Apparently there is a new flashcard on the block. "The wait is over! The first ever backup device that enables playback of 3DS ROMS is now a reality. The device is in its final stages of design and production is just around the corner. Stay tuned and enjoy the show!" FAQ: "04/06/2013 - Is it one microSD per game? Currently yes. - Must the microSD card size match the game size? No, so long as the microSD card is larger than the rom size. - Can it play games from other regions? Currently no, however due to popular demand, we have launched an investigation into this possibility. - Can it play Homebrew? No. - Are saved games working? Once you take out the game is the save file kept or lost? We are currently working to fully support back up and restore of save data. - Can Nintendo block Gateway with an update? Anything is possible we would rather not speculate (As always, any system updates should be avoided) - How big are the games and what is the minimum size for the microSD card? Some range from 256MB to 4GB - Can you play multiplayer local and mostly online? Yes, but we advise not to use online features - Do the game keep internet capacity? Yes, but we advise not to use online features - Is it upgradable? Yes some aspects of the design will be upgradable. - Can it run normal DS roms? No, there are many alternative options for this. - Suggested Retail price? About $80/€65 - Availability: End of June. BUT until production has started, we are not accepting any pre-payment, therefore end-users should NOT pay until we indicate on our site that pre orders are officially open and payments from resellers are being accepted. PLEASE DO NOT PRE-PAY UNTILL WE SAY SO !" Source: http://www.gateway-3ds.com/ Let me know what you guys think.
Whatever, makes more sense in this section anyway. So, once again: What are your guys' thoughts on it?
So instead of spending $50 for a game, you just spend like $20 for a decently sized microSD card for each game. Well, I guess that saves money, but wouldn't you rather spend a bit more for a used copy that allows safe online play?
The kicker is that most games are only $40 as it is so it's sorta debatable whether it'd be worth it or not.
The 3DS is still early on in it's cycle. We aren't going to see games that hit at or near it's max storage capacity for at least another two years. Since the Gateway is limited to a rom per mem card, mSDXC memory cards are useless. As are a lot of the higher capacity mSDHC cards. The limit of 1 game per card is a pain in the ass though. But still, this is a first gen 3DS flash card - Realistically, we can't expect for it to be as advanced as the current gen DS/i Flashcards. And if you do, then your a idiot. As for the limit, it's not that much of a hassle to swap roms on the card as needed. If you don't feel like doing that either, then mSDHC cards - 4 GB ones, big enough for the majority of current games - are cheap. I've seen Kingston's going for 6 each, new. The only real issue is the save files. They are stored on the cartridge, not the memory card. Gateway is looking into solutions to this, but as of now you'd need a R4i save dongle if you want to play multiple games and be able to save on them. Still though, this card couldn't have come at a better time. Pokemon X/Y is only a little more then 4 months away after all.
Expensive in some places, but I'll bet working versions will be able to be found for less than $30 (and that's saying a lot, $15 is just as likely) on Asian streets if you know where to look.
