List of SD card hack, carts, alternative replacements to CD drive.

[Locke141]

I've been reading a lot about SD card carts, SD card hacks, and other such goodies. Recently there seems to be lots of items in the pipe to replace the original CD rom drive in older systems with SD card alternatives. I know I want to future proof some of my original hardware, mostly my Saturn. I thought it would be nice to see what products everyone is following, has, or what ever.

Edit: Had some time so I decided to try to update the list a bit. It’s now organize by decade, classifying by when the system was most popular and not by release date. Systems then appear in Alphabetical order with competing options in bullet points below each system. Please note that I have not tried all the options below and that this list is for system preservation only.

Edit: There is some controversy over unauthorized clones of certain products. Let's try to avoid posting links to where to buy clones when the original creator does not approve. They did do all the R&D to bring the product to market.

Notable bits:There is a lot of info in the ongoing thread. I'm adding some notes here to aid in making an informed choice.

• There are a lot of ever drive options, they seem to all come recommended by users. The newest version for a system tends to be the "best" option but comes at a premium for features you may not want or need. Generally, if there is one or more ever drive options, I just give a link to Krikzz's store for you to find the best fit for your budget.
• * The carts aren't confirmed to be damaging consoles but some people have pointed out that there may be an issue. To the best of my knowledge, BYOAC members have bought most but not all of the carts below and no one has reported an issue at the time of this update.
• When a system can be soft modded, there tends to be many ways to do it. I try to list the names of notable methods, so you can do your own research. Some members have posted links to how to guides in this thread. If you have done one, please let us know if you would recommend and if you used a how to share a link. Edit: I have found MrMario2011's you tube channel to be a good resource for learning about soft modding.
• Post where we criticize each others preferences and opinions then go back and forth are not helpful.
  
  IE) Cart X sucks and you wasted your money. You should have just got a $5 mod chip.
  
  Pointing out other options like mod chips, emulation, other SD/multi carts or stating your opinion on the pros and cons of some options can be very helpful. 
     
  IE) Cart X has some limitations that make it a deal breaker for me. I really like (fill in other option) because it offers many of the same advantages for a lot less money.
  
  A good example could be the PSIO or the Rhea. Both come at a premium price and pointing out that a mod chip is much cheeper an a better option for you is a reasonable point to make.

70’s
Atari 2600
   •   Harmony SD cart
   •   UNO cart


Intellivision
   •   LTO

80’s
Atari 5200
    •      5200 SD

ColecoVision
   •   https://www.atarimax.com/colecosd/documentation/

NES/Famicon
   •      Ever Drive   
   •      PowerPak          

90’s (early)

Neo Geo both the AES & MVS
   •    Terraonion makes a few SD carts and are listed on there page

Sega Genesis/Mega Drive
   •    Another Ever drive
   •    Terraonion Mega SD (also Sega CD)

Sega CD

   •   Mega Everdrive Pro
   •    Terraonion Mega SD (also Genesis/Mega Drive)

SNES
   •    Another Ever drive. Three ever drives actually see chart

TurboGrafx-16/PC engine
   •    Another Ever drive
   •   Super SD System 3 *Also adds CD expansion SD replacement, arcade card, and RGB out.

TurboGrafx-16/PC engine CD expansion
        •   SUPER SD SYSTEM 3. *Sports card games, CD, games, Arcade card sport, and added RGB out.

90’s (mid to late)
3DO
   •   http://3do-renovation.ru/How_to_buy.htm

Dream cast
   •   https://gdemu.wordpress.com
   •   http://3do-renovation.ru/How_to_buy.htm

N64
   •    Another Ever drive

PSX
   •   http://ps-io.com

Sega Saturn
   •   https://gdemu.wordpress.com
   •   Alternative in development

2000’s
Game Cube (Pleas note that the Wii is also a better native game cube. You should look at the Wii options below)
   •    SD-Media-Launcher
   •   MEGADRIVE

PS2 (Please note this mod doesn't allow you to natively play PS1 games. PS1 games can only be played natively on a PS2 via disk) 
   •   Per hacked SD cards suports up to 2TB HD
   •   SATA hard drive mount]
   •   HDD replacement mod



Wii
   •   GC loader (This one seems to be a better options)
   •   WiiBrew soft mod configurable-usb-loader



Xbox (Original)
   •    Soft mod
   •   CoinOPS (Your going to have to find your own links. All the ones I found seem to also point to Roms)

Hand Helds

Game boy
   •   Another Ever drive   

Game Gear
   •   Another Ever drive

Game boy advanse
   •   Another Ever drive   
   •   EZ-Flash

3DS
   •   3DS games

NeoGeo color
   •   NeoGeo color

PSP
   •   homebrew

Links to out side lists on the same topic

   •   Retro collect's list

   •   Atariage's list

 

[SavannahLion]

Consider that such a list would require constant updates. I watch some of the stuff coming out of AtariAge and that is the pinnacle of Cottage Industry stuff. Some of those boards have one run, period. Miss the buy-in and you'll have to pray another buy-in comes along within the year, otherwise you have to watch another 2-5 year long development cycle for another limited run board.

I can't imagine any of the dead optical based systems would have that much more interest in similar boards.

[Malenko]

GDEMU is for dreamcast.

That sarooo site is in simplified Chinese, so I cant translate it :/

[Generic Eric]

GDEMU is for dreamcast.

That sarooo site is in simplified Chinese, so I cant translate it :/

*shazzle*

[Locke141]

GDEMU is for dreamcast.

That sarooo site is in simplified Chinese, so I cant translate it :/

Fixed. He has a DC and a Saturn one in the works, I just missed labeled one. Others have

Sarooo http://www.retrocollect.com/News/sega-saturn-iso-loading-flash-cartridge-sarooo-in-development.html

Consider that such a list would require constant updates. I watch some of the stuff coming out of AtariAge and that is the pinnacle of Cottage Industry stuff. Some of those boards have one run, period. Miss the buy-in and you'll have to pray another buy-in comes along within the year, otherwise you have to watch another 2-5 year long development cycle for another limited run board.

I can't imagine any of the dead optical based systems would have that much more interest in similar boards.

It would also let you play back ups with out having to ever change disk. I definitely want something like a multi cart for my Saturn. I'm hoping to jump on something when it comes out.     

[thomas_surles]

How about the ad media launcher for gamecube/ Wii in gamecube mode.
For ps2 there is he loader. (Not ad but you can use a hard drive or Usb stick)
And then there are the everdrive carts for older systems.

[hypernova]

Looks like the PSX one plugs into where the gameshark went.  Except that port was only there on the older systems.

[Locke141]

How about the ad media launcher for gamecube/ Wii in gamecube mode.
For ps2 there is he loader. (Not ad but you can use a hard drive or Usb stick)
And then there are the everdrive carts for older systems.

I added the "ad media loader. I am not sure where to find he loader did you mean "Open PS2 Loader"? If you post a link or PM me I'll take a look. I left out the ever drives because most every one knows about them and there not CD replacements. I'll add them in.

Looks like the PSX one plugs into where the gameshark went.  Except that port was only there on the older systems.

There is a work around for the newer PS1 models. I think you can read about it on there FAQ's.

[thomas_surles]

I meant "sd" media launcher for gamecube my phone auto corrected to ad

And hd loader for ps2 comes on the latest version of freemcboot.
Here is  how to.http://www.ehow.co.uk/how_7615210_install-hd-loader-memory-card.html
It's more of a mod than an attachment. But replaces the drive. But there is a limit Of 225 games

I just checked out open ps2 loader and apparently has no game limit. I have not tried this.

[Locke141]

Fixed and added

[opt2not]

GDEMU requires you to have a V1 DC for install.

There is another alternative for the Dreamcast:  MNEMO's USB Dreamcast board https://gbatemp.net/threads/dreamcast-usb-loader-coming-soon.373014/

It apparently works on all model versions, and has a better menu system.

[Generic Eric]

GDEMU requires you to have a V1 DC for install.

There is another alternative for the Dreamcast:  MNEMO's USB Dreamcast board https://gbatemp.net/threads/dreamcast-usb-loader-coming-soon.373014/

It apparently works on all model versions, and has a better menu system.

[Locke141]

GDEMU requires you to have a V1 DC for install.

There is another alternative for the Dreamcast:  MNEMO's USB Dreamcast board https://gbatemp.net/threads/dreamcast-usb-loader-coming-soon.373014/

It apparently works on all model versions, and has a better menu system.

Added

[Locke141]

My Rhea has shipped. 

I have no idea if the my current Saturn is a compatible 20-pin drive model. I won't find out till I am home this summer or if my brother does the install. If its not I'll be looking for a compatible Saturn.   

[thomas_surles]

Does anyone know more about the psio? Like will it also let you run a backup CD as well as on the sd card? I mean it says it let's you run code. Just curious.

[Malenko]

My Rhea has shipped. 

I have no idea if the my current Saturn is a compatible 20-pin drive model. I won't find out till I am home this summer or if my brother does the install. If its not I'll be looking for a compatible Saturn.

how much is it?

[Locke141]

how much is it?

More then I would like to admit. €130,00 EUR with shipping to the US.

I love the Saturn and it's the only single system I would drop that kind of money on.

[Locke141]

Does anyone know more about the psio? Like will it also let you run a backup CD as well as on the sd card? I mean it says it let's you run code. Just curious.

From the PSIO FAQ:

Can I boot my backed up CD-R's from PSIO instead of from the SD card?
Yes.

http://ps-io.com/faq.html

[opt2not]

My Rhea has shipped. 

I have no idea if the my current Saturn is a compatible 20-pin drive model. I won't find out till I am home this summer or if my brother does the install. If its not I'll be looking for a compatible Saturn.

Mine is in transit as well!  I ended up getting a Black US Saturn with a busted CD drive locally, for practically nothing. Perfect for this kind of mod! 

In other news, I was able to get my order in on a USB-GDROM board as well. This one was a bit pricier than the Rhea, so I had to loose a couple arcade boards to fund it. (funny enough, they're games that have perfect ports to the Saturn )

Looks like 2015 is going to be my year of Sega! 

[Locke141]

Mine is in transit as well!  I ended up getting a Black US Saturn with a busted CD drive locally, for practically nothing. Perfect for this kind of mod! 

In other news, I was able to get my order in on a USB-GDROM board as well. This one was a bit pricier than the Rhea, so I had to loose a couple arcade boards to fund it. (funny enough, they're games that have perfect ports to the Saturn )

Looks like 2015 is going to be my year of Sega! 

That does look cool. How much did you pay and can you share the link to where you ordered from?
Here is a line of the USB-GDROM in action.
http://www.retrocollect.com/News/usb-gdrom-controller-sega-dreamcast-gets-another-disc-drive-replacement-allowing-up-to-2tb-of-game-storage.html

I may try the G1-ATA mod when its a little further along and better documented.
http://gamehacking.org/vb/threads/10309-How-To-Attach-A-Hard-Drive-To-The-Sega-Dreamcast-amp-Load-Games-Via-Dreamshell


And My Brother emailed to let me know that my Saturn is a 20pin model.

[opt2not]

Order the USB-GDROM from here (official site) :  http://3do-renovation.ru/How_to_buy.htm

I plan on removing the USB port on the board, and installing a header to connect a USB cable with JST connectors. That way I can mount an SSD hard drive, internally, so I dont' have to modify the case in any way. 

At the end of the day, this is a fairly pricey upgrade  , but I love the DC so much and it's a small price to pay (sold two CPS2 boards) to have it working for many years to come.

[Locke141]

Thats not that bad. €137.00 EUR is only 7 EUR more then the Rhea. You should do a thread on the mod and install. I would consider giving it a try if I have the cash down to burn.

I need to pick up a working DC this summer, as I have a copy of Elysian Shadows coming at some point. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1945059142/elysian-shadows-next-gen-2d-rpg

[Malenko]

I dont see where/how to order the rhea.   I now have THREE Saturns, 2 US and 1 Jap

Guess the Rhea cant region mod or is there a way to patch the ISO?

[Locke141]

I dont see where/how to order the rhea.   I now have THREE Saturns, 2 US and 1 Jap

Guess the Rhea cant region mod or is there a way to patch the ISO?

How to order a Rhea can be found here:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/ordering/ordering-rhea/
It involves emailing him and pay pal. I figured a lot of people have gotten his board so its probably a safe bet it will show up.

Yes you can patch the ISO. I don't know how but unless the internet has lied to me people have done it. But, If you get an Action Replay 4M Plus your saturn will be region free. 
http://www.amazon.com/Action-Replay-4M-Plus-enhancement-sega/dp/B008FPMBNG

[opt2not]

I dont see where/how to order the rhea.   I now have THREE Saturns, 2 US and 1 Jap

https://gdemu.wordpress.com/ordering/ordering-rhea/

Guess the Rhea cant region mod or is there a way to patch the ISO?

The Rhea is region agnostic, you can specify the region in the .ini file:  https://gdemu.wordpress.com/operation/rhea-operation/
I believe this is on a per card basis, and not per game.  So load up all your different region games onto different cards and set the region with the .ini file.

[Malenko]

I have an action replay, Im became a pro at the hotswap     I eventually just got a jap sat cause I got tired of it, but I dont wanna swing for 2 rheas

[pbj]

You can region mod Saturn isos.....

First google hit -  http://madroms.satakore.com/

 

[Malenko]

You can region mod Saturn isos.....

First google hit -  http://madroms.satakore.com/

 

Well I never used a saturn ISO before, I have actual jap discs.  I was hoping that the RHEA would auto patch or whatevs, but thanks for googling for me 

[Locke141]

The Rhea is region agnostic, you can specify the region in the .ini file:  https://gdemu.wordpress.com/operation/rhea-operation/
I believe this is on a per card basis, and not per game.  So load up all your different region games onto different cards and set the region with the .ini file.

Good to know. Are there any non US games I should definitely try?

I am also excited to play the fan translations of the Shining force III trilogy games and Dragon force the second.

http://sf3trans.shiningforcecentral.com

http://www.romhacking.net/translations/1622/

[pbj]

Well I never used a saturn ISO before, I have actual jap discs.  I was hoping that the RHEA would auto patch or whatevs, but thanks for googling for me 

Yet you mastered the hot swap?  I don't believe you.  Region was set with a jumper on the Saturn, and it was child's play to add a switch.  Think I've still got a few legit Saturn import discs laying around.   YOU BUY. 

[Malenko]

Yet you mastered the hot swap?  I don't believe you.  Region was set with a jumper on the Saturn, and it was child's play to add a switch.  Think I've still got a few legit Saturn import discs laying around.   YOU BUY. 

Ugh, after like a million tries I did have the timing down.  I saw the mod to add a toggle just never got around to it.  What Saturn imports ya got?

[Locke141]

I have seen Saturns with the  region mod, but I never looked to see how it was done before.

Looks fairly simple.

http://www.mmmonkey.co.uk/sega-saturn-country-mod-3/

http://www.gamesx.com/importmod/sat_switchless.htm

http://www.gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=imports:sega_saturn

I just ordered an actions replay but didn't know it require swapping disk to switch regions. Good thing I am getting my RHEA.

[opt2not]

Shoot, that reminds me. I gotta grab a RAM extension cart.

[gamer83]

I have an everdrive NES flash cart,and i can honestly say the thing just rocks! More and more mappers are always being supported with every firmware release,plus save state support for many popular mappers.a great buy for nes lovers.

[Locke141]

My mom called today to let me know, my Rhea has arrived. I wish I was in the US so I could get it all setup.

It's going to be a summer of Saturn.

[opt2not]

Yeah I got mine last week, and installed it right away. I got version 3.1, so it was super-simple to install. No soldering, just a couple cables to disconnect and re-connect to the board.

In fact, it probably took me longer to open the Saturn case than it took to install the board.



No problems, it worked right from the get-go. My only beef is that it only supports CDI, CCD+IMG+SUB, MDS+MDF, and ISO.  So if you have your game rips in another format, you'll have to convert them into one of these formats for it to recognize.

Oh, and of course, it would be nice if it had a GUI to select the games rather than the button on the board, but I heard there are plans for that in the future.

All-in-all, it runs like a dream. Loading seems quicker and the unit is silent, 2 big wins for this thing.  I picked up this Saturn for practically nothing because it had a busted drive, so upgrading to the Rhea was perfect for it.

[Malenko]

So Jelly. I wish I could afford one.

[Locke141]

Thanks for the update, am living vicariously throw you at the moment. I can't wait to go home this summer and play some Saturn.

I hope your USB-GDROM install goes as well. I'm interested in how you like it. Debating getting one as well but the $200 plus pice tag after shipping and fees is not a small investment. For now still hoping the G1-ATA mod goes somewhere.

[thomas_surles]

Psio is now at 89% it's almost ready for beta run. I'm pretty excited. But I feel like it's going to be expensive. I was hoping it would be under $50 however I have a felling it's going to be $100 or more. What would you guys pay for one? Would I be better off just getting a modchip?

[opt2not]

It would be cheaper to get a mod chip for sure. But not necessarily better. Burning CDR's are a PITA, let alone having to store all of them.