Not sure with your card but usually there is a setting (or icon) to press and get the firmware revision. Most firmwares are updated every 6-8 weeks (how long has he had it?) As to the extensions, each card generates a save file, usually an option file (how you want it to start - download play etc). And others cheat files and so on every card is different. My M3 real had a.nds, a.opt and the.sav file but others label them differently. Back up the card (so you save the old system file, games and saves.

Delete the old firmware and put on the new. Try and see what happens, if anything goes wrong you can always format the card and put everything back on thast you backed up. Vlc editor for mac.

Is there anyway to save the file as a.sav or a way to convert the.oesavestate. Run.nds file in DeSmuME; Go File > Export ROM Save File.