When it comes to Nintendo DS/DSi flash memory cards, many people’s first reaction is not “so cool” but “Nintendo is going to sue.” But the DSpico that emerged this time took a different path: it is called “the world’s first open source Nintendo DS(i) flash memory card.” This means that not only the firmware is open source, but also the parts and design data needed to make the card box are open sourced. Anyone can make one by themselves, and even modify it and upgrade it!
DSpico has been made into a commercially available product
DSpico now has “pre-assembled retail products” available for purchase directly, priced at about US$20 (approximately TWD 639.21 / HKD 156.71 / MYR 80.64), and some people even sell them for US$30. It is worth noting that DSpico’s open source project team LNH Team is not involved in the manufacturing or sales of these finished cartridges. These are produced by independent third parties; just because the project is open source, others are allowed to do so.
Open source card holder + App Launcher, the software is also compatible with existing DS flash cards on the market
DSpico was designed by LNH Team, which positions itself as a group of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving classic consoles and software, repairing lost hardware, and creating new projects to extend the life of old platforms. This project is divided into two parts: one is the open source cassette body; the other is the App Launcher software, and this launcher is also compatible with existing DS flash card solutions on the market, and a bunch of unknown R4 can be used directly.
It has a development port, so you can make plug-in peripherals yourself.
At present, DSpico does not have infrared support, but the team mentioned that the new version of the card has a development port, which theoretically allows users to make their own external peripherals. In the future, there may even be an infrared expansion board. As for the issue that everyone is most concerned about, Nintendo has never been too polite to DS/3DS flash cards in the past, because the platform will regard such devices as tools to promote piracy.
However, the open source nature of DSpico may make it more difficult to deal with it in a “one-size-fits-all” manner in terms of law and regulation – is it the product you want to block? Or are the design files sealed to the public? Of course, this does not mean that it suddenly becomes safe and harmless, but it changes the whole thing from “buying a flash card to play pirated games” to “a community can create, repair, and extend itself.” This concept alone is very different.