Buying An Acekard

Buying an Acekard

• Should I replace my R4 with an Acekard, or purchase an Acekard for my 6yr old sister?

The Acekard is not a beginner card, regardless of its currently advertised budget price tag. The Acekard with AKAIO has a small learning curve. This is the reason the article was created, to help alleviate the problems one might encounter while setting up their new Acekard with the AKAIO firmware. If something fails to work, it is more often than not user error. Please read the article, then reread the article, and finally read it again. Read all included “readme” files with each of your homebrew applications and games. Ask intelligent questions that further a discussion and allow those passionate about this Flash Linker and this firmware to share their knowledge. The result of a few days of research will better prepare you to get the most out of your Acekard and the AKAIO firmware.

• Where is the best place to buy an Acekard?

The 'best' place to buy an Acekard is entirely subjective to what your priorities are (price/delivery time). Some places are on the lower end of the price scale and offer free shipping, but delivery time is quite slow (1-2+ weeks). Other sites like offer quick delivery, but at an increased price. A good place to start is the Acekard official reseller list where you can begin to compare prices and delivery variations.

• Why do some sites sell the AK2.1 for $12 USD and others for $30 USD?

Some high volume sites sell the cards just over cost, while others charge double cost to make a profit. You are getting the same kit no matter what price you pay. So buy from a retailer you trust who can ship to you in a professional timeframe. Then sit back and enjoy!

• Should I buy an Ak2.1 or an AK2i?

Please first be aware that Nintendo has blocked the use of the AK2i's current exploit on the 1.4J firmware update. Current DSi kits should be purchased with this in mind. If you only have a DSi then use/purchase the AK2i. If you currently do not have a DSi, it is strongly recommended that you wait. As of right now none of the DSi specific functions (Games, DSi-ware, features, etc) have been hacked. There is a strong possibility that the encryption may never be hacked. Make your informed purchases carefully. As of 12/01/09 the current build of the AK2.1 shows some serious flaws. The official firmware and AKAIO will not function correctly on them. Team Acekard has privately commented by saying that the kits appear to be real and not cloens and they are not sure what the problem is. Finally the AK2i does suffer from Hardware build problems. Their appear to be a large amount of contact and microSD slot issues.

Links

• Acekard's Official Resellers Page

• ShopTemp, the GBAtemp price comparator.