Should NDS be purchased immediately?

[cchen921]

Should I purchase the NDS immediately before they come up with a version that does not work with the magic key that I have? Are there any differences to other magic keys like 1, 2 or 3? What version of magic key do I have? The set that I bought is this set here: http://www.divineo.com/cgi-bin/div-us/dd-ds-neo512

Thanks...

[Kushan]

That is an MK1, it does not have an SD slot in it like the MK2 and MK3.
The difference between the MK2 and the MK3 is that the MK3 has an internal flash memory that lets you flash a rom to it to play at full speed (similar to the GBA flash cart).

If you purchase a DS right now, there's a good chance that it will come with newer firmware that will not allow you to use the Magic Key, however there is a way around this.
Unfortunately it means you need to buy ANOTHER device called a Passme2. You then use this device, programmed for a specific game you own, to flash the DS to an older, hacked version of the firmware which DOES let you use the MagicKey.

[bruceg]

Yeah, Kushan is right... it's highly likely you are going to end up with a newer ds anyways.  You may want to wait for the new ds lite to come out (I think it will be $15 more), and check back here later on to see if it's compatible with Passme2.

You probably won't be happy with mk1 since saves can get corrupted on the flashcart.  For mk2/mk3, here's a link further explaining the basics, so come back if you have any questions

http://www.neoflash.com/forum/index.php/topic,1529.0.html

BruceG

[boblen]

yes i would wait for the DS lite to come out first off. unless you really want to get a DS now.

I dont think Nintendo are going to update the Normal DS's filmware anymore i think it will just stay as it is.

Like the GBA and GBA SP - once the SP was out the used that only in the Ads and stuff and it was like there never was a Normal GBA.

[cchen921]

Are there usually ways that backup developers always make a succesful backup device, even when the new ds comes out? Has there a firmware that has never been broken?

[boblen]

well...

Nintendo DS - yes
Nintendo DS (new ones) - yes
PSP - dont no

well i just dont no 

[Kushan]

Here's my advice:

Sit on it for a while. The DS lite will be released soon, it wont take long for the homebrew people to assess how "hackable" it is.
If it turns out that it's going to be a lot more difficult to flash, patch, whatever, then you can always get an older model DS off of ebay.

[boblen]

yes thats what i wouls do if i dident have a DS

[bruceg]

well...

Nintendo DS - yes
Nintendo DS (new ones) - yes
PSP - dont no

well i just dont no 

Yeah, for all the nintendo ds firmware revions so far, Passme or Passme2 seems to be compatible.  The DS Lite firmware will hopefully continue this trend.

The psp is in far worse shape.  It can't handle any UMD isos that require firmware 2.0 or higher (unless you mess with decryption files, and even then, the compatibility is very low).  PSP users with homebrew apps are basically stuck on the far less-functional 1.5 firmware.

BruceG

[boblen]

yes my friend is so happy that he dident update to 2.0 and stayed at 1.5 ...

Now he wants to sell me his PSP