1.) Emulator is allowed. But i would recommend playing on a ds or the WiiUVC version of the game.
2.) I recommend getting a elgato capture card or some other capture card.
3.) DeSmuME is allowed (i think) but i don't know about any other emulator.
Edit: I don't know about if you have to play on a real cart so the run can count. My guess is if you are playing on a ds family system you must play on the official cartridge.
Maybe the mods can confirm about R4s. I have alot of knowledge about NSMBW and i lack that with this game at the moment.
We don't currently have a rule against using an R4 card, but we would prefer you play on an actual cartridge (they're not that expensive anyway).
Recording yoour DSi with a webcam or camera is perfectly acceptable. If you don't already have one of those, you can buy a cheap USB webcam on Amazon.
Desmume is fine, but since you already have a DS we would prefer if you used it.
Thanks!
Good to hear that you will be recording. Once you have a PB video, I can look through it and calculate how much of a difference in loading times the R4 card has, if any. Again, I would prefer you play on a real cartridge just to be safe, but it's okay for now.
Good luck with runs! If you want me to send you resources for learning Any% or have any questions about the run just message me on Discord, Twitch, or YouTube.
Earlier today, Twitch has that they are "implementing a 100 hour storage limit for Highlights & Uploads starting 4/19." There is a 2 month grace period for people with highlights on their channel to be able to download their highlig