Sharkport/Xport/MaxDrive Details

[Jordan]

I'd like to provide our users who want to get their times verified with a quick explanation of the Sharkport/Xport/MaxDrive devices and how they work, where to get them, etc. I haven't found a resource like that here (although I'm probably overlooking it), and I'm unfamiliar with them, so if one of you guys could direct me to a post containing all that information or type up a quick run-down, that would be great!

I'm aiming to get the leaderboard online tomorrow, by the way!

 

[NoQuarter]

Sharkport is totally defunct...when first released the Sharkport was for NTSC and the XPort was PAL.

Subsequent version became known as the XPort for both PAL and NTSC. Unfortunately, the XPort is no longer sold, though it can occasionally be found on eBay.

The new defacto device is the AR Max Action Replay device. Some folks call it the AR Max Drive, altough it does not specifically say Drive on the product packaging. These can purchased at most locations where PS2/Video games are sold. Price averages around US$30.

There is a freeware software tool that allows one to convert the XPort saves (.xps) to Max Drive save (.max) and visa versa...

http://www.niwra.nl/tools/maxconvertor.zip (link courtesy of Arwin)

The Max Drive appears to be the preferred device at this time. The advantage of the XPort, with GT3, was that was the file format utilized by mk's GaragEdit program. Since mk is currently boycotting GT4, it remains to be seen whether or not there will be a GaragEdit program for GT4 in the near forseeable future.

 

[Jordan]

So, we should still accept Sharkport/xport save files, right?

 

[NoQuarter]

Oh, absolutely! Most of the old school record submitters still use the XPort exclusively. It's just that the newer folks will be using the Max drive, given the unavailablity of the XPort.

 

[Jordan]

Ok, cool. Is this the specific device?

 

[NoQuarter]

Hmmm...that's the one that comes with the 8Mb memory card. AFAIK, it is not the device for moving replays to your PC.

This is the device I have:

It has a 16 Mb USB memory stick, a PC software disk, and a PS2 software disk.

 

[Jordan]

OK, thanks!