M3 Perfect Lite Review

Written by Brakken
September 2006

Introduction

Welcome to another review of the M3 Team’s excellent line of Nintendo DS Multimedia, Development and Backup units the M3 Perfect Lite. Ever since the early days of it’s conception the M3 Perfect has boasted very great compatibility with homebrew and receives constant support from it’s creators when it comes to updates enabling it to run mostly all the backups you could ever make.

Not much has changed in their Nintendo DS Lite only version – the M3 Perfect Lite – other then its physical size. It’s now almost exactly the same size as the filler cartridge that comes with the Lite. It fits flush inside the console without sticking out a bit. Additionally, it comes with two different color casings that you can use leaving you with a cartridge that matches your console in not only size, but now looks.

Features

Specifically for the Nintendo DS Lite
Boot NDS Homebrew/Backups
Boot GBA Homebrew/Backups
Development/Backup Unit
Movie Player
Music Player
Picture Viewer
Book Reader
Direct Boot of NDS Homebrew
200 Saves per Game/Application
Real Time Clock (RTC)
Save Game Retention
In Game Rest
Built in GameBoy Emulator
Built in Sega Master System Emulator
Built in PC Engine Emulator
Built in NES Emulator
No Slowdown in GBA Games
Real Time Save (RTS) in GBA Games
FlashMe Compatible
Integrated Crystal Media Engine
Integrated Moonshell Media Player
Very Long Running (Battery) Time

Contents

M3 Lite
White Replacement Casing
Light Blue Replacement Casing
Installation Disc

Installation

Also, like most flashcards you’re going to have to pre-convert most of the multimedia files you’re going to be using. This is done using one of the many programs that come with the M3. Using the Crystal Engine tools you can convert music, pictures and videos. Using the 3rd party DPG Encoder you can convert video files for use in the MoonShell video player.

Furthermore, you can simply place your MP3 (along with a few more formats) and text files directly onto the MicroSD card without the need for pre-conversion. Lastly, you use the M3’s Game Manager Software to convert over any homebrew (that requires it) and backups you’re going to be running.

Some more files that don’t need pre-conversion are the ones that will be run by the various built in emulators. Gameboy Mono, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear Nintendo and Turbografx 16 rom images are all supported. Just place them on the MicroSD card and you’ll be good to go.

Usage

Like most other units you’re going to need a way to boot the M3 Perfect since it’s not an officially licensed product. Using the M3 Team’s PassCard v3 (simply labeled PassCard) device you can easily boot the M3 into Nintendo DS mode (it works in both Nintendo DS and GBA modes). This PassCard is the size of an original Nintendo DS game and you guessed it – rests inside the Nintendo DS cartridge slot.

The M3 Perfect fits flush inside your Nintendo DS Lite and doesn’t require you to jam in it for it to fit. Also, you can easily insert and remove the M3 without and hassle. Plus the units casings are made from some great plastic so overall the quality of the M3 is fantastic. One small let down was the fact the MicroSD card is inserted into the side of the M3. I know a lot of people like it sticking out of the bottom so you don’t have to remove the M3 each time you need to transfer data.

Changing to case is also a pretty easy operation. There is only a small Phillips head screw that needs to be removed then you can switch to using one of the other colored cases. I would advise being electronically grounded while doing this and also try to handle the PCB by holding it on its sides and not touching the chips.

Once you’ve booted up the M3 Perfect Lite you’ll be presented with an easy to navigate menu giving you the ability to watch your movies, listen to music, view pictures, read text files, launch homebrew and boot into MoonShell. There is also another option – PDA, but at the time of this review the program hasn’t been translated into English yet.

All of the options worked out fine. I was able to playback all of the media I converted. I do have a suggestion. MoonShell’s ability to play MP3 files without pre-conversion makes it a no hassle way to listen to your music. I wouldn’t use the Crystal Engine’s Music Converter. Additionally, MoonShell DPG (video) files are a lot better quality then the Crystal Engine’s so I would stick to using that format.

Conclusion

When all is said and done to M3 Perfect Lite’s functionality is top notch, its menu easy to operate and use. All of its features (except the PDA) work flawlessly and it has great compatibility with backups. There are a few issues with loading homebrew, but knowing the M3 Team they can remedy this soon.

Please note this was a general review of the M3 Perfect Lite which features the same functionality of the M3 Perfect SD. I have previously reviewed that product so if you're wanting to know more about the M3 Lite and how it operates please click here to read the review.

Negatives

MicroSD loads from side
Menu System not Touchscreen compatible
Emulators aren't updatable
Saves on reboot not "real-time"
GBA lacks fancy loader (Like the G6)

Positives

Excellent Compatibility
Intergrated MoonShell Media Player
Very Easy to Operate
Stable Windows side Software
Constant Loader Updates

Links

M3 Website
M3's Global Reseller Network

-=[ M3 Perfect Lite Review Discussion Thread ]=-

Product(s) were received from the website above. ISO-420 will always link back to whomever sent the product(s) *respect*, but please remember that the reviews are independently written by our staff and are not subject to alteration by whomever supplies us with the review product(s).

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.