Let me put things a little in perspective for those who haven't been following the debates. A guy called Borden invented a very good GBA copier a while back, called EZF-Advance, an upgrade of the EZ-Flash copier, a copier "stolen" by XG and renamed to XG-Flash. Now it seems that another company is trying to adopt the EZF-Advance and has chosen to call it EZF-Advance II, though it has also been released under another name, GBA-Magic USB.

Success Company, who now no longer sels GBA copiers, was blamed for the EZF-Advance II name, since they registered www.ezf-advance.com and changed the site into a EZF-Advance II support site. Pretty idiotic to steal a GBA copier name, they most definately did it to sell more units, but honestly I don't really care about the blame of Success, they have a business to run, so why shouldn't they carry the EZF-Advance II? eventhough it's not a "official" Borden product and if they own a domain they can do pretty much whatever they like with it.

So, now that you're confused, let's carry on with the review of the EZF-Advance II, or GBA-Magic if you like. The EZF-Advance II only comes in a 256mbit version sofar and the flash cartridge features the following:

• Super Memory Stick(SMS) function, used to backup or restore up to 12 savegames. Flash memory is used, so on internal battery that'll run out of juice eventually.
• USB interface, plug and pray that it'll install on your Windows system ;)
• Hardware saver support, should have support for every known save type to this date and future (hopefully).
• Real Time Clock, needed for you Pokemon fans out there.

But let's get down to what this review really is about, testing the speed and compatibility of the Linker and Flash Card.

BACKUP
First test is backing up a game, the usual backup of Super Mario Advance (J), a 32Mbit game. To backup, insert the original Game cart into the GBA(SP) and plug the EZFA2 Linker into the GBA's Expansion port. Hold down START and SELECT when powering the unit, just like you'd do if you were to upload more games to the flash cart, ait for the small jingle to play before releasing START and SELECT.

Once the EFZA2 appears on the screen, open the windows program and pres the ROM button, again just like if you were to upload more games to the flash cart. The ROM will now be detected and the program had no trouble recognizing the good old Super Mario Adventure cartridge, both it's ROM title and size.

Highlighting the ROM and pressing the DRAW ROM button starts the ROM copying. The EZFA isn't on the good side of 2 minutes for backing up a 32mbit game, it actually took no less than 2 minutes and 18 seconds, far more than most other copiers I've tested. I don't know how many actually use their EZFA2 for backing up games, but it's not one of the fastest out there, but then again, not really a problem either.

UPLOAD
Uploading a game is basicly the same procedure as backing up, except that you have to pic a ROM to upload of course. I tried uploading the SMA game I just backed up to the EZFA2 Flash cart and it took no more than 1 minute and 33 seconds, not too bad but please note that erasing of the flash isn't included in that time, it was about 40 seconds extra. Nothing special, the speed, but surely not slow either.

To play the game, power off the GBA and unplug the USB cable (or leave it there if you like), power on the GBA normally. A Menu will appear where you press the StartGame button (press A). You'll then be able to choose a game from the list on the screen, press A again to pick the game.

SAVES
Worst part about uploading a game is that you have to pick the save type yourself, two types are available, 64k which is the default, probably means most used and then 1MB. There's also an option to reduce the size of the ROM, but I didn't bother to check it out, my advise is not to use it as some games may become corrupted.

To do the ultimate test, to me atleast, I tried uploading Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga which uses one of the latest save methods. To make sure the saving actually worked I picked the 1MB save type and started playing. When it was time to save everything seemed to work and after a power off and on my save was still there, to my surprise. The built-in Real Time Clock will come handy for Pokemon fans.

The Built-in SMS (Super Memory Stick) allows you to manage your savegames on the fly, no need to connect the GBA to a PC unless you want to backup the saves to a PC. The good part about this feature is that if you delete the rom you'll still keep your save, unlike other GBA copiers.

To backup saves from the Windows program, just hit the RAM button in the program and pick the save you want to backup on your HD, it can get any easier than that.

CONCLUSION
I didn't really know what to expect, at first I thought Borden had upgraded my favourite GBA copier, only to find out that this was a whole different product, and manufacturer. But the quality of the EZFA2 isn't bad at all and I can highly recommend it to everyone, even the gamer with very litte PC knowlege.

The installation was a piece of cake, the windows software is very easy to use and the flash cart features makes it a true winner. It is only available in a 256mbit version sofar, there's really no need for a 128mbit version, but a 512mb cart would be a good idea.

Here's the sales speech from the manufacturer, and it's actually true! :-)

Single USB to GBA link port cable operation, most portable fashion device for your package. Real Time Clock on-board! Perfect for games like Pokemon that require a real time clock, and third-party PDA applications. Built-in hardware save support, perfect support for all current and future save types. Works with all games! Faster and higher density flash chips mounted, smooth for all time critical games, no any speed patch needed. Another features is built-in Super Memory Stick(SMS) for backup/restore game saves for future. SMS use Flash Memory to save the data, no battery is needed. The EZF Advance II cable is ready to go for future GBA-Internet interactive applications, more fun you can find with EZF Advance II.