Flashcarts

A flashcart is a type of adapter that allows users to play ROM files of video games on original console hardware. These adapters typically contain a writable memory chip and a controller chip, enabling them to load and execute game code from a storage medium, most commonly a microSD card. Flashcarts gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a way for retro gaming enthusiasts to access a wider library of games, especially those that were rare, expensive, or unreleased in certain regions.

The primary function of a flashcart is to emulate the original game cartridge's behavior. The console's hardware recognizes the flashcart as a legitimate game, and the flashcart then loads the selected ROM file from its storage. This process allows for convenient access to a large collection of games without the need for physical cartridges for each title. Flashcarts are available for a wide range of retro consoles, including systems like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy Advance.

While flashcarts are often used for legitimate purposes such as playing legally owned backups of games or for homebrew development, they have also been associated with software piracy. The ease with which ROM files can be downloaded and loaded onto flashcarts has made them a tool for distributing copyrighted games without authorization. Developers of flashcarts often implement features that support homebrew applications and emulators, contributing to the preservation and accessibility of vintage gaming.