R4i 3DS / R4i SDHC Background

The R4i SDHC red box variety was the first R4 labeled card to support Nintendo DSi Consoles, and its still the most popular. It features the familiar R4 style menu that's proven so popular in its simplicity. The R4i SDHC is the perfect entry level card for all Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL cards.

The manufacturer for the R4i SDHC comes out with regular updates for the card and compatibility is quite reliable. The R4i SDHC sports the distinctive red PCB peeking out aorund the contacts at the back. A usb adpater for the micro sd card and comes conveniently with the R4i SDHC in a slim compact red box.

When the Nintendo 3DS console was released, the R4i SDHC changed its name in newer versions to become the R4i 3DS. Future updates to the firmware of the R4i 3DS can also be applied via WiFi which is incredibly useful. Make sure to update your R4i 3DS *before* updating your Nintend console, otherwise your card may not work after your console update!

Using the R4i 3DS

The R4i 3DS uses a micro sd card to store the menu software. The card loads up quickly and features the same Game, Media, Slot-2 menu buttons as the original R4. It's simple to use and well supported.

The update system the new R4i 3DS card uses is very smart - using WiFi you can upgrade the firmware of your card when an update is available without having to disconnect your R4i 3DS at all from your Nintendo DS console. You will, however, have to ensure there is enough battery life to perform the upgrade which can take between 5-10 minutes. This is a great way of performing updates and removes a lot of the technical hassle associated with other DS cards. A fantastic way to introduce a beginner to DS cards and how they function!