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Nintendo DS homebrew

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Nintendo DS homebrew is software written by hobbyist programmers for the Nintendo DS video game console.

Running DS homebrew software

File:Passme.jpg
The PassMe is one way to run homebrew on a Nintendo DS.

The DS has many methods available to run homebrew software. Although the DS will normally only boot programs digitally signed by Nintendo, the homebrew community soon found different methods of booting unsigned DS programs from the GBA slot. The DS does not need modification to run Game Boy Advance homebrews.

There are five methods available: PassMe, PassMe2, WiFiMe, FlashMe, and NoPass. PassMe and PassMe2 are adapters that plug into the DS game slot. WiFiMe is a special program sent to the DS using Wireless Multi Boot and a compatible WiFi card. FlashMe is an alternative firmware. However, to install FlashMe, using a PassMe/PassMe2 or WiFiMe to launch the flashing program is needed. NoPass, like PassMe and PassMe2, is a device which plugs into the DS game slot. However, since it directly implements Nintendo's cartridge encryption protocol, it doesn't require an additional game in order to operate.

Comparison of PassMe and other tools

Method Advantages Disadvantages
PassMe
  • Portable
  • Cheaper than PassMe2
  • Can be converted to a PassMe2 with a software update
  • Extra piece of hardware
  • Does not fit completely into the cartridge slot
  • Only works on DS versions 1 to 3
  • Power hungry - cuts battery life in half
PassMe2
  • Portable
  • Works on all versions
  • Extra piece of hardware
  • Does not fit completely into the cartridge slot
  • Cumbersome operating procedure
  • Power hungry - cuts battery life in half
  • Requires a GBA Slot device with SRAM (no GBAMP)
FlashMe
  • No extra hardware needed after installation
  • Includes recovery mode in case firmware is destroyed by a trojan
  • Can run unsigned code over Wireless Multi Boot
  • Works on all versions
  • Optionally remove the Health and Safety screen
  • Needs another NDS Slot tool for installation
  • Accidents when installing may brick the DS
  • Voids the system's warranty (though the probability of Nintendo checking this is very small)
NoPass
  • Works on all versions
  • Fits cleanly into DS slot (unlike PassMe and PassMe2)
  • Does not require SRAM on the GBA Slot device
  • Extra piece of hardware
  • Sleep-mode not available on some models (only applies to playing pirated games)
WiFiMe
  • WiFi card can also be used for normal networking purposes
  • Only works on DS versions 1 to 3
  • Needs to be within range of the WiFi card
  • Requires a specific type of WiFi card
  • Requires GBA-Slot flashcart

DS firmware versions

Nintendo DS Lite showing the firmware version by way of the Pictochat Test

The firmware version of a DS can be confirmed using the Pictochat Test: [1] [2]

  1. Insert a DS cartridge into the DS.
  2. Turn on the DS, open Pictochat and enter room A.
  3. Remove the cartridge.
  4. Both screens should now be filled with a solid color.
  5. Additionally, this color is also shown for a brief second before the DS enters Sleep Mode when the lid is closed.
  • Version 1: The DS will freeze
  • Version 2: Grayish Blue
  • Version 3: Dark Green
  • Version 4: Yellow
  • Version 5: Magenta
  • Version 6: Blue
  • Version 7?: Purple
  • iQue: Dark Green
  • DS Lite: Purple
  • FlashMe: Dark Green

PassMe and WiFiMe work with firmware versions 1, 2, and 3. PassMe2 works with all firmware versions.

FlashMe, which is used to overcome the requirement of a passthrough device, can be written to any DS using its respective technique for booting homebrew software.

Distinguishing between version 3, iQue and FlashMe

Version 3, iQue and FlashMe will all show dark green screens with the Pictochat test. Therefore, another method is needed to distinguish between them.

The iQue DS has an iQue sign under the touch screen, is available only in Asia and uses Chinese menus.

If FlashMe is installed, holding A+B+X+Y on startup will cause both screens to turn white.

If none of the above applies, the DS has firmware version 3.[3]

Community

The Nintendo DS community has been scattered around a number of forums and irc channels. In August 2006, #DSDEV moved from its efnet home to a new location on irc.blitzed.org. With this move, a number of respected #DSDEV developers decided to create a single location for developers and endusers. Dev-Scene.com was born.

Notes

  1. ^ MaHe; et al. (2006). "I've figured out a way to check your FW version!". forum.gbadev.org. Retrieved 2006-03-23. {{cite web}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)
  2. ^ DSLinux wiki contributors (2006). "Pictochat Test". DSLinux wiki. Retrieved 2006-03-23. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  3. ^ DS Wiki contributors (2006). "How to run code". DS Wiki. Retrieved 2006-03-23. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
Notable homebrew applications
Emulators

See also

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