Goon-recommended flashcarts (and backup methods)
What is a flashcart?
A flashcart enables the playback of dumped ROM files on a custom PCB board designed to be used with the original intended hardware. Typically consisting of 3 main components. The PCB, the removable media and the cartridge shell. In the last few years development & sale of flashcarts has risen with the increase of retrogame prices. Owning a flashcart for a given system allows you to play most games for that system although some flashcarts may have problems with selected games. It's always advisable to check a compatibility list before investing in a flashcart.
Flashcarts are usually region free, but due to changes in cartridge shapes it may not be physically possible to insert the cartridge into the console with modification.
How to use a flashcart
Although every product will have it's own set of instructions, the basics of usage remain the same. A flashcart possess a slot on the PCB for a type of removable media (CompactFlash, SD, etc). With some flashcarts, firmware needs to be loaded onto the removable media in order for the flashcart's operating system to function. ROM files are be placed onto the removable media for playback. The operating system will playback ROM files by “flashing” them over to internal memory on the PCB itself and loading the code from that memory. The operating system will also have several other features depending on the firmware/manufacturer.
Recommend Flash Carts
Nintendo (NES/Famicom)
The Powerpak (NES) Sold by RetroUSB.com, this flashcart uses CompactFlash as removable media. The cartridge shell is the typical NES size.
Everdrive N8 (Famicom) Developed by krikzz and sold in many places, this is Famicom only flashcart using Micro SD as removable storage. It can be used with the NES if a 60 to 72 pin adapter is used.
Super Nintendo (SNES/Super Famicom)
SD2SNES Developed by krikzz and sold in many places (when in stock). This is a hard to find flashcart due to it’s overwhelming popularity, despite it’s high price point. Due to the many features and hardware advancements on this cartridge 3rd party code teams are actively working on new software for the SNES. As the name implies, the storage media is SD Card.
Genesis (Mega Drive)
Everdrive MD The cheaper of two options from krikzz. The media used is SD Card and it can playback both Megadrive and Master System (Sega Mark III) ROMs. It can also play 32x ROMs when used with appropriate add-on.
Mega Everdrive The more expensive option due to improved hardware and functionality. The argument for picking this model over the Everdrive revolves around the addition of the USB port, save states and faster loading. It also has the option of using Micro SD in addition to SD Card for the removable media.
Flashcart Vendors
http://shop.retrogate.com/ http://krikzz.com/ http://www.stoneagegamer.com/ http://www.retrousb.com/