Introduction

The Save dongle used in this review was provided free of charge from its manifacturer : r4i-sdhc.com

Its purpose is to extract saved game files from original game cartridge, this function is very useful for those who would like to share their save files with their friends.

Official functions list

(This is a direct copy of the text on the back of the box)

• Fully support 3DS, NDSi, NDSL original game cart
• Backup game savers from 3DS/NDS, NDSI original game card to PC, to avoid game saver been accidentialy overwrite.
• Restore game savers backup from PC to 3DS, NDS, NDSI original game cart through USB.
• Editing game savers (level, experience, money etc …) becomes possible.
• Allow game savers to be share between users
  a. User can share or download game savers from official web site and forums
  b. Game savers sharing allow user jump to certain game level.
• Upgradable dongle firmware though USB for support new games and new features
• User friendly software interface to manage the save file

Packaging and Contents

The box contained only one thing : the dongle. It was placed directly in the box, there was no  holder or any thing.

Dongle

Box

Size comparison

Description

The dongle has the following button/interface :

• USB plug -> to plug it into a computer
• NDS port -> to insert a game cart
• LED -> to indicate transfer between the cart and the computer
• Upgrade button -> to force a re-detection of the device on the computer without un-pluging it

Upgrading firmware

In order to fix some bug and issues.  It is possible to upgrade the firmware of the dongle.  This is done very easisly.

• Download the save dongle’s firmware updater
• Download the latest firmware
• Plug the Save dongle into a USB port
• Loauch the firmware updater
• Select the firmware downloaded (.bin file)
• Click program

Exporting and importing save files

• Download the SaveDongle Backup / Restore tool
• Insert a game cart into the dongle
• Plug the dongle into the computer
• Launch the tool
• The inteface is very easy to use, there are 2 main options :
  • PC -> Card to restore a file existing on your computer to the card
  • Card -> PC to backup a save file from the card on your computer

Test

The do this review, I used an original copy of “New Super Mario Bros”.  I do not have any 3DS or DSi-enhanced games, therefor I could not test them.

I was successfully able to backup my save game from my original card to my PC and to save it back on a distinct game card (of the same game of course).

I was also able to use the .sav file generated and to use it directly with my Acekard 2.1 without having to convert the file.

Conclusion

The device is very easy to use and I don’t know any equivalent of it.  I truly believe that it is the perfect item for anyone who want’s to easily access their file games on their original game card.

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