Homebrew DS quick as a flash

The Datel MAX Media Dock for DS and DS Lite (which we've covered a few times already) has just been released in a new compact flash card version.

The original uses a 4GB hard disc; the new compact flash version offers the same functionality as the hard disc-based one, and is supplied in three flavours: with a 1GB compact flash card (£54.99), with a 2GB card (£84.99), and without the flash card for those who already have one (£29.99).

The Dock is capable of handling compact flash cards up to 8GB, however, so do mix-and-match by buying a card elsewhere if you think you'll be a heavy user.

Why might you be? Well, the heart of the unit is Datel's MAX Media Player, supplied on a DS cart. Pop this into the DS game cart slot and you can fire up a browser that gives you access to all the data on the compact flash card. (The latter fits in your DS's GBA port using the supplied Media Dock).

From the MAX Media Player browser you can launch executable programs stored on the flash drive, giving access to the super-exciting DS homebrew scene. To get started, check out the MAX Media Player's own mini-site, or alternatively do a Google search for "DS homebrew" to fire up all sorts of downloadable applications, games and emulators.

The MAX Media Player also enables you to play MP3s directly off the flash card, giving you access to music on the move, and it can stream video footage and handle photos too.

Pretty flash, hey?