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Old 29-06-2008, 10:28 PM   #1 (permalink)
darksx
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Default NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

This guide has been compiled for the sake of all you new users out there. For the sake of the time spent on compiling it, please do give it some time and read it.

If there's any mistakes or misconception, please correct me. To all, try to help me touch up on the guide too. I hope it'll save us a lot or troubles in the future.

Credits goes to Wikipedia, GBAtemp Reviews, and lastly all the people who have been helping out the newbies on SGClub - NDSL

I've also posted the text version here in the thread itself. Do give me your comments. (:



Nintendo Dual Screen Lite (NDSL)

General Information
Nintendo DSL is a Dual-Screen handheld gaming console. It consists of two screens – a touch-sensitive display screen on the bottom and a display screen on the top. It features over 1000+ games of different genres (RPGs, Puzzle, Racing, FPS, Arcade, etc.) NDSL also has the WIFI connectivity which allows users to connect up with their friends easily for game-sharing or multiplayer games.

Other than games, NDSL also has its own chatroom software (Pictochat) for WIFI chatting with other users in range.

Internet Surfing through WIFI
For Internet surfing, Opera has developed a browser for the NDSL. The Internet browser cartridge is available on sale for use of internet through WIFI. This package will include the browser ROM cartridge and also a SLOT-2 RAM-expansion.

Available Colours
Initially, NDSL was offered with White only due to manufacturing problems. Later on, Black was also produced followed by Pink and Ice Blue. Then, the Crimson/Black and the Cobalt/Black NDSL was also introduced. In June 2008, three more colours were released – Red, Green and Turquoise.

Limited Editions (LE)
Limited Edition NDSLs have been released along with many games. Currently there are quite a number of these NDSL seen here in Singapore. One of the first few LE seen is the Zelda Triforce Golden Edition with the Zelda Triforce Emblem on the bottom-right of the outside. The Metallic Pink Nintendogs Edition was also released, bundled together with the Nintendogs: Best Friends game cartridge. It had pink paw prints also on the bottom-right of the outside. Recently, there has also been the Guitar Hero Silver/Black Edition bundled with the Guitar Hero: On Tour game cartridge, including the SLOT-2 Guitar Grip peripheral.

Export Set VS. Local Set
Export sets are otherwise known as parallel imports and they have the exact same hardware specifications. Singapore Local sets are from Nintendo’s local distributor, Maxsoft. Export sets are perfectly legal here in Singapore.

Being Export sets, they are slightly cheaper than the local sets by about $20.
Local sets have a 3-month warranty from Maxsoft where as the Export sets have no warranty or warranty from the shops. For exclusive shops like Qisahn.com, refer to their site for the warranty.
Local sets come with the original Nintendo charger for use in Singapore whereas those from the Export sets are usually not suitable for use in Singapore. However, many shops nowadays usually trade in your original unsuitable charger for a 3rd party compatible charger. This may also vary with some shops as some like Qisahn.com have been bundling the original Nintendo charger for their Export sets.
Lastly, Export sets do not have the hand strap as found in those of the Local sets.

Use of NDSL for Homebrews
Homebrews are games/freeware developed by the public and are not for sale. They are shared freely on the Net and their main purpose is to enhance the users’ experience with the NDSL. One of the more popular homebrew is Moonshell as it has the ability to play mp3s/videos and even view text files/pictures on your NDSL. It is otherwise known as a NDSL multimedia player. Other widely used homebrews are DSOrganizer and BEUP Live(Msn Messenger).

Other than Homebrews, many people nowadays are also dumping the game’s ROM file for backup purposes. In order to use these homebrews/ROMs, SLOT-1 or SLOT-2 flashcarts are required.

SLOT-1 Flashcarts
SLOT-1 Flashcarts are meant to be placed in the NDSL game cartridge slot, otherwise known as SLOT-1.

SLOT-1 Flashcarts are a form of adapter for use with the NDSL. Currently, there is a wide range of SLOT-1 flashcard in the market. The best and more proclaimed flashcard in the market now is the CycloDS Evolution, boasting a wide range of features and still developing. There are also the AceKard2 & AceKard RPG, NDSTT (more known as DSTT), and M3DS Real. R4 is also another well know flashcard but its development team has already stopped work on it and it has also changed to a different manufacturer.

The above mentioned SLOT-1 flashcarts are all using MicroSD card for memory purposes except for the AceKard RPG which uses MicroSD and also a 1GB onboard memory. All of these flashcarts are also capable of supporting the MicroSDHC cards which has a capacity of up to 8GB.

SLOT-2 Flashcarts/Solutions
SLOT-2 Flashcarts are meant to be placed in the GBA game cartridge slot, otherwise known as SLOT-2.

SLOT-2 Flashcarts are usually for use of GBA homebrews/ROMs or as a Rumble Pak for some games and even the RAM-Expansion for the NDSL Browser or the DSLinux homebrew.
Nowadays, many SLOT-2 Flashcarts/Solutions are a combination of the RAM-Expansion and the Rumble Pak. Some also has its own memory slot for storage of GBA Homebrews/ROMs.
There are also quite a number of SLOT-2 Solutions available in the market. However, the more well known ones are the EZ-Flash 3-in-1 Expansion Pack or the EWIN Expansion Pak which doesn’t have the Rumble Pak.
Attached Files
File Type: doc Nintendo Dual Screen Lite.doc (42.5 KB, 25 views)

Last edited by darksx : 02-07-2008 at 01:03 PM.
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Old 29-06-2008, 10:28 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

NDSL Buying Guide
Before buying your very first NDSL, here are some things to take note of.

NDSL has lousier graphics compared to PSP and it can never win it due to the larger screen size of the PSP. The gaming experience of the NDSL should not be compared with that of the PSP. NDSL is more known for a more interactive gaming experience whereas PSP has more of a graphical gaming experience.

NDSL requires NO modification to be able to run any of your Homebrews/ROMs so do not be scammed by the person selling it.

Price-wise, the NDSL(Export set) package should cost about $220-$250. If you really can’t find any shop selling at that price, go to Qisahn.com for this price. If the prices do fall below $200, do make sure that there is no other terms and conditions attached to it, e.g. having to buy their overpriced chargers or their overpriced games/flashcarts.

Upon receiving your console package, you should check if you have received a refurbished set. To check this, you’d just need to check and tally the serial numbers on the box and that of the console itself. The serial number can be found on the side of the box and on the base of your console. This is to ensure that you have not received a refurbished set which is of lousier quality and sometimes more prone to breakdowns.

As for the flashcart, DSTT is definitely one of the flashcarts which you can easily get your hands on. It is also one of the more user-friendly flashcarts available. The cost of the DSTT right now is about $40 and you can get it easily in this forum. Be sure to get the genuine DSTT as there are many pirate ones out there. To do so, check the contact area of the DSTT and ensure that there are the letters “DSTT” imprinted there. chin261 is a very trustworthy reseller and he provides very good services. Other than the DSTT, there are also the AceKard 2 and the M3DS Real which are also available here. As for the Rumble Pak/RAM-Expansion, it is all available together with many of the flashcart sale threads.

Other than flashcarts, there are also some must have protection for the longevity of your NDSL and its beauty. One of these is the two screen protectors for both of your displays. This will ensure that your screens stay scratchproof and also to prevent any problems caused by scratches. Secondly, you should get a crystal/silicon casing which will help to prevent scratches to the glossy outside of the NDSL. Otherwise, you can also opt for a simple cloth bag or a NDSL sleeve. Lastly, you may want to get a different stylus for a better NDSL experience. There are many type available e.g. retractable ones, pen/pencil like ones and even cute ones with game printings.

Last edited by darksx : 02-07-2008 at 01:00 PM.
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Old 29-06-2008, 10:36 PM   #3 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

Changing this part to a FAQ section. FAQ still in compilation progress.

Last edited by darksx : 02-07-2008 at 01:00 PM.
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Old 29-06-2008, 11:08 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

This should be sticky-ed and locked so that replies wouldn't push the 1st page away and cause forum noobs to miss/or skip reading the all-important first post by darksx =p

Btw, dude i think the paragraph abt chin should be modified a little. Seems a little impartial to plug him so much. plus the flash cart market is still growing, new carts may still be coming out, so i think we should equip people with the tools to find out abt flash carts on their own rather than tell/suggest to them what to buy

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Old 30-06-2008, 04:31 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

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This should be sticky-ed and locked so that replies wouldn't push the 1st page away and cause forum noobs to miss/or skip reading the all-important first post by darksx =p

Btw, dude i think the paragraph abt chin should be modified a little. Seems a little impartial to plug him so much. plus the flash cart market is still growing, new carts may still be coming out, so i think we should equip people with the tools to find out abt flash carts on their own rather than tell/suggest to them what to buy
okay. (: noted and changed. hope this will help those newbies out there.
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Old 01-07-2008, 12:44 AM   #6 (permalink)
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Wide Grin Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

haa.. no worries. i also doing other business than consoles. great to c my name there. haa. so must thanks all. will try my best knowledge to help every1 here. will post this thread in my sale thread.


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Old 01-07-2008, 10:33 AM   #7 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

cheers. linked this in my sig already. hopefully the newbies will actually learn to click and read. lol. thanks to all who have shared their knowledge in helping all. (:
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Old 01-07-2008, 09:29 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Wide Grin Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

yaa.. i showing to all new cust to this thread.


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Old 03-07-2008, 10:15 AM   #9 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

Could I add some enquiries here? Need some advice on the basic care for DS lite.

When playing, should the screen be opened fully? Someone told me not to open it fully but others say that have to open fully. Which is which?

Should the DS lite be charged only when the battery is totally flat? My DS lite takes abt 4 hrs to charge typically. Is it better to leave the charger plugged into the DS even when full (cos I charge it when i sleep) or no need to charge fully (say, 2 hrs) and then continue to charge the next day?
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Old 03-07-2008, 10:43 AM   #10 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

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Could I add some enquiries here? Need some advice on the basic care for DS lite.

When playing, should the screen be opened fully? Someone told me not to open it fully but others say that have to open fully. Which is which?

Should the DS lite be charged only when the battery is totally flat? My DS lite takes abt 4 hrs to charge typically. Is it better to leave the charger plugged into the DS even when full (cos I charge it when i sleep) or no need to charge fully (say, 2 hrs) and then continue to charge the next day?
How wide you open your DS screen is a matter of preference. It doesn't affect the wear and tear of your DS screen hinges. Not unless you are constantly flipping your screen open violently or something like that. If you *do* do that, then you could possibly spoil the semi-locking function of the hinge. But if you aren't abusive, it doesn't matter. Btw, if you are unlucky enough to develope cracks on your hinge, this is covered under warranty and will be repaired FOC by nintendo.

Battery typically takes 3 hours to charge bah? I use a timer myself when I can be bothered. =p There isn't any guide on how to charge but I suppose the standard common sense rules when charging electronics applys. Charge only when flat and detach when full. All this does nothing except to make sure that you don't shorten your battery life though, it won't prolong it.

Of course, the above advice might be difficult to do due to our lifestyle/schedule so what the heck just charge as you wish. It's not as if buying a replacement DS battery is very expensive. Moreover, battery life is only designed to dop after 500 charges. Say you charge improperly and reduce that number to 50% or 250 charges. That's still quite a long time to go. I charge only once a week, so that makes 250 weeks, or 4.79 years before battery life degradation. Quite long aready lar.

Last edited by stormcontrol : 03-07-2008 at 10:48 AM.
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Old 03-07-2008, 12:16 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

hey hey... thanks for ur advice... I was so worried about opening the screen fully. Now I can set my mind at ease.
About the charging. Wat the heck lah. I dun really care now oso. Sometimes, I even play when charging it. Hehe....
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Old 03-07-2008, 11:22 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

You can try introducing ROMs, Moonshell and support for media files

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Old 07-07-2008, 03:35 AM   #13 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

Bump to this thread. Recommend to sticky too.

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Old 07-07-2008, 07:39 AM   #14 (permalink)
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Bump to this thread. Recommend to sticky too.
already PM-ed a mod abt it... no response yet though...
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Old 07-07-2008, 04:22 PM   #15 (permalink)
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already PM-ed a mod abt it... no response yet though...
try report selling thread (say its wrong forum) and then you put in your request after that ^^ maybe they will read

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Old 07-07-2008, 11:28 PM   #16 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

hi..
I have an enquiry..
hmm.. anyone knows how to go back to the main menu to change games without power off and on the ds when inside a game?
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Old 07-07-2008, 11:31 PM   #17 (permalink)
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hi..
I have an enquiry..
hmm.. anyone knows how to go back to the main menu to change games without power off and on the ds when inside a game?
dstt??

go to the top left hand corner of the main dstt meu. (sysoption)

select default reset to "on"

start a game

in the game, press n hold " L + R (SHOULDER BOTTOMS) + A + B + X + Y


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Old 08-07-2008, 12:23 AM   #18 (permalink)
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Default Re: NDSL Beginners' Guide (Pls READ first)

I'm using Ezflash.
where to find the "default" to enable the settings for
"L + R (SHOULDER BOTTOMS) + A + B + X + Y " ?
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Old 08-07-2008, 08:51 AM   #19 (permalink)
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I'm using Ezflash.
where to find the "default" to enable the settings for
"L + R (SHOULDER BOTTOMS) + A + B + X + Y " ?
try this: L+R+START+SELECT


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Old 08-07-2008, 10:23 PM   #20 (permalink)
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