NEWS: Neoflash DS dev

[ASSEMbler]

I've been talking with the nice people at www.neoflash.com, developers and makers of the NEOFLASH system.
At first glance, neoflash seems like just another GBA backup device. But there is an interesting twist; it's designed to work with DS games. While I don't condone piracy in any way, the kit does have some very exciting potential for DS game development. Is this the "must have" item to stongarm your way into the industry? I'll be taking a detailed look at the unit and running it through the paces, letting you know if it lives up to all the expectations. Will this item blow open the DS scene? We'll see!!

[the_steadster]

Isn't this just the commercial version of the homebrew "passme" pass through type device which has been around for a while?

[ASSEMbler]

Yes, but without having to build the unit from scratch. The encryption hasn't been cracked yet, but it's sort of like the passthrough carts on N64.

[the_steadster]

Yes, but without having to build the unit from scratch.

Hehe, Wheres the fun in that??

[Calpis]

Theres one key difference, you can run (not backup) DS games from Neoflash, not just demos.

[TheDeathcoaster]

I wanted to get a standard PassMe (or use WifiMe) but my flashcart isnt compatible :(

On a side note, did I notice your name on the list of people helping with Darkfaders' cart hack program Kyuusaku? I think I did, but I was a bit inhebriated when I came home to check on my computers progress :)

[Calpis]

Yeah I guess ;) Didn't know a list was being kept. I was one of the first few people donating their spare CPU cycles but I stopped after merely an afternoon since the "goal" was completed so many times over and I wasn't hearing of any progress.

[TheDeathcoaster]

There was a list of active users as the stuff was being cracked :) I noticed your name but wasnt sure if it was the same Kyuusaku...Glad to know I'm not the only one who was donating his PC to that effort.

[LeGIt]

For those who were privvy to the info, maybe this device could breathe life into my ISV shooter idea for the DS -_-

I guess the engine is still being done on DOS?

If everyone involved is still interested maybe I'll dig into my pocket and we can have a neoflash each :) If you ain't got a DS I ain't paying for that too though :P

That's if any of you remember it. Those who don't know what I'm talking about - consider it as the rambling of a crazy fool :D

[Calpis]

This is really only a temporary solution for DS as games must be hacked to run suitably from the GBA's cartridge port. If you would like to develop something, better do it on the real deal or wait.

[ASSEMbler]

Unless they can crack the encrypt.

[Calpis]

If they crack the encryption, Neoflash becomes immediately obsolete.

[ASSEMbler]

Well the kit is on the way, and we'll soon see what we can do with it.

[Greatsaintlouis]

I'm currently interested in seeing what can be done with them, as there's really no other viable homebrew solution as of yet. It's a pity GBA flashcarts are still so spendy, even for the smaller ones.

Assembler, how much do these NeoFlash units run, or was this an Assembler Review donation?

[Blur2040]

Yeah, I'm curious as to how well and how easy these things are to use. I too was interested in the Gameboy Advance ones, but I was never able to bring myself to buy one. They seemed pretty expensive for something that just lets us play Nes games on GBA.

[Calpis]

Neoflash is based on a FREE homebrew solution created by Natrium42 called PassMe which uses Darkfader's research (DF apparently designed Neoflash.) Neoflash is rather expensive since PassMes can be built yourself or purchased for ~$20. Regarding it's use, how easy they are for what? They're pretty easy to use for development if you've got any experience in GBA development but in regards to piracy, you're limited to what people hack for you. If you're OK with that, it's no more difficult to use than any other GBA flashcart since that's what it is. Know that Neoflash doesn't run DS games, it runs DS games hacked to run from the GBA's bus and GBA games. Basically it's a modified PassMe and a GBA flashcart.

[ASSEMbler]

I think we all know that already Kyuusaku

[Calpis]

Just repeating it for GSL and Blur. If they're interested in homebrew, Neoflash isn't even necessary or suggested.

[Greatsaintlouis]

I'm definately interested in it for the homebrew element; like with the GBA, spending money in order to pirate games never really sounded like a good idea (not that I'm too keen on pirating in the first place). However, from what I gather unless one is a licensed developer, NeoFlash is as of now the only currently feasable method of DS homebrew. While the PassMe could be built for a reasonable amount of money, from what I've seen it looks to require a custom-printed board and the circuit assembly skills a bit beyond the mediocre soldering experience myself and no doubt many others possess (or don't). If you're well versed in the art of electronic engineering, I would imagine constructing your own PassMe would be a piece of cake, but for the average Joe, it appears a daunting task and I'd much rather spend my time fiddling with running code through a pre-assembled piece of kit than trying to make hardware work BEFORE I can start on my project.

[Calpis]

See: http://www.dspassme.com/

You can cheaply buy a PassMe and now they are offering them with either PCI pins to push against your DS cartridge or an actual connector so that no soldering is required. Also, if you get a PassMe, you could use it to flash the DS' firmware with "FlashMe" which will allow you to run ARM9 code from the GBA connector without the need of PassMe anymore and just sell it. Also if you have a WiFi setup you can load code with "WiFiMe" for free provided you have access to WiFi.