EDIT: This comparison is now pretty pointless, read the text bold in red at the end of this post!

Sure there are lots of modchips for GameCube/Wii, but homebrew software (BIOSes to run backups, emulators, homebrew games, mp3 players,...) can be played in a more easy way without the need to be burned in some media.

I'm talking about run homebrew stuff through SD cards. You don't need to spend time and money in burning a new disc each time you want to change the content, the version of some program, add a new mp3,... you simply move them to a SD card, and play it through SD Gecko or SD Media Launcher method.

I see there is some confusion about them, so I compare both SD methods in this topic.


SD Gecko adapter

Stuff needed:

SD Gecko + Action Replay (a version that let you add new code, since Datel removed it in latest version)

Or

SD Gecko + modchip (to launch a SDLoad self booting disc or an Action Replay backup)

Homebrew compatibility:

100% compatibility. Sdload is the first menu system that allows to run homebrew software from SD cards with the help of an Action Replay disc. The GameCube homebrew stuff have been made and tested to work through sdload, since it was the traditional way for SD cards.

Price:

SD Gecko adapter can be found new here for about 15$ shipping included
Action Replay can be found in some online shops for 25$

Total price is about 40$

Other comments:

With Action Replay you don't only get a disc to launch sdload. Action Replay is a product that lets you run lots of unofficial cheats for most GameCube games (cheats that will unlock secrets, hidden characters, will help you to success in the game, funny cheats,...). Futhermore Action Replay includes Freeloader that allows to play games from other regions.

Pros:

-You get more for less $ (SD method + best cheat system + freeloader)
-100% homebrew compatibility

Cons:

-More complex (you need to follow this tutorial to get it working)


SD Media Launcher

Stuff needed:

Disc and SD adapter all included in the same SD Media Launcher package

Homebrew compatibility:

Lower compatibility. Datel fastly did a sdload clone after Wii launch, but it misses some stuff and not all the homebrew software works on it since the homebrew software was made to work on sdload firstly. As an example, the SNES emulator will not work with SD Media Launcher (snesgx)

Price:

SD Media Launcher is 50$ shipping not included

Other comments:

With this package you don't need to buy anything more. You get all the needed stuff to get it working, so it is more simple than SD Gecko + Action Replay. Furthermore, to get sdload running in Action Replay, you need to enter a long code. With SD Media Launcher you get all ready to work.

Pros:

-More easy (all in the same package ready to work)

Cons:

-You get less for more $ (only sd method)
-Lower homebrew compatibility


Well, that's all. Hope you enjoyed this comparison, and don't forget to ask if you have some question!


EDIT:

Now SD Media Launcher is being bricked by Nintendo's last firmware. So the way to do it is getting a SD Gecko and running sdload with either an autoboot disc or an Action Replay backup (you require a modchip to do so). You can find SD Gecko either in ebay or the best price here (for people who doesn't like ebay)

Sorry, no way for SD Media Launcher users, so get a SD Gecko instead.

thank you for this/keeping the forum alive(~ish).

i think you should add these links for the cheap/impatient bastards (like me) that want to mod now/affordably, with available resources.

thread about home-made sd/mem cards (memory function intact):
>>>here<<<

little guide (remember to connect 1 and 12 to each other on mem card side!!! this is not shown in the pic! (you'll see...)) [see above before hacking away at the card]:
---here---

i also recommend checking this out...:
~~~here~~~
confusing, yet extremely simple. good thing i keep old pc's.

/edit: i also used this "dumbed-down" guide when first going about it.

Thanks for your reply and info.

Of course, sdload can be used with any SD adapter for GameCube. And SD Gecko is not the only SD adapter avaiable for GameCube. There is also the official Nintendo dol-019 SD adapter which was released only in Japan and nowadays is very hard to find and expensive.
And there is also other good option: Make yourself a SD adapter. If you find cheap materials, this one can be even cheaper than SD Gecko. Maybe the result is not so good quality as SD Gecko, but you must be proud you did it yourself!

About the pros and cons there is something that homebrew scene lovers should care about:

SD Media Launcher

Cons:

-Datel removed in newest version of Action Replay the 'add code' feature (the feature that allowed to play to some amazing new codes such as play with Sandbag or Crazy Hand in SSBM) so people with newest version can't load sdload and needs to buy the SD Media Launcher instead of an additional SD Gecko. To sum up, Datel made a worst version of their Action Replay simply as an attempt to make still more $$$ from the homebrew scene.

I saw your topic in tehskeen...

I bought a SD Max Media Launcher but only works with about 50% I test. Are you sure SD Gecko will be more compatible?

And I see you own both. Where did you buy it? I found it on ebay but never before bought something on ebay. Is safe to buy from ebay?
Please, answer asap!

Sure SD Gecko is 100% compatible. You can read in my comparison:

Quote:

---

Sdload is the old pioneer menu system that allows to run homebrew software from SD cards with the help of an Action Replay disc. The GameCube homebrew stuff have been made and tested to work through sdload, since it was the traditional way for SD cards.

---

So there is no homebrew software not compatible for SD Gecko
;)

it is 100% because homebrew was made to work with SDLOAD, the loader for sdgecko.

Is the classic controller compatible with these methods on the Wii? Or am I forced to use the cube controller?

Just as any method involved in playing GameCube homebrew, you need a GameCube controller/accesory to play with it.

Some GC accesories are great for all the emulators released for GameCube/Wii. Accesories such as Arcade sticks, or Hori retro controller ;)

However in some Datel software, only GC official controller works (why Datel software and hardware have so many problems of compatibility?) so not sure they will work with SDML. But sure they work with SD Gecko :)

I personally enjoy playing Neo Geo CD in my GC with the Arcade Stick, or SNES, Genesis, PCE,... with the SNES look controller.