Looks like my original M3 Real is not going to last much longer - the shell is starting to come apart and it's more often unable to contact with the SD card than it recognizes it properly. Looking at what's available locally, looks like I can either get another M3 Real or an Acekard 2i. They both cost approximately the same, but I don't feel I've got enough information to decide.
Can the Acekard use M3's Slot-2 GBA/RAM module to run GBA games (are any additional tools needed or it)? How well does the most recent system software (official or unofficial) for the Acekard run Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey (it's fairly crash-happy on the M3)? Are there any specific pros and cons of switching to Acekard 2i that I should know of?
The Acekard 2i does not receive firmware updates for the time being, and it's unlikely that it will anytime soon due to hardware issues which surfaced when combating the latest Nintendo DSi/3DS updates - while AKAIO is still supported and does get compatibility updates, the development of the firmware itself has frozen with no word on an update coming up anytime soon. If you're planning to use the cart on a DSi/3DS, you're better off getting an R4i Gold (R4iDS.CN model) which is still supported both by its team and by WOOD.
If you're willing to dish out some extra buck, get the DSTwo which is currently the leading flashcart for the system.
If you're using a DS Lite/DS Classic and have no intention of switching to a DSi or a 3DS, go ahead and get an Acekard - compatibility-wise and built quality-wise, it's fantastic - I'd know, I have one.
As for differences between the M3 and the Acekard 2i... the only thing that comes to mind is "Everything is better, nothing is worse", it's a quality product.
This post has been edited by Foxi4, Wed, January 30th, 2013 at 01:17
It's sad how far the Acekard 2i has fallen. Back when I first hit the scene it was the best thing out there. Now, I'd highly recommend the Supercard DSTwo. Never had a single problem from it and it can run GBA games from slot 1. Hell, mine even ran Pokemon Black 2 back when it first came out without needing to be patched like all the others did.