📰 New article from Retro Handhelds
The DSPico is Back and Better Than Ever with the DSPico IR
https://retrohandhelds.gg/the-dspico-is-back-and-better-than-ever-with-the-dspico-ir/
If you’ve spent any time trying to play DS games on original hardware, you know the “flash cart” struggle is real. We’ve endured everything from “timebomb” cartridges that brick themselves to lackluster, unsupported clones. But it looks like the era of mediocre hardware might finally be coming to an end.
The DSPico—the open-source darling that took the community by storm—is getting a massive glow-up in the form of the DSPico IR. Thanks to some heavy lifting from Phenom Mods, this isn’t just a minor patch; it’s a complete overhaul.
The “IR” version swaps out the old Micro USB for a modern USB-C port and upgrades the brain to a Raspberry Pi Pico 2. It’s also sporting a massive RAM boost (8MB vs. the original 264KB) and new IR transceiver functionality.
What this actually means for you:
- Better performance: Faster, more reliable, and supports .ndz ROMs.
- Modern convenience: No more hunting for ancient Micro USB cables.
- Efficiency: Lower power draw means more playtime.
You can currently pre-order them via Phenom Mods for about $30. It’s a bit more than the $5 knock-offs you might find on AliExpress, but for a card that actually works as intended, it’s likely worth the premium.