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**acitinium** · 13-04-2008, 11:23 PM

Hi,

My 1st time attempt doing a comparision review.

DSTT using [v1.09] 2007-03-16
AK2 using Bliss' custom [4.0.7.k06] 2008/04/10

Both carts tested on my own crimson red ndsl, with Kingston 4GB micro SD, and in english language.

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1. Packaging - DSTT
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Box packaging by DSTT is much better, as compare to AK2 uses a simple clear plastic package.

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2. USB Reader - AK2
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AK2 package with a micro-SDHC card reader, as compare to DSTT only provide a normal microsd reader.

DSTT users when purchase a 4GB (or larger) sd card, will have to get a micro sdhc card reader too.

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3. Manual - AK2
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DSTT provided no instructions on how to use its product.

AK2 includes a simple instruction guide within on how/where to get the firmware and where to place the skins.

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4. Cart - DSTT
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DSTT is white in color. From the look and feel, in my opinion DSTT is better as compare to AK2.

AK2 is black in color, and it gives me a non-sturdy plastic cart feeling.

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5. Getting started - AK2
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Both carts are simple get started, just download its relevant firmware into the TF and is ready to go.

But I rate AK2 better, because it provide some form of manual/instructions within its package.

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6. Startup Speed - DSTT
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DSTT loads direct into its menu(OS) upon power up of DS.

AK2 does not skip, and boots into DS console default ds console menu.

===========================
7. OS Menu Loading Speed - DSTT
===========================
DSTT list out the games within the TF very very fast, as it uses "cached" architect method to list the games.
DSTT will query the whole TF and list out all roms/app, but the games are not sorted.
DSTT display 4 roms/app at a time in icon list view.
DSTT menu has a scroll bar on the right, which allows us to easily skip ahead into the back of the list.

Ak2 is much slower as it refreshes and reads the TF content everytime.
AK2 is like a file explorer, only list out the roms/app within the folder you are at.
AK2 can display the roms/app in 2 mode. In icon list mode it is similar to DSTT displaying 4 roms at a time, and in text List mode, very similar to R4 which can display 10 roms at a time.
AK2 menu does not have any scroll bar, therefore if you list is long (over 100), you have to 'drag' or scroll quite a bit (although the scroll speed is incredible fast and responsive).

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8. Multi Language Support - AK2
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Both firmware support multiple languages.
In terms of changing language on the fly, AK2 is able to change its language within the menu. But when you are in english language, unable to view chinese and japanese text. I overcome the problem by amending some language files.

DSTT requires to download and copy its relevant language into the TF. DSTT is able to display chinese text in english language without any issue by default.

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9. Soft Reset - DSTT
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Both support in game soft-reset
Personnally I feel DSTT is easier to soft-rest (L+R+A+B+X+Y) as compare to AK2 (A+B+L+R+Down)

Both default are globally disabled, and can enable/disable soft reset in individaul games.

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10. Skin - AK2
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AK2 is the winner without a doubt between the 2 cart.
AK2 is able to display calendar, date, time and username.
AK2 can easily change its skin within the menu.

DSTT is only able to display 1 skin at a time. If wanna change skin, will have to overwrite the files in the TF skin folder everytime.
DSTT provides some additional info when using a SDHC or EWIN plugged in.

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11. Brightness Control
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Both easily able to adjust the ndsl brightness.
DSTT (with recent firmware) uses L button, and AK2 uses R button.

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12. EWIN/EZ-FLASH - AK2
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Both support the use of EWIN and EZ-FLASH.
AK2 when use together with Bliss custom OS, there is no need to patch the ram. And is able to load gba roms direct without the need to use any loader.

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13. Games compatibility / Download Play / WFC
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Both cart run without any issues on a number of roms and homebrew apps I tested so far.

And no problem encountered for download play, lan and through wfc

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14. Extras - AK2
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AK2 when use together with latest Bliss custom OS, you are able to view txt files, play mp3 and dsm directly.

AK2 has rom trimming features, which i have not test out yet.

AK2 can cut, copy, paste and rename the files within the TF like a normal file explorer.

DSTT has value pack which bundles with gba explorer, rumble pack and usb charger.

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15. Ease of Use - DSTT
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DSTT is a very straight forward cart, with little or almost nil learning curve.

AK2 on the other hand, you will need to fiddle around a bit in order to know how to use it. Not recommended for kids, as AK2 has cut/delete/paste/rename functions. AK2 I would say its more for intermediate users.

-_-