Topic: RE: Max Drive Hits GameCube

[NewsBot]

The memory card system with a difference finally comes to GameCube. This could be big.

MAX Drive Motors onto the GameCube

Datel's dynamic flash drive is now available to Nintendo gamers

June 1st, 2004 - At last you can transfer data between your GameCube and PC, quickly and easily!

MAX Drive is a massive 64 Megabit GameCube memory card with a difference. It also connects to your computer, allowing you to download the latest game saves and Action Replay cheat codes. No need to connect to the GameCube during data transfer!

The system consists of three components: the MAX Drive cartridge, a USB cable which connects the cartridge to your PC, and a disc containing Datel's powerful Memory Manager PC software.

MAX Drive is the ultimate game save solution for GameCube.

• Massive 64Mb GameCube memory card with built-in USB port (USB cable supplied)
• Over 1000 blocks of game save data - 16 times the size of a standard GameCube memory card
• Download the latest Action Replay cheat codes (Action Replay available separately) - no more manual code entry!
• Download GameCube game saves to your PC, then transfer them to your console - quickly and easily
• Trade game saves with your friends via email and the web
• Easy to use
• Intuitive Memory Manager software included for PC

A Pro version of MAX Drive allows you to run executable program code stored on the memory card, making it invaluable for home brew programmers.

MAX Drive for GameCube is in the shops this week, and costs £19.99. It can also be bought direct at www.codejunkies.com or by calling 08456 010 015. MAX Drive Pro costs £29.99 and is only available from www.codejunkies.com.

[Rhoq]

How Mac friendly is this device without the PC-Only "Memory Manager" software?

[JonLeung]

Hmmm, more choices...

I was thinking about picking up The Legend Of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, a Memory Card 1019, and a GBA SP next week...I can't decide between Platinum or the NES edition one...but I think the NES one comes out on the same day...  One-stop shopping is good for a lazy bum like myself.

But now that I hear about this, looks like I have another decision to make...  I liked the DexDrive for the N64, but this PC-transferability is built right into the third-party memory card...  Can I trust third-party cards of this size?  I seem to recall issues with similarly-sized cards in the past...

[Pale]

All I can say is, CodeJunkies has the word Junk in their name for a reason.  I have had many problems with their stuff and the fact that thsi is a memory card makes me quite worried about how well it will work.  If I were any of you thinking about getting it...I would NOT buy on launch....give it a few weeks or so to see some reviews...thats what I plan on doing.

[Fammy2000]

Woohoo, I can finally get all the NES games in Animal Crossing!

[ssj4_android]

Run executable code? Increase in piracy, here we come.

[Famicom]

Quote
Originally posted by: ssj4_android
Run executable code? Increase in piracy, here we come.

I doubt any GC games will fit on a 64Mb memory card.

[VideoGamerX]

The MemoryCard 16X by Interact is a great card. I never experienced any troubles with it.

[mouse_clicker]

My friend's Memory Card 19X has whiped his Metroid Prime, Wind Waker, and Wrestlemania XIX save files multiple times. Actually, it whipes his Wrestlemania XIX save file just about every time he plays the game- luckily it usually does it after he's loaded his game so he can save over it, although that's not always the case.  

[NinGurl69 *huggles]

I guess everyone forgot about the GamesSaves memory manager from Gameshark, which does practically the same thing, minus code execution.

[kodamalvado]

Quote


I doubt any GC games will fit on a 64Mb memory card.

I'm not sure what I'm 'allowed' to post on Planet GameCube, but without giving too much away GameCube piracy (as it exists currently) involves streaming data between your GameCube and your PC.  There are basically two posibilities on how the Max Drive will affect this process (that I can see):

1) It'll allow you to stream GameCube disc images to your computer, and back to your GameCube, via the USB port in the memory card.

2) Code on your Max Drive will handle the PC<->GameCube connection, instead of relying on Phantasy Star Episodes I&II (which locks the BBA at a speed much lower than what it is capable of.)

I'm not sure of the transfer speed on USB, but either way the Max Drive seems to be hitting GameCube below the belt.

[KDR_11k]

Luckily it comes this late, but if I were Nintendo I'd sue CodeJunkies under the DMCA.

[hcs]

In response to the piracy comments, I don't think I'm alone in wanting a way to run my own code (and that freely given by others) on the GC without having to buy three pieces of hardware and having a computer running.  I hope Nintendo doesn't give them a hard time about this...

[Uncle Rich AiAi]

Quote
Originally posted by: KDR_11k
Luckily it comes this late, but if I were Nintendo I'd sue CodeJunkies under the DMCA.

DMCA?  Dutch Mariah Carey Association you mean?

[KDR_11k]

Digital Millenium Copyright Act. Use Google if you need to read it and don't feel save just because you're living outside of the US, it was mandated by the WIPO* and other countres are adapting the law at high speed.
Basically it prohibits the circumventiion of any form of copyprotection. The definition of a copyprotection is so broad it can be abused in various ways.

*The enemy of all mankind, superior to both MPAA and RIAA.