game play at all they are a cool addition – who doesn’t dig some bright lights?

Next came the booting of the images I can copied over. Note that the DS-Xtreme doesn’t boot GBA files which means you’ll need to make sure all the homebrew you’ll be booting is named .nds as .ds.gba will not function. After selecting the “apps” option the DS-Xtreme scans the directory and presents a really nice list (with icons) of all the backups/homebrew you have.

Compatibility is really good. The titles I tested all worked and with no slowdown. The only thing I noticed was when saving a game there is a brief flickering of the screen. I’m not too sure what causes this, but it only lasts a few seconds and doesn’t interfere with the game at all.

Other then there is the built in Music and the DS-Xtreme’s skinning capability. The audio player works well, but you won’t be fitting on much music and games at the same time due to the lack of storage space. The skinning aspect of the DS-Xtreme allows for it to be totally customized using its own XML language, but currently no one hand coded anything worthy of releasing and there are no tools to help you out with.

Conclusion

Over all I’d say the DS-Xtreme does do its job well, but the lack of storage space and high price tag leaves a lot to be desired. There are other carts with much more functionality and a lot lower price tag so I’d pass on this one.

Negatives

Price
Storage Space
Lack of Features
No GBA Functionality

Positives

Slot 1 Solution
Built in PassMe
Boots Clean Images
Interactive RGB LEDs

Links

DS-Xtreme Website
Shop@01Media - Official Worldwide ReSeller

-=[ DS-Xtreme 4Gb Review Discussion Thread ]=-

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Nintendo DS Flash Carts also known as "Development and/or Backup" units are intended for expansion of the Nintendo DS's abilities including running "homebrew" software which is created by amateur unlicensed developers. Homebrew is totally free and legal to use as long as you follow the licensing agreement that comes with each title. Homebrew comes in many forms, but most "Flash Carts" come with homebrew that allows you to listen to music, watch movies, read books and look at pictures. These flash carts also let you run other homebrew titles. The use of homebrew does not infringe on Nintendo's or any of it's related companies rights. Flash Carts also allow you to make and playback backups of original and third party games for safe keeping purposes. Making backups of your data is also a non-infringing action. However, it is illegal to download and play ROM images of games you do not personally own. ISO-420 Reviews and TehSkeen.com do not encourage using Flash Carts in any illegal manner and do not endorse or condone users to "pirate" ROM files. Please support game companies and their developers by purchasing your games.