21 replies to this topic

[Swiizard]

How to unlock your DS (Lite) or DSi (XL)


This guide is a step-to-step guide on how to enable homebrew, multimedia and in most cases game backups.
It will work on every DS system released so far.
It is also noob-proof. If something confuses you, have a look at my FAQ: http://www.dsihacks....457-dsi-xl-faq/
Note: I assume that you're using a Windows computer. Mac users can also do this, but some controls are a bit different.


Step 1: Determinate which DS you have.
This is of course simple, but for those who really don't know it: (properties may be not completly precise)

Nintendo DS:

Spoiler

DS Lite

Spoiler

DSi (XL)

Spoiler

If you have a DSi (XL) you also need to check which firmware you have.
This can be checked by going into the system settings menu and then looking in the bottom-right corner of the upper screen.
Check which number it is. If this is 1.4 or higher, you need a special update in order to let your flashcard work.
More on fw 1.4 or higher later.


Step 2: Chose which flashcard you want.
First you need to answer the question: do I also want to be able to play backup games?
If the answer is no: chose a flashcard that only enables homebrew and multimedia.
The only I know of are the iPlayer, Games n' music, and the iSmartMM card.
If the answer is yes or you doubt: use other flashcards.
There are many: check this poll.
Here is a list of all I know of. These are top-rated:

• Supercard DSTWO (works on DSi)
  
• Acekard

Others include:

• Supercard
• Cyclone
• M3 DS
• EZ-FLASH
• TTDS
• EDGE
• iSmart premium

R4 is not included because of its many clones and the official one will not have any updates any more.

A few things:
1. If you have a DSi (XL), you must get the version that works with a dsi, most times is this an "i" version of the flashcard, "Normal" ones wont work.
DSi compatible flashcards will work on the normal DS and DS (Lite)
2. If you have a DSi (XL) with firmware 1.4 or higher, check if it has an update for the firmware you have.
More on this later.


Step 3: Buy and prepare your microSD card.
Chose how much memory you want. Most sellers sell microSD cards with the flashcard.
If you get a new one, I suggest that you get a Sandisk.
This is a pure personal opinion.
When you have all things, download the firmware of your flashcard.
Get it from the official site, that is the latest version.
Know you also need Winrar, a program for extracting files.

Now we're all set, lets start.
First, doubleclick on the file you downloaded.
Here you should see 3~8 files, while holding [ctrl] down , click on all files, except those that have the *.txt extension.
Then right click on a selected file, and choose 'Extract to specified folder'. Choose the drive letter of your micro-SD card.
After a few minutes it should be done. When you have done this, you can put games, homebrew and multimedia on it.
For movies you need to convert them, there's a excellent guide, written by schadowsonic2, on this linked below.
You can create separate folders for your music, games etc., but in most cases this is not required.
For some cards though, it is so that they don't support multi-layers of folders.
This means that when you have on the root a folder for your music, you can't place a folder inside that folder, because your card won't see it.

For some cards there is a custom firmware.
The only three I know are AKAIO for the acekard, YSmenu, and wood for R4.
YSmenu is for R4, acekard and TTDS.
See my tutorial about this: http://www.dsihacks....usom-firmwares/

Optional step: update to enable DSi (XL) firmware1.4(.1)
Most cards (not all) are able to update to 1.4 or 1.4.1 compatibility.
Check the official site or readme for the exact procedure.
Most times this is how to install it:
1. put the file into your games folder or on the root if you don't have one
2. put the card into a DS that is able to see the flashcard
3. hang it to the charger: that is the most safe
4. run the file
Note : Firmware 1.4 and 1.4.1 are different firmwares and need different updates.
An update for 1.4.1 means most times that you can also use the card on 1.4 if you have done that update.

Here are a few other, maybe handy tutorials on this site:
DIRECTLY Transfer files from PC to DS/i
Creating NDS Movies (.dpg)
How to Backup Retail NDS Games
Ultimate Game Fix Index

This is the end of my tutorial. Of course this tutorial is never completed, it will be updated if necessary.
If you have suggestions or questions: please say it. I will look if I can do something with it or answer.
Credit is of course given were credit is needed to be given.

Disclaimer: © Swiizard. This tutorial may only be posted at dsihacks.net and not on any other site, or distributed in any other way.
Swiizard and dsihacks.net do not support piracy. I'm not responsible for any harm you may have gotten (bad buy, broken card or system etc.).

Version history:
1.0: The basics
1.1: Added links to useful guides
1.2: Expanded step 3 and put pictures in boxes
1.3: Fixed some small faults and added winrar link
1.4 Updated with firmware 1.4.1, new cards and re-ordered cards.

[MrDSiHacks]

Thanks Dude and have a nice day !

[LilCountryGal]

Will this work for the DSi also? I currently have DSi, & DSTTi card. I am wanting to install Homebrew. Thanks in advance!

[Swiizard]

LilCountryGal, on 27 August 2010 - 08:25 AM, said:

Will this work for the DSi also? I currently have DSi, & DSTTi card. I am wanting to install Homebrew. Thanks in advance!

Yes, it will work.
One tip: download the files below instead of the firmware, and put the dats into the ttmenu folder.
It has much more compatibility.
Credit goes to pong and retrogamefan for making these.
dats
firmware
Sorry for the late reply, I was on a holiday.

[hangon]

Planning on getting DSi XL I'm guessing it can be hacked. Also which card is best you guys suggest too many options ?

Pl. advise

[Swiizard]

hangon, on 26 October 2010 - 09:23 AM, said:

Planning on getting DSi XL I'm guessing it can be hacked. Also which card is best you guys suggest too many options ?

Pl. advise

Yes, but I need to update my tutorial, because the newest firmware is 1.4.1
There is no really "best" card, that depends on your preferences.
Do you want extra features and willing to pay more, go for the DSTWO.
Do you want to do the stuff that every card is able to, go for acekard with AKAIO. It does it the best.
Also, if you don't have a DS or DSlite (that you can use), you cannot update the card.
Some shops offer to update it for you, but that will cost you a little bit more

[nayaritano]

Thank you for the tutorial
I'm planing to buy next week 2 dsi
I know I need to do a lot of reading.
Your tutorial seem to be very simple and easy to follow.
I know new dsi have new firmware update. (I don't know whick version)
Could you point me in the right direction please?
What is the more easy way to play back up games with latest dsi firmware?
I know Acekard seem to be the best card.
I don't care about expending more money on something that is easy to use and that works well.
With micro SD is the best?
Thank you in advance.
P.D Sorry for my bad English

[Swiizard]

Don't worry to much about your English, it's also not my native language.
Acekard is indeed a good card, but if you can't update the card yourself, you must make sure that it is done for you.
Some shops do offer that service.
If you get an acekard, put AKAIO on it.
MicroSD cards aren't that much different, if you need a new one, go for sandisk.

[nayaritano]

Thank you so much for all your help.
You just saved me many hours of investigating and reading tutorial from the web.
I have 2 Nintendo wii I installed a wiikey on one and the wode in the second one.
According to your answer it seems to be way more easy for the DSI than the Wii.
Thank you
By the Way my native language is Spanish.(Español)

Tank you

[bloodcum]

If I dont have a DS then I cant do this , correct ? I have 2 DSi 's.

[Swiizard]

You can do this with a dsi.
That's why the title says "or dsi (XL)"
But be sure to read everything

[hunglam]

Swiizard. can you tell me when i download game for my dsi which version should i get for the us?
Is there any special extension for that file or they work for all?
Thank you!!!!

[Swiizard]

You should get the (u) or (usa) version. I don't know about a special extension, but note that you can't use the dsi mode in games.

[loman123]

How do I get my dsi XL to work. I just bought dsi XL last week and I check software version is 1.4U and I bought Acekard v 1.41 compatible that dsi XL. My dsi XL can read all menu games title from Acekard that I just bought but when I click to load the game to play I get black screen. I use AKAIO.1.8.1 firmware for my Acekard. This Acekard work with my ds lite. If anyone have any idea, please help. Thanks and appreciated.

[Swiizard]

Which games do you want to play? Newer gamed do not work most times. Try an older game, like mario kart. Also try akaio 1.8.5. If it still doesn't work, try reformatting your microsd.

[loman123]

Swiizard, on 15 January 2011 - 07:47 AM, said:

Which games do you want to play? Newer gamed do not work most times. Try an older game, like mario kart. Also try akaio 1.8.5. If it still doesn't work, try reformatting your microsd.

I have try the new FW 1.8.5 with old game. None of the old game are working for me. It load the game to the game title menu but when I click to play the screen is black and some game screen frozen and message like "Game Card has been remove". All the old game that didn't play with dsi XL, it play fine on my old ds lite. When I try the FW 1.8.1, it only read Acekard micro sd game title but was unable to boot the game. The FW 1.8.5 can boot the game to game title but was unable to play. I really need your help please. I would solve this problem. Thanks in advance for any of your help.

[Swiizard]

Like stomp said in the other thread. Play around with the flashcard, use the paper trick. Otherwise I can't help you (I have a different flashcard)

[sdouze]

Hello, I'm a bit lost. I got acerkard 2i but i understand that before i add AKAIO 1.8.5 I need to update the firmware of the acerkard. Is there a firmware from AKAIO or from acerkard? Can you please post a link?

Thank you

[Swiizard]

No. Updating the acekard is only nedeed if you want to use it on a dsi (xl) that has firmware 1.4(.1). To help you, I need to know which ds you are using, and in case it is a dsi (xl) which firmware your dsi has.

[sdouze]

Swiizard, on 18 January 2011 - 08:15 AM, said:

No. Updating the acekard is only nedeed if you want to use it on a dsi (xl) that has firmware 1.4(.1). To help you, I need to know which ds you are using, and in case it is a dsi (xl) which firmware your dsi has.

I have DSi XL 1.4.1 If i understood completely in need to load my microsd with the AKAKIO 1.8.5 and also the firmware update files for acekard 1.4.1 and run it in a DSi or DSL with lower fw?