nds-bootstrap:

Thanks to the work of ahezard, Gericom, Apache, Robz8, _catcatcat, and shutterbug2000 and other contributors, we can now load NDS games from the SD card, without any flashcard/SLOT-1 card.

Don't expect high compatibility, but do expect many, many updates.

Compatibility listing:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LRTkXOUXraTMjg1eedz_f7b5jiuyMv2x6e_jY_nyHSc/edit#gid=0

The official Discord server for nds-bootstrap:
https://discordapp.com/invite/7bxTQfZ

The thread for the recommended loader (by Robz8):
https://gbatemp.net/threads/twloader-ctr-mode-nds-app.448375/

SRLoader for softmodded DSis (by Robz8):
https://gbatemp.net/threads/srloader-nds-app-for-dsi.472200/

If you're more of a forwarder person:
https://gbatemp.net/threads/nds-forwarder-cias-for-your-home-menu.426174/

Link to the releases page:
https://github.com/ahezard/nds-bootstrap/releases

Anti-Piracy patch list by Robz8
https://gbatemp.net/threads/ap-patch-preservation.477536/

Also, thank you to our testers:
Historian
JoshuaDoes
thejsa
Alerdy
PokeAcer

Spoiler: Videos

Also, a video thanks to Robz8:


And another thanks to Alerdy:

 

[Damin72]

Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney and Sonic Rush worked on the previous Bootstrap version. In 4.3 they can't boot anymore. I'm running through TWLoader and with 133mhz and vram boost

Em... I don't know what are you talking about, but they both working on 0.4.3. 0_o

P.S. While testing, i notice one thing - Why Ace Attorney 3 work very good (with minor lags), but first AA... Horrible loadings and lags?

 

[Poudink]

All I needed was the ability to play NSMB and its romhacks and it finally is the case! Animal Crossing is a nice plus, too. I can't wait to try those out. Anyway, it's very nice to see that developpement is going strong!

 

[Psi-hate]

I know this is like, a super requested and obviously answered question but, what's the current issue holding pokemon games back? I haven't looked in this thread since it's conception so I wouldn't have seen any mention of it.

 

[RocketRobz]

I know this is like, a super requested and obviously answered question but, what's the current issue holding pokemon games back? I haven't looked in this thread since it's conception so I wouldn't have seen any mention of it.

At first, we thought it was because they use thumb codes, but recently we found out it uses ARM codes just like most DS games use.
The issue now, is that card reads aren't being issued.

 

[TinchoX]

At first, we thought it was because they use thumb codes, but recently we found out it uses ARM codes just like most DS games use.
The issue now, is that card reads aren't being issued.

So it wasn't the thumb but the whole ARM! Damn it all!



(I know... it was a very bad attempt at making a joke, just ignore it or live with it)

 

[nl255]

At first, we thought it was because they use thumb codes, but recently we found out it uses ARM codes just like most DS games use.
The issue now, is that card reads aren't being issued.

Would access to an is-nitro-emulator help? If so you might want to contact @Gericom .

 

[RocketRobz]

Would access to an is-nitro-emulator help? If so you might want to contact @Gericom .

ahezard has access to an is-twl-emulator. With that, it'll be easier to debug bootstrap.
An is-nitro won't help, as it doesn't have SD access.

 

[Psi-hate]

At first, we thought it was because they use thumb codes, but recently we found out it uses ARM codes just like most DS games use.
The issue now, is that card reads aren't being issued.

Thanks for the answer. I look forward to any progress !

 

[Chakratos]

Could someone please test "Ninjatown"?
Its a cool tower defense Game!
I couldnt find it in the compatibility list

 

[SoslanVanWieren]

nsmb won't boot

 

[RocketRobz]

nsmb won't boot

It works on unofficial bootstrap with NTR clock speed on.

 

[Wishi]

Does Metroid Hunters keep lagging ? The other game I had some interest was diddy Kong Racing but it seems it is still unplayable right ? Even with the unofflcial one?

 

[RocketRobz]

Does Metroid Hunters keep lagging ? The other game I had some interest was diddy Kong Racing but it seems it is still unplayable right ? Even with the unofflcial one?

Yep, it still lags, but there's the async prefetch feature waiting to be implemented (already in the async branch, but currently not working), which should fix the lagging issue.

 

[Deleted member 412537]

I'm so thankful to whoever created this wonderful thing! Now I can play with Yoshi again due to the lack of cartridges. ^o^

 

[ahezard]

Does Metroid Hunters keep lagging ? The other game I had some interest was diddy Kong Racing but it seems it is still unplayable right ? Even with the unofflcial one?

Diddy kong racing do use thumb version of the card read functions for sure. So it will take more time to have it compatible.

 

[SoslanVanWieren]

Diddy kong racing do use thumb version of the card read functions for sure. So it will take more time to have it compatible.

what about pokemon

 

[AtlasFontaine]

what about pokemon

It was already mentioned some posts above that it has yet to be supported.

 

[Garblant]

Does Pokemon Dash also use Thumb codes?

It seems like an early ds game, but it never boots...

 

[Chakratos]

Could someone please test "Ninjatown"?
Its a cool tower defense Game!
I couldnt find it in the compatibility list

Little bump

 

[AlexanderLS]

Little bump

Tested, Doesn't work. Remains on white screens.
Is there any specific reason why you could not test this yourself?
EDIT: To clarify, I tested both the US and EU versions, neither worked.