What tests use as performance comparisons

ImmortalNinja · August 16, 2006, 10:40:10 AM

Hi,
I'll probly be grabbing both the DS-Link and DS-Xtreme when they come out.
People will probably want to know how good they work, so in preperation what tests do you think should be carried out to compare performace of all the different flash carts?
What makes one better than the others?

KK

Scor · August 16, 2006, 01:09:30 PM

I would like to know the same thing as I'm to get the DSlink too.

PharaohsVizier · August 16, 2006, 02:14:26 PM

Try to test out for slowdowns (obviously)
The build quality
The support (as in try a couple known games that don't work)
Also try battery life

Wow ur so lucky getting both...

riggs · August 16, 2006, 04:29:28 PM

Battery life
Compatibility (both commercial and homebrew)
Design (compared to original DS cart - does it fit properly, are there any defects etc.)
Software overview (ease of use, patching time, available options etc)

...and don't forget the classic "DOS intro/Tony Hawks/AC:WW" test

I'm very interested in the DS-Link...I've only just bought a SC Lite, but I'd be willing to buy a DS-Link if it performs any better!

PharaohsVizier · August 16, 2006, 04:38:38 PM

Well, I really can't wait for DS Link too, but maybe DS Xtreme might be good. I'm gonna wait for reviews, if they are really good, then ill buy 1, if they are descent or good, ill wait for supercard to make their own version...

Carnivean · August 16, 2006, 07:49:02 PM

I'm confused as to what would be classed as 'performing better' I assume they'll have better battery life but since the SC etc. have pretty much perfect DS support anyway. What do they have over them other than a lack of need for a Passthrough device? I mean 'perfect fitting' is hardly anything with all the 'mini' and 'lite' versions of GBA slot devices.

PharaohsVizier · August 16, 2006, 10:00:13 PM

The DS Xtreme has drag and drop support, no patching software required whatsoever.

ImmortalNinja · August 17, 2006, 03:10:25 AM

Ok,
so this is what I got so far:

Physical aspects:
- build quality: is it flimsy or well built
- fit: snug? tight? sticks out?
- packaging and inculded bits

Putting stuff on:
- patching software
- upload speeds

UI:
- Ease of use
- Extra features
- Looks
- Cutomization
- Flashme requirements

Compatablity and performance
- Slow down in Castlevania, Animal Crossing, Tony Hawks
- Crash on Ultimate Spiderman
- HomeBrew apps: MoonRein, DsOrganise
- GBA support
- GBA Linkage support
- Rumble pack support
- Wi-Fi play
- Single Cart multiplayer to unflashed DS
- Opera support
- Battery life

I'll try and get everything I need to do these tests and probably do them on the supercard lite over the weekend.
Does anyone know if I can use wario twisted as a rumble pack?
and any news on release dates for the new devices yet?

KK

Scor · August 17, 2006, 04:12:13 AM

Opera support can only be done if you have the RAM expansion, you know that right?
And as for homebrew, unless the developers of this product have made a patcher for homebrew both FAT homebrew and normal .nds homebew it will not work untill someone does.

ImmortalNinja · August 17, 2006, 04:23:32 AM

Aye,
but the potential is there even if at the moment it wouldnt work.
As a comprison of abilities between flash carts (supercard included) I think homebrew support should be considered.
As mentioned else where homebrew probaly has greated potential with the new DS slot flash carts if they are able to use the RAM expansion pack.
KK

Scor · August 17, 2006, 04:44:50 AM

For which a Supercard can also be used. True.
But at the moment DS slot solutions are unable to run homebrew (to my knowing).
There is a venture going on gbadev to create a general patcher for the ninjapass jr. and .nds homebrew (which should then also work with other cards), but it is still in the works.
As I said possibly the developers have made their own patcher work with homebrew which would be great (especially if FAT homebrew would be supported).