acitinium

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.


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

=================
2. USB Reader - AK2
=================
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.

=============
3. Manual - AK2
=============
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.

===========
4. Cart - DSTT
===========
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.

===================
5. Getting started - AK2
===================
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.

===================
6. Startup Speed - DSTT
===================
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).

=========================
8. Multi Language Support - AK2
=========================
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.

================
9. Soft Reset - DSTT
================
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.

============
10. Skin - AK2
============
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.

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

=====================
12. EWIN/EZ-FLASH - AK2
=====================
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.

====================================
13. Games compatibility / Download Play / WFC
====================================
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

=============
14. Extras - AK2
=============
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.

==================
15. Ease of Use - DSTT
==================
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.


-_-

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

ahkwan

nice review... to me dstt seems to be better..

chin261

================
9. Soft Reset - DSTT
================
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.
DSTT easily can set global soft reset within menu.

AK2 have to edit the globalsettings.ini.

ak 2 soft reset can be done on the menu itself

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Visit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
for ur gaming need - Sponsor of Singapore & Available Club

chin261

i agreed. AK 2 more powerful.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Visit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
for ur gaming need - Sponsor of Singapore & Available Club

acitinium

Yeap thanks ... got mixed up with the "Start > Patched" and "Properties > Rom Info" together.
Will update the 1st post

Guess i need to amend the AK2 menu text to make them more meaningful

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

chin261

haa.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Visit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
for ur gaming need - Sponsor of Singapore & Available Club

stormcontrol

wah acitinium, well done. concise and to the point review! Thanks!

to add a little bit on, AK2 construction is non-sturdy is because the two plastic side covers is "clipped" together one. so it's definitely not a cart you want to have in the hands of a kid.

Wonder if anybody got both Edge and DSTT and can do a similar comparision? =p

stormcontrol

may i know what's the purpose of trimming roms if the flash cart can already support clean roms?

acitinium

extracted from net:

Because the capacity of NDS cartridge has a fixed standard, such as 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb and 1Gb etc, So the capacity of the Dump has the same standard: 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb and 1Gb(They will display on the PC like this: 16MB, 32MB, 64MB and 128MB, 1Byte=8bits).

Every game has their capacity, which is not exactly the same as the standard. Supposed that the game has a 300Mb capacity, it needs a 512Mb game cartridge to run, and then the other 212Mb is redundant. The Triming can delete the redundant data to save the space and also keep the game running well according to this theory.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

psychooo

nice review!
ak2 is definitely a great budget flash card. nice interface and rather easy to use.
i cant say which is better tho, i dont own a dstt.

hbk82

hmm dstt sounds good, still deciding what to get

acitinium

really depends on what you really wanna do with the ds?


if just purely wanna play roms, then dstt will a better choice.
if you like to meddle/explore around with "some extra features", then ak2 would be good.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
-
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

chin261

actually both ak2 and dstt theyre main objective is to enable you play dl game so if you are going to use it to enable you to play dl game only why dont get a cheaper card??? =D

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Visit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
for ur gaming need - Sponsor of Singapore & Available Club

stormcontrol

got other objective of getting flash cart mah =p
like me, turn it into organizer, portable web browser, work tool (that graphing homebrew really useful for checking my calculations!), and portable emulation! =p

leofireng86

Hey....i have been browsing this forum for a period of time as i am thinking of getting a ds lite...i was wondering which flash cart mentioned above should i get as i would like to use ds to install homebrew apps other than playing games?

stormcontrol

all the usual flash carts on the market now can do homebrews with no prob. the choice of flash cart boils down to the user experience you're looking for. quick loading? quick scrolling? stability? compatibility with microSD, dependency on microSD speed, OS functionality etc. these are the things you're looking at to decide on your flash cart now.

DSTT, even with YSMenu offers very bare bones functions. it loads quick and it's very stable. but scrolling speed is atrocious. It's physical plastic build is also rather sturdy as compared to the AK2.

AK2, offers cut/past/delete functions, the ability to modify saved files on the ds itself. Also more skinnable than the TT. But majority of users of the AK2 find that its performance is very dependent on the microSD card. it's loading speed loses out to the TT by a few seconds but more than makes up for it with lightning fast scrolling. albeit, moving between folders can take a second too long. also, on the point about file organization the AK2 beats up the DSTT soooooooo badly =p

leofireng86

one more question, i know it sound stupid, but using of flashcart does it involve in changing any of the ds original system files? am i still able to boot from commercial carts?

i am seriously a noob in this...-_-

chin261

no. wont change. can use commerical carts as normal.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


Visit
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
for ur gaming need - Sponsor of Singapore & Available Club

stormcontrol

as chin said. no problem. what happens is that on bootup, the ds will read whatever is in it's slot. slot 1 flash carts nowadays will then jump in and override the DS standard OS and run its own OS off the flash cart. So no firmware changes to the DS itself. if you had an original cart in slot 1, instead of the flash cart, the ds will read the game and boot as per the standard OS's routines.