DSpico - An open-source flashcart for the DS(i)

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Over the past four years, we - the LNH team - have been working hard on a project that some of you guys may have already heard about: an open-source flashcart that supports the DS, DSi and 3DS (in DSi mode), by the name of DSpico.


The project evolved from a simple flashcart, to a collection of individual components that work together. Each component has been separated in their own repositories, and can be modified to your liking. Each repository comes with their own README's and documentation.The DSpico project consists of the following components:
  • DSpico Hardware - The hardware of the DSpico.
  • DSpico Firmware - The firmware for the DSpico.
  • DSpico Bootloader - Bootloader for the DSpico.
  • DSpico DLDI - The DLDI for the DSpico.
  • WRFUxxed exploit - Full-access DSi-mode exploit for WRFU Tester that can be used with DSpico.
  • Pico Launcher - Front-end for Pico Loader.
  • Pico Loader - DS(i) rom loader. Supports various flashcards, including the DSpico.
Guides to build your own DSpico, as well as instructions for compiling the software are also available. We tried to make the process as friendly as possible. An overview of the features can be found on the website, although each README has much more extensive documentation.

DSpico project index and guide: https://github.com/LNH-team/dspico
Our website: https://www.lnh-team.org/




Here are a few images of DSpico:

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QUICK FAQ (will be updated over time)​

- Q: Why use micro-usb over usb-c ?
- A: When we were making the hardware, using USB-C introduced more components that simply didnt fit on the board. We also had concerns of the usb-c port fitting nicely in the cartridge port, and fragility concerns with the shell.

- Q: Where can I order one ?
- A: Your best shot is joining a group buy, or finding a store that manufactures DSpico. We (the LNH Team) will not sell any boards.

- Q: How is compatibility ?
- A: Most of the DS library, as well as homebrew, should work. We do not have an official compatibility list, and we are aware of a few titles that do not work correctly at the moment.

- Q: Does this plays 3ds executables ?
- A: No.

- Q: Am I forced to use Pico launcher ?
- A: No. For instance, Wood menu and TwilightMenu++ work just fine. And vice versa as well, pico launcher is usable on other flashcarts.

- Q: Can i use ntrboot with this ?
- A: Yes, you can perform ntrboot on both 3ds and DSi. We recommend powering the board via micro-usb for DSi ntrboot.

- Q: I need assistance. Where do i go ?
- A: Join the DSi hacking discord, there is a dedicated dspico channel where you can ask your questions.
 
Last edited by XLuma,
LNH Team member here! It’s been an amazing journey, guys. I’m incredibly happy to finally see this project out in the open, can’t wait to see what everyone does with it!

I’m sharing with you some photos of an earlier prototype I currently use, it’s actually not very far from the final version now available to the public.
 

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This is extremely interesting, and I'm happy to see projects come out for the DSi.

Not to oversimplify, what I imagine to be an immense amount of R&D, but is it a flashcard that can run in DSi mode?

That is to say, is it as easy as dropping "game backups" into a folder on the micro SD card and playing, or is this project more for tinkerers and modders who don't mind digging into the GitHub code and compiling what they want?

I am the former 100%.

Since it runs in DSi mode, does it bypass the region locking on non-modded devices, or are there issues trying to run "game backups" of games like Mario vs Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (for example) which have DSi-enhancements?
 
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This is extremely interesting, and I'm happy to see projects come out for the DSi.

Not to oversimplify, what I imagine to be an immense amount of R&D, but is it a flashcard that can run in DSi mode?

That is to say, is it as easy as dropping "game backups" into a folder on the micro SD card and playing, or is this project more for tinkerers and modders who don't mind digging into the GitHub code and compiling what they want?

I am the former 100%.

Since it runs in DSi mode, does it bypass the region locking on non-modded devices, or are there issues trying to run "game backups" of games like Mario vs Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem (for example) which have DSi-enhancements?
It is a flashcard that can run in DSi mode indeed. And its for both, as the DSpico is open source so its suitable for normal users and developers wanting to tinker with the software/hardware.
I wouldnt be able to answer that question, but I would assume so. When paired with WRfuxxed, DSpico will run with all permissions and privileges on the dsi
 
Very interesting! What is the battery life like with this? I am aware some flashcards drained the console's battery quite significantly so I hope this is power-efficient.
 
Very interesting! What is the battery life like with this? I am aware some flashcards drained the console's battery quite significantly so I hope this is power-efficient.
we measured power consumption of 57mW on average. Thats the only stat i can give you
 
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The obvious question, based on the headline, is "can this actually run dsi mode Roms?" And if it can, "where the hell are those?" Not from a lack of trying, it seems like nobody bothered to dump the dsi mode of ANYthing ever 😭
 
The obvious question, based on the headline, is "can this actually run dsi mode Roms?" And if it can, "where the hell are those?" Not from a lack of trying, it seems like nobody bothered to dump the dsi mode of ANYthing ever 😭

Na. They have been dumped. So I heard...
 
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