Flash cartridge: Difference between revisions
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{{Refimprove|date=October 2007}} |
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A '''Game Boy Advance flash cartridge''' is one of several [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridges]] containing [[flash memory]] that have been developed for use in the [[Nintendo]] [[Game Boy Advance]]. These cartridges enable [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] applications and [[game backup device|games]] to be used on a GBA. The capacity of the cartridges ranges from 64 [[megabit|Mbit]] up to 8 [[gigabit|Gbit]] (Commercial carts range from 32 Mbit to 256 Mbit). Sizes of cartridges are always measured in [[megabit]]s or [[gigabit]]s as opposed to [[megabyte]]s and [[gigabyte]]s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}} More recent cartridges use external memory cards as memory, in place of onboard memory, such as [[Compact Flash]], [[Secure Digital]], etc. memory cards. |
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These cartridges remain the best-known way to create and distribute [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games for the GBA (the other being the [[GBA Movie Player]], which can run specially designed homebrew programs but cannot run illicit copies of commercial GBA Game cartridges due to the lack of onboard RAM for fast data access). |
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== Linkers == |
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[[Image:EFA With USB.jpg|thumb|right|Extreme Flash Advance, USB port built-in]] |
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Games are written to the cartridge with a device called "linker". Depending on the brand of flash cartridge, the linker either connects to the GBA's serial link port and writes to the cartridge through the GBA or connects to a mini-[[USB]] slot on the cartridge itself and writes directly to the flash cartridge. These linkers usually connect to a [[Personal computer|PC]] through a [[USB]] or parallel plug on the other end. Most linkers that connect to the GBA link slot are capable of copying ROM information from commercial Game Boy Advance software cartridges. Some more recent flash cartridges use digital media cards (SD,MMC,CF, etc.) in which files are placed via a [[memory card reader]]. |
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== Flash card adapters == |
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Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
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{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
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== Software == |
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There are those that use a program called [http://web.archive.org/web/20041009153958/mapage.noos.fr/dadywriter/ LittleWriter] to write games to the cartridges. However, some people (especially people with older computers) use other software to write games to the cartridge. An example of this software is X-ROM Frontend by [http://www.dansoftaustralia.net/ DanSoft Australia]. |
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Some flash cartridges use specialized software designed for the specific cartridge, such as Power Writer and USB Writer software for the Flash2Advance Ultra cartridges. This presents several conflicts in regard to homebrew, as Power Writer uses a large database for proper naming and saving of games. ROMs that are not in the database (such as emulators or any other GBA homebrew) are prone to saving issues, and editing the database manually is difficult and involves the use of a [[hex editor]]. Such cartridges often have a proprietary interface, making it difficult or impossible to use operating systems other than [[Microsoft Windows]] for writing to the cartridge with a few exceptions. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
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== Legality == |
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The legality of flashcarts has been called into question many times, primarily by Nintendo. In a 2010 high court case, the court ruled in Nintendo's favour, and flashcarts were ''outlawed'' in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/07/high_court_outlaws_flash_carts_in_uk |title=high court case |publisher=Nintendolife.com |date=2010-07-28 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> |
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== References == |
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<references /> |
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{{Refimprove|date=October 2007}} |
|||
A '''Game Boy Advance flash cartridge''' is one of several [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridges]] containing [[flash memory]] that have been developed for use in the [[Nintendo]] [[Game Boy Advance]]. These cartridges enable [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] applications and [[game backup device|games]] to be used on a GBA. The capacity of the cartridges ranges from 64 [[megabit|Mbit]] up to 8 [[gigabit|Gbit]] (Commercial carts range from 32 Mbit to 256 Mbit). Sizes of cartridges are always measured in [[megabit]]s or [[gigabit]]s as opposed to [[megabyte]]s and [[gigabyte]]s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}} More recent cartridges use external memory cards as memory, in place of onboard memory, such as [[Compact Flash]], [[Secure Digital]], etc. memory cards. |
|||
These cartridges remain the best-known way to create and distribute [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games for the GBA (the other being the [[GBA Movie Player]], which can run specially designed homebrew programs but cannot run illicit copies of commercial GBA Game cartridges due to the lack of onboard RAM for fast data access). |
|||
== Linkers == |
|||
[[Image:EFA With USB.jpg|thumb|right|Extreme Flash Advance, USB port built-in]] |
|||
Games are written to the cartridge with a device called "linker". Depending on the brand of flash cartridge, the linker either connects to the GBA's serial link port and writes to the cartridge through the GBA or connects to a mini-[[USB]] slot on the cartridge itself and writes directly to the flash cartridge. These linkers usually connect to a [[Personal computer|PC]] through a [[USB]] or parallel plug on the other end. Most linkers that connect to the GBA link slot are capable of copying ROM information from commercial Game Boy Advance software cartridges. Some more recent flash cartridges use digital media cards (SD,MMC,CF, etc.) in which files are placed via a [[memory card reader]]. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
|||
== Software == |
|||
There are those that use a program called [http://web.archive.org/web/20041009153958/mapage.noos.fr/dadywriter/ LittleWriter] to write games to the cartridges. However, some people (especially people with older computers) use other software to write games to the cartridge. An example of this software is X-ROM Frontend by [http://www.dansoftaustralia.net/ DanSoft Australia]. |
|||
Some flash cartridges use specialized software designed for the specific cartridge, such as Power Writer and USB Writer software for the Flash2Advance Ultra cartridges. This presents several conflicts in regard to homebrew, as Power Writer uses a large database for proper naming and saving of games. ROMs that are not in the database (such as emulators or any other GBA homebrew) are prone to saving issues, and editing the database manually is difficult and involves the use of a [[hex editor]]. Such cartridges often have a proprietary interface, making it difficult or impossible to use operating systems other than [[Microsoft Windows]] for writing to the cartridge with a few exceptions. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
|||
== Legality == |
|||
The legality of flashcarts has been called into question many times, primarily by Nintendo. In a 2010 high court case, the court ruled in Nintendo's favour, and flashcarts were ''outlawed'' in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/07/high_court_outlaws_flash_carts_in_uk |title=high court case |publisher=Nintendolife.com |date=2010-07-28 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> |
|||
== References == |
|||
<references /> |
|||
{{Refimprove|date=October 2007}} |
|||
A '''Game Boy Advance flash cartridge''' is one of several [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridges]] containing [[flash memory]] that have been developed for use in the [[Nintendo]] [[Game Boy Advance]]. These cartridges enable [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] applications and [[game backup device|games]] to be used on a GBA. The capacity of the cartridges ranges from 64 [[megabit|Mbit]] up to 8 [[gigabit|Gbit]] (Commercial carts range from 32 Mbit to 256 Mbit). Sizes of cartridges are always measured in [[megabit]]s or [[gigabit]]s as opposed to [[megabyte]]s and [[gigabyte]]s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}} More recent cartridges use external memory cards as memory, in place of onboard memory, such as [[Compact Flash]], [[Secure Digital]], etc. memory cards. |
|||
These cartridges remain the best-known way to create and distribute [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games for the GBA (the other being the [[GBA Movie Player]], which can run specially designed homebrew programs but cannot run illicit copies of commercial GBA Game cartridges due to the lack of onboard RAM for fast data access). |
|||
== Linkers == |
|||
[[Image:EFA With USB.jpg|thumb|right|Extreme Flash Advance, USB port built-in]] |
|||
Games are written to the cartridge with a device called "linker". Depending on the brand of flash cartridge, the linker either connects to the GBA's serial link port and writes to the cartridge through the GBA or connects to a mini-[[USB]] slot on the cartridge itself and writes directly to the flash cartridge. These linkers usually connect to a [[Personal computer|PC]] through a [[USB]] or parallel plug on the other end. Most linkers that connect to the GBA link slot are capable of copying ROM information from commercial Game Boy Advance software cartridges. Some more recent flash cartridges use digital media cards (SD,MMC,CF, etc.) in which files are placed via a [[memory card reader]]. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
|||
== Software == |
|||
There are those that use a program called [http://web.archive.org/web/20041009153958/mapage.noos.fr/dadywriter/ LittleWriter] to write games to the cartridges. However, some people (especially people with older computers) use other software to write games to the cartridge. An example of this software is X-ROM Frontend by [http://www.dansoftaustralia.net/ DanSoft Australia]. |
|||
Some flash cartridges use specialized software designed for the specific cartridge, such as Power Writer and USB Writer software for the Flash2Advance Ultra cartridges. This presents several conflicts in regard to homebrew, as Power Writer uses a large database for proper naming and saving of games. ROMs that are not in the database (such as emulators or any other GBA homebrew) are prone to saving issues, and editing the database manually is difficult and involves the use of a [[hex editor]]. Such cartridges often have a proprietary interface, making it difficult or impossible to use operating systems other than [[Microsoft Windows]] for writing to the cartridge with a few exceptions. |
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== Other Flash Carts == |
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Flash cartridges are also available directly for other consoles, like the Nintendo [[Nintendo DS|DS]] and [[Nintendo DSi|DSi]]. There are also project files existing on the internet that guide people through creating their own flash cartridge for the original Nintendo Game Boy.<ref>http://www.digital-circuitry.com/DOC/NINTENDO/GAMEBOY/DIY%20Nintendo%20GAMEBOY%20Classic%20Flash%20Cartridge.pdf</ref> |
|||
== Legality == |
|||
The legality of flashcarts has been called into question many times, primarily by Nintendo. In a 2010 high court case, the court ruled in Nintendo's favour, and flashcarts were ''outlawed'' in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/07/high_court_outlaws_flash_carts_in_uk |title=high court case |publisher=Nintendolife.com |date=2010-07-28 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> |
|||
== References == |
|||
<references /> |
|||
{{Refimprove|date=October 2007}} |
|||
A '''Game Boy Advance flash cartridge''' is one of several [[cartridge (electronics)|cartridges]] containing [[flash memory]] that have been developed for use in the [[Nintendo]] [[Game Boy Advance]]. These cartridges enable [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] applications and [[game backup device|games]] to be used on a GBA. The capacity of the cartridges ranges from 64 [[megabit|Mbit]] up to 8 [[gigabit|Gbit]] (Commercial carts range from 32 Mbit to 256 Mbit). Sizes of cartridges are always measured in [[megabit]]s or [[gigabit]]s as opposed to [[megabyte]]s and [[gigabyte]]s.{{Citation needed|date=November 2007}} More recent cartridges use external memory cards as memory, in place of onboard memory, such as [[Compact Flash]], [[Secure Digital]], etc. memory cards. |
|||
These cartridges remain the best-known way to create and distribute [[Homebrew (video games)|homebrew]] games for the GBA (the other being the [[GBA Movie Player]], which can run specially designed homebrew programs but cannot run illicit copies of commercial GBA Game cartridges due to the lack of onboard RAM for fast data access). |
|||
== Linkers == |
|||
[[Image:EFA With USB.jpg|thumb|right|Extreme Flash Advance, USB port built-in]] |
|||
Games are written to the cartridge with a device called "linker". Depending on the brand of flash cartridge, the linker either connects to the GBA's serial link port and writes to the cartridge through the GBA or connects to a mini-[[USB]] slot on the cartridge itself and writes directly to the flash cartridge. These linkers usually connect to a [[Personal computer|PC]] through a [[USB]] or parallel plug on the other end. Most linkers that connect to the GBA link slot are capable of copying ROM information from commercial Game Boy Advance software cartridges. Some more recent flash cartridges use digital media cards (SD,MMC,CF, etc.) in which files are placed via a [[memory card reader]]. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
|||
There are those that use a program called [http://web.archive.org/web/20041009153958/mapage.noos.fr/dadywriter/ LittleWriter] to write games to the cartridges. However, some people (especially people with older computers) use other software to write games to the cartridge. An example of this software is X-ROM Frontend by [http://www.dansoftaustralia.net/ DanSoft Australia]. |
|||
Some flash cartridges use specialized software designed for the specific cartridge, such as Power Writer and USB Writer software for the Flash2Advance Ultra cartridges. This presents several conflicts in regard to homebrew, as Power Writer uses a large database for proper naming and saving of games. ROMs that are not in the database (such as emulators or any other GBA homebrew) are prone to saving issues, and editing the database manually is difficult and involves the use of a [[hex editor]]. Such cartridges often have a proprietary interface, making it difficult or impossible to use operating systems other than [[Microsoft Windows]] for writing to the cartridge with a few exceptions. |
|||
== Flash card adapters == |
|||
Recently a number of devices have been released which use popular flash memory cards such as [[Secure Digital card|SD]] and [[CompactFlash|CF]] for storage. These have proven popular since the development of techniques to run [[Nintendo DS]] software from a GBA cartridge, due to the smaller size of DS games and the low price of these cards compared to conventional GBA flash cartridges. Examples of such devices include the M3 and Supercard. |
|||
{{See also|Nintendo DS storage devices#First generation}} |
|||
== Legality == |
|||
The legality of flashcarts has been called into question many times, primarily by Nintendo. In a 2010 high court case, the court ruled in Nintendo's favour, and flashcarts were ''outlawed'' in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2010/07/high_court_outlaws_flash_carts_in_uk |title=high court case |publisher=Nintendolife.com |date=2010-07-28 |accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> |
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== References == |
|||
<references /> |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [[PHWiki:Category:GBA Flash Cards]] |
* [[PHWiki:Category:GBA Flash Cards]] |
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