[Swiizard]

How to hack 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 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, you need a special update in order to let your flashcard work.
More on fw 1.4 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 and the Games n' music 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:
Supercard Cyclone
TTDS Acekard
M3 DS EDGE
EZ-FLASH
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 "i" version of the flashcard, "Normal" ones wont work.
"i" flashcards will work on the normal DS and DS (Lite)
2. If you have a DSi (XL) with firmware 1.4, check if it has a 1.4 update.
More on this later.
3. The Supercard DSTWO is just out, but I would wait for the 2nd or 3rd batch, as they then have some things fixed/improved.

Step 3: Buy and prepare your microSD card.
Chose how much memory you want. Most sellers sell microSD cards with the flashcard.
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 seperate 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
Most cards are able to update to 1.4 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

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.

Version history:
1.0: The basics
1.1: Added links to usefull guides
1.2: Expanded step 3 and put pictures in boxes
1.3: Fixed some small faults and added winrar link

[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.