flashcart

A flashcart is a type of cartridge that contains flash memory, designed to be inserted into a video game console or other electronic device. These cartridges are primarily used for the purpose of running homebrew software, emulators, or ROMs of video games on original hardware. The flash memory within the cart can be rewritten or erased, allowing users to load different software onto it. This makes them highly versatile compared to traditional game cartridges which contained read-only memory (ROM).

Flashcarts gained significant popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s for retro gaming consoles, enabling enthusiasts to play games from various systems on a single device. They also became a tool for developers to test their own games and applications on actual hardware before release. The legality of using flashcarts can be a grey area, as while the hardware itself is not illegal, loading copyrighted game ROMs without owning the original game is often considered piracy. Many flashcarts are designed for specific console generations or individual systems, such as those for the Nintendo DS, Game Boy Advance, or Super Nintendo Entertainment System.