{"id":289,"date":"2007-11-25T17:37:00","date_gmt":"2007-11-26T01:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/?p=289"},"modified":"2009-03-30T16:38:09","modified_gmt":"2009-03-31T00:38:09","slug":"m3ds-real-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/2007\/11\/m3ds-real-review\/","title":{"rendered":"M3DS Real Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Special thanks to the
\n\t\t\t\tM3 Team<\/a> for arranging a sample. <\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t– Introduction – <\/b><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real was highly hyped for quite
\n\t\t\t\tsome time.  It was rumored to be in the works as soon as the
\n\t\t\t\tM3DS Simply was released.  Because of the success of the M3DS
\n\t\t\t\tSimply, it seemed highly likely that the M3DS Real would be far
\n\t\t\t\tsuperior in every aspect.<\/p>\n

However, the release of the G6DS Real was
\n\t\t\t\tquite a failure.  Its highly prized feature of 100% download
\n\t\t\t\tplay compatibility was a lie, their system was a failure.  Most
\n\t\t\t\tof the bugs for the G6DS Real were fixed, yet because reviews
\n\t\t\t\tare rarely updated, it already has quite a bad reputation.  The
\n\t\t\t\thype of the M3DS Real completely died down, and even with the
\n\t\t\t\trelease, there seems to be quite a few people that associate the
\n\t\t\t\tG6DS Real\u2019s failure with it.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI have no doubt that the M3DS Real will more widely accepted
\n\t\t\t\tthan the G6DS Real.<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real is the next of the M3 series,
\n\t\t\t\twhich have always been known to be high quality, high
\n\t\t\t\tperformance, and most of all, expensive carts.  With the release
\n\t\t\t\tof the M3DS Real, there was news that it has a hugely
\n\t\t\t\tcompetitive price tag, and comes in different bundles with slot
\n\t\t\t\t2 expansion carts that can work with the M3DS Real.  At the
\n\t\t\t\tmoment, the M3DS Real is one of the cheapest flash carts on the
\n\t\t\t\tmarket, with a price tag of approximately $35 for the standalone
\n\t\t\t\tcart.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe price generally includes a rumble pack, perhaps more if
\n\t\t\t\tyou know where to go.  This price beats even the R4!<\/i><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

– Design –<\/b><\/p>\n

In the past, the M3 products have been
\n\t\t\t\tshipped out in a horrendously ugly box covered in blue colors,
\n\t\t\t\trandom pictures and English descriptions that didn\u2019t make much
\n\t\t\t\tsense.  The M3DS Real\u2019s packaging has certainly taken a turn for
\n\t\t\t\tthe best.  Sure the English is still pretty bad, but at least
\n\t\t\t\tthe packaging is less cluttered and actually features the actual
\n\t\t\t\tproduct and not some inaccurate pictures.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe packaging for the Chinese version doesn’t look all that
\n\t\t\t\tgreat, the English version is a huge improvement.<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real ships out in several
\n\t\t\t\tpackages, in this review I have received the Perfect Bundle
\n\t\t\t\tVersion, which includes the M3DS Real, a MicroSD reader, the
\n\t\t\t\tRumble Pack and the GBA Expansion Pack.  Unfortunately, I have
\n\t\t\t\tnot received the Rumble RAM Pack to test, therefore I am not
\n\t\t\t\table to comment on it.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThere was also another disk that was shipped in an envelope
\n\t\t\t\tcontaining a few sample movies and files, but I don’t think that
\n\t\t\t\tis shipping with the actual product.<\/i><\/p>\n

The MicroSD reader looks quite similar to
\n\t\t\t\tthose shipped with early models of the R4, M3DS Simply and
\n\t\t\t\tCycloDS Evolution, they are nice and cheap, however, there were
\n\t\t\t\tlots of complaints about them breaking.  The one that shipped
\n\t\t\t\tout with my M3DS Real still works fine even after quite a bit of
\n\t\t\t\tabuse, I would assume that the MicroSD reader isn\u2019t a major
\n\t\t\t\tissue.<\/p>\n

The two slot 2 carts were almost exactly
\n\t\t\t\tthe same in build quality.  The plastic was quite cheap feeling,
\n\t\t\t\tbut it was sturdy enough for use.  The top was glossy so that it
\n\t\t\t\tmatched the Onyx Black DS Lite, and the sticker is nice and
\n\t\t\t\tsimple.  What I don\u2019t understand is why there is a piece of the
\n\t\t\t\tcasing missing on the front of the cart.  It leaves the contacts
\n\t\t\t\tcompletely exposed.  I imagine the idea is that it would be
\n\t\t\t\teasier to clean the contacts with an eraser if anything was to
\n\t\t\t\thappen, but it makes the contacts far more vulnerable to
\n\t\t\t\tdamage.  Either way, it is quick and easy to clean with a rubber
\n\t\t\t\teraser if necessary.  Both carts fit flush into the DS Lite,
\n\t\t\t\thowever, they were quite easy to insert and remove from the DS
\n\t\t\t\tLite, and their gloss layer was a perfect match.  Too bad it is
\n\t\t\t\tonly available in black.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe two carts probably use the same casing, the only change
\n\t\t\t\tis the sticker.<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real cart isn\u2019t all that great. 
\n\t\t\t\tIt is incredibly similar to the G6DS Real, it has clips on the
\n\t\t\t\tside so that you can change cases in the future, unfortunately
\n\t\t\t\tthey are quite brittle, and get damaged quite easily if you
\n\t\t\t\tdon\u2019t know what you are doing.  The front of the cart has a chip
\n\t\t\t\tsticking out, and the sticker isn\u2019t all that brilliantly
\n\t\t\t\tdesigned.  There is a spring loaded MicroSD slot at the top. 
\n\t\t\t\tThere are those who worry that it\u2019ll snap, and there is evidence
\n\t\t\t\tthat it is the same faulty, spring loaded MicroSD slot as the
\n\t\t\t\told R4 and M3DS Simply batches, but frankly, that doesn\u2019t
\n\t\t\t\tconcern me.  It works fine, and has worked fine for the past few
\n\t\t\t\tweeks, there has been no signs whatsoever of snapping.  When
\n\t\t\t\tplaced into the DS Lite, it goes in and out perfectly fine even
\n\t\t\t\twith the chip sticking out, and the MicroSD card can be removed
\n\t\t\t\twithout removing the M3DS Real with a bit of precise poking.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe build quality of the M3DS Real isn’t really all that
\n\t\t\t\tspecial.  It certainly isn’t the best, nor the worst.<\/i><\/p>\n

– Software –<\/b><\/p>\n

As with all newer flash carts, the M3DS
\n\t\t\t\tReal fully supports drag and drop.  This means that you simply
\n\t\t\t\tdownload your files and drag it into your MicroSD, there is no
\n\t\t\t\tneed to patch your games or homebrew because the M3DS Real does
\n\t\t\t\tit automatically.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tJust plug in a MicroSD with all your files and you are set to
\n\t\t\t\tgo.<\/i><\/p>\n

On the official M3DS Real site, you can
\n\t\t\t\tdownload a tool to trim roms and convert saves to the M3DS
\n\t\t\t\tReal\u2019s format.  I didn\u2019t find their tools to be all that useful
\n\t\t\t\tbecause there is already a massive amount of programs that can
\n\t\t\t\tdo these things for you already on the internet, most of them
\n\t\t\t\tare better than those offered by the M3 team.<\/p>\n

One thing to add is that the M3DS Real and
\n\t\t\t\tthe G6DS Real share the same firmware.  Their system files can
\n\t\t\t\tbe used interchangeably.  This is quite nice as the G6DS Real
\n\t\t\t\tmenu has been refined quite a bit already.  Unfortunately, the
\n\t\t\t\tG6DS Real is superior in a few ways.  In the past, the G6DS Real
\n\t\t\t\thad a built in mini loader that can run games even if your
\n\t\t\t\tsystem folder is missing, I couldn\u2019t access this feature at all
\n\t\t\t\ton the M3DS Real.  Also, the G6DS Real was able to boot
\n\t\t\t\timmediately, or from the official Nintendo DS menu, whereas the
\n\t\t\t\tM3DS Real can only boot directly.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe menu is a bit slow, but definitely is one of the nicest
\n\t\t\t\tones.<\/i><\/p>\n

– Use –<\/b><\/p>\n

Here is a quick demo of the M3DS Real’s
\n\t\t\t\tmenu:
\n <\/embed><\/p>\n

<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real boots immediately, you will
\n\t\t\t\tnever see the Nintendo DS menu again once you have the M3DS Real
\n\t\t\t\tinserted into the console.  Once inside, there is a quick load,
\n\t\t\t\tand you will get 7 icons.  The first two, \u201cNDS\u201d and \u201cGBA\u201d go
\n\t\t\t\tinto menus that browse through your NDS or GBA collection, and
\n\t\t\t\tyou can boot the games from there.  \u201cMyCard\u201d is the M3DS Real\u2019s
\n\t\t\t\tway of booting homebrew, you cannot boot it from NDS, but must
\n\t\t\t\tboot it from this icon.  \u201cBoot\u201d allows you to boot a slot 2 cart
\n\t\t\t\tinto NDS or GBA mode depending on which icon you click.  \u201cMedia\u201d
\n\t\t\t\topens M3DS Real\u2019s built in MediaPlay-Extend player, which is a
\n\t\t\t\tmodified version of moonshell.  \u201cPDA\u201d allows you to access some
\n\t\t\t\tPDA features, which aren\u2019t all that great.  And the final icon,
\n\t\t\t\t\u201cSetting\u201d gives you the option to choose how to boot the M3DS
\n\t\t\t\tReal (there is no option because it was intended for the G6DS
\n\t\t\t\tReal), change the skin, change what part of the menu you look at
\n\t\t\t\tupon boot, and chance the language of the system.  In the menu,
\n\t\t\t\tclicking Y changes the brightness level if you are using a DS
\n\t\t\t\tLite, and click X swaps the screens.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tEven the pictures are self explanatory…<\/i><\/p>\n

Because most of the extra features are
\n\t\t\t\teither self explanatory, or can be better done by other
\n\t\t\t\thomebrew, we will focus more on the NDS and GBA menu.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe NDS and GBA menus are what you are mainly using.<\/i><\/p>\n

In the NDS menu, you get a list of games,
\n\t\t\t\twhen you select a game, you get prompted to another menu.  In
\n\t\t\t\tthis menu, you can toggle cheats soft-reset and slow motion
\n\t\t\t\tbefore loading the game.  If you plan to use download play, you
\n\t\t\t\tdon\u2019t click A or start to start, but Y to enable download play. 
\n\t\t\t\tWhen you boot the game, it loads for a minute on a M3\/G6
\n\t\t\t\twallpaper for a few seconds before the game loads.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThere is quite a nice selection of options you can toggle.<\/i><\/p>\n

The GBA menu is far more surprising.  It
\n\t\t\t\tcan only be opened if you have an M3 GBA Expansion Pack.  You
\n\t\t\t\tget a list of games, similar to the NDS menu, and when you
\n\t\t\t\tselect one, you are, once again, moved to another screen.  This
\n\t\t\t\tscreen allows you to toggle cheats and Real Time Save (which is
\n\t\t\t\ta feature that allows you to save at any point of the game, and
\n\t\t\t\tnot where the game restricts you).  As well you get two methods
\n\t\t\t\tto load the game, which didn\u2019t make a whole lot of difference in
\n\t\t\t\tbooting time or how the game plays.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI was pleasantly surprised to see that some of the slot 2 M3
\n\t\t\t\tfeatures made it to the M3DS Real.  I am most excited about
\n\t\t\t\tthe Real Time Save option.<\/i><\/p>\n

– Functionality –<\/b><\/p>\n

It is expected that the M3DS Real has high
\n\t\t\t\tcompatibility.  For NDS games, everything worked perfectly.  All
\n\t\t\t\tgames worked, and there was no lag with a 1GB Made in Japan
\n\t\t\t\tKingston MicroSD.  I am told that almost all MicroSD cards,
\n\t\t\t\tincluding no name brands, cheap memory cards, etc should work
\n\t\t\t\tfull speed even on Castlevania and Tony Hawk games.  However, I
\n\t\t\t\twas unable to test this.  As well, SDHC MicroSD cards
\n\t\t\t\tshould also work full speed with the M3DS Real, once again, I
\n\t\t\t\twas unable to confirm this.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI have been using 1GB Made in Japan Kingston MicroSD cards
\n\t\t\t\tfor a long time now, I see no reason to not use one as they are
\n\t\t\t\twidely available at low prices.<\/i><\/p>\n

Homebrew boots quite slowly on the M3DS
\n\t\t\t\tReal, it seems to need to patch every time, and it has to
\n\t\t\t\trecognize that it is a DLDI capable homebrew file and then
\n\t\t\t\tpatch, quite slowly as well.  But afterwards, everything works
\n\t\t\t\tperfectly fine.  I haven\u2019t run into any troubles yet.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tAt least it can boot its own homebrew software immediately.<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real was advertised to have 100%
\n\t\t\t\tdownload play compatibility.  It seems that it has succeeded,
\n\t\t\t\tunlike the G6DS Real.  By pressing Y to boot the game, it
\n\t\t\t\tenables 100% download play compatibility.<\/p>\n

Working<\/b>
\n\t\t\t\tTetris DS
\n\t\t\t\tMario Kart DS
\n\t\t\t\tNew Super Mario Bros.
\n\t\t\t\tBomberman Land Touch
\n\t\t\t\tElite Beat Agents
\n\t\t\t\tMeteos
\n\t\t\t\tQuickspot
\n\t\t\t\tTrue Swing Golf
\n\t\t\t\tBrain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!
\n\t\t\t\tWinning Eleven Pro Evolution Soccer DS
\n\t\t\t\tSuper Mario 64 DS
\n\t\t\t\tMario Hoops 3 on 3
\n\t\t\t\tNanostray
\n\t\t\t\tMetroid Prime Hunters
\n\t\t\t\tClub House Games
\n\t\t\t\tBig Brain Academy<\/p>\n

Not Working<\/b>
\n\t\t\t\tNONE<\/p>\n

Pokemon Battle
\n\t\t\t\tRevolution was the first game with Wii and DS connectivity. 
\n\t\t\t\tSurprisingly, the G6DS Real was one of the few carts able to
\n\t\t\t\taccess this connection without the need for a patch.  It would
\n\t\t\t\tmake sense, logically, that the M3DS Real, which shares the same
\n\t\t\t\tfirmware, and many similar components, would work just as well. 
\n\t\t\t\tUnfortunately, the M3DS Real was unable to connect to the Wii.<\/p>\n

GBA games are
\n\t\t\t\tprobably the reason you want to purchase the M3DS Real.  Their
\n\t\t\t\texpansion pack is the only expansion pack that works with a slot
\n\t\t\t\t1 cart and still has features such as Real Time Save and
\n\t\t\t\tcheats.  Originally with the first firmware, all games worked
\n\t\t\t\twhen they were clean, but the Real Time Save was a hit and
\n\t\t\t\tmiss.  However, with the latest firmware, 2.6, I have saved
\n\t\t\t\thundreds of times and have only been met with one or two
\n\t\t\t\tproblems.  This is impressive, it is even more capable than some
\n\t\t\t\tflash carts that are dedicated to GBA playback.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tIf you want to play GBA games, the M3DS Real Perfect Bundle
\n\t\t\t\tVersion is the way to go.<\/i><\/p>\n

Unfortunately
\n\t\t\t\tthe GBA Expansion Pack lacks parts such as the Real Time Clock (RTC). 
\n\t\t\t\tThis causes problems for games such as the Pokemon series. 
\n\t\t\t\tThankfully it can be patched.  As well, the GBA Expansion Pack
\n\t\t\t\tcan act as a RAM pack for the Opera Web Browser too.  Simply
\n\t\t\t\tpatch the Opera Web Browser rom with the file provided on the CD
\n\t\t\t\tthat came along with the M3DS Real to run.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tPatching GBA games lets you play some of them without the
\n\t\t\t\tneed of the RTC, as well as unlocking features such as cheats
\n\t\t\t\tand Real Time Save.<\/i><\/p>\n

The other two
\n\t\t\t\tslot 2 companions that shipped out with the M3DS Real are the
\n\t\t\t\tRumble Pack and the Rumble RAM pack.  Unfortunately I did not
\n\t\t\t\treceived the Rumble RAM pack, but according to the M3 team, it
\n\t\t\t\tshould be the same as the Rumble Pack, plus capabilities to act
\n\t\t\t\tas RAM for the Opera Web Browser.  The rumble works with games
\n\t\t\t\twithout patching, and has a nice feel to it.  It is quite loud,
\n\t\t\t\tbut still quieter than the EZ Flash 3 in 1, and gives better
\n\t\t\t\tfeedback.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tThe GBA Expansion Pack also acts as a RAM pack for the Opera
\n\t\t\t\tWeb Browser.<\/i><\/p>\n

– Conclusion –<\/b><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real should dominate the next
\n\t\t\t\tgeneration of flash carts.  It has an unbeatable price, great
\n\t\t\t\tfeatures, and a superb team behind it.  It works flawlessly with
\n\t\t\t\tits expansion packs to provide one of the most feature rich
\n\t\t\t\tcarts on the market.  There is no reason not to pick up one.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI have been using the M3DS Real for quite some time, and I
\n\t\t\t\twill continue to use it for quite a long time.<\/i><\/p>\n

The M3DS Real has great features,
\n\t\t\t\tparticularly in the GBA side.  It is able to provide features
\n\t\t\t\tthat aren\u2019t available on other expansion packs, and they work
\n\t\t\t\tsurprisingly well.  For the NDS side, all games play full speed,
\n\t\t\t\twith download play support.  All of this is offered at an
\n\t\t\t\tincredibly low price.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tPart of the beauty of the M3DS Real is the functions that it
\n\t\t\t\tunlocks with its slot 2 expansion packs.<\/i><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the build quality of the
\n\t\t\t\tM3DS Real isn\u2019t all that great.  There are a few features that
\n\t\t\t\tthe G6DS Real has that the M3DS Real should have as well. 
\n\t\t\t\tHomebrew isn\u2019t done quite well on the M3DS Real.  And the
\n\t\t\t\tEnglish bundle of the M3DS Real is only offered in black, all of
\n\t\t\t\tthe slot 2 carts are also black and lite sized, which is an
\n\t\t\t\tinconvenience to anyone with anything other than an Onyx Black
\n\t\t\t\tDS Lite.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tI have to say, the label and the clips don’t make the cart
\n\t\t\t\tlook too good.<\/i><\/p>\n

Overall, the M3DS Real is probably the best
\n\t\t\t\tcart for its price.  It is cheap, and still feature-rich.  If
\n\t\t\t\tyou are purchasing the M3DS Real, I\u2019d highly recommend going all
\n\t\t\t\tthe way and purchasing the Perfect Bundle Version, which
\n\t\t\t\tincludes a Rumble Pack and the GBA Expansion Pack because that
\n\t\t\t\tis where the M3DS Real really shines.  But even without them,
\n\t\t\t\tthe M3DS Real offers solid playback of NDS games and homebrew as
\n\t\t\t\twell as some neat features.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tIt is time to get rid of your dust cover and put in one of
\n\t\t\t\tM3DS Real’s slot 2 expansions.<\/i><\/p>\n

– Score –<\/b><\/p>\n

Design \u2013 4\/5
\n\t\t\t\tSoftware \u2013 5\/5
\n\t\t\t\tUse \u2013 4\/5
\n\t\t\t\tFunctionality \u2013 19\/20
\n\t\t\t\tTilt \u2013 5\/5<\/p>\n

Overall
\n\t\t\t\t\u2013 37\/40<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Special thanks to the
\n\t\t\t M3 Team<\/a> wh<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Special thanks to the M3 Team for arranging a sample. – Introduction – The M3DS Real was highly hyped for quite some time.  It was rumored to be in the …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=289"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":291,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions\/291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/dsdatabase.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}