The Nintendo DS is an incredible machine game that offers a single interface, a wide range of games and a super compact style and design to meet all your portable gaming needs. The introduction of flash media cards for the DS has created a world of new uses for Nintendo's flagship portable, allowing it to run games and homebrew applications.

This introduction allows you to play MP3, watch movies, play games older consoles through emulators, and play ROM backups of your games.

The R4 DS simply represent the latest in the development of flash based memory cards for the DS. The two maps are essentially the same and differ only in name, at times using microSD memory cards and taken into Slot 1 (DS game slot). Both feature drag and drop ROM and Homebrew (meaning no fiddly patching of files, you literally just copy the files to your micro SD card) and have an easy to use interface with Moon shell built in as default for play MP3 files and video files. Both can be used without dangerous mods to the system or use buggy pass cartridges.

The following fees are 4 things you can do with your DS using the R4 DS Simply.

1. Reading ROM backup files - Contrary to popular belief, the flash memory cards for the DS is not just to play pirated games (although it is possible, and it is a matter of personal ethics or if you do not) and can be used in a variety of legal means. Save ROM backup games you own or on the R4 DS simply is a great way to make your DS even more portable, you do not have to carry your game cartridges with you. It is also a good option if you have young children, who can easily lose the little DS cartridge.

2. Play MP3 and Movies - Using the excellent program Moon shell (Which comes with the R4 DS simply) you can turn your DS into portable media players that can play MP3s and DPG video files. This is great for those who, like myself, who previously toured with bulging pockets trying my DS, IPod, phone and PDA. A set of good quality headphones allow sound to rival the iPod for MP3 playback and the DS Lite super bright, high resolution screens are great for watching Simpson's episodes on the train. Moon shell will play MP3s natively, and a small free download application called DPG Converter will quickly and easily convert your movies and shows to Moon shell's DPG format.

3. Turn your DS into a PDA - Using the excellent homebrew DSOrganize program; you can turn your DS into a PDA complete, using inputs via the touch screen. Among its many features, it contains a Scheduler, Calendar, Notes, drawing application and reminders, and my favorite of all uses of the DS Homebrew, the ability to play streaming Internet radio through the wireless connection of the DS.

4. Run Homebrew Applications - Homebrew software, which is software created by programmers and fans for the sole purpose of testing the system, has exploded since the release of the new, easy to use, R4 DS simply. Games ranging from simple applications to full, there is a world of homebrew available for free download from the Internet. Some of the latest software allows you to wonderful new uses for the DS, such as using the DS as a VOIP phone (through the microphone), a wifi hotspot detector, and a web browser and mentioned above DSOrganize PDA software. There are also a series of programs that allow the emulator to play games of the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Sega Master System and Sega Genesis.