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/

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Here are a few images of DSpico:

Spoiler: Images

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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.

 

[SuffahBish]

What games did you try that didn't work? Note that if you are using dumps with an encrypted secure area, you need to have the arm7 bios in the _pico folder.

I did put the arm7 bios in the pico folder. It was Warioware DIY (the first game I just happened to try lol).

 

[Gericom]

I did put the arm7 bios in the pico folder. It was Warioware DIY (the first game I just happened to try lol).

Ah okay. Nand save games are not supported yet, so it makes sense.

 

[SuffahBish]

NVM, I found it.

 

[111112oo_]

Can't believe I was late to this news! This is something I've been wanting forever, but it does look like I'll have to wait more for the compatibility issues to be fixed up (is there a list of known issues?) and someone to sell these. nds-bootstrap is simply too crappy so a DSi mode solution that can work with pretty much everything like a regular flashcart can would be a godsend.

A question I have is what are the differences between running the launcher & loader on the DSpico itself, a DMA supported flashcart, and a non DMA supported flashcart?

 

[Gericom]

Can't believe I was late to this news! This is something I've been wanting forever, but it does look like I'll have to wait more for the compatibility issues to be fixed up (is there a list of known issues?) and someone to sell these. nds-bootstrap is simply too crappy so a DSi mode solution that can work with pretty much everything like a regular flashcart can would be a godsend.

A question I have is what are the differences between running the launcher & loader on the DSpico itself, a DMA supported flashcart, and a non DMA supported flashcart?

When DMA is not supported for a platform it can cause some compatibility issues with somes games and maybe some performance impact on some games.

Note that DMA support might be implemented for more platforms in the future. There are also some sdk versions and variants for which DMA has not been implemented yet.

 

[SuffahBish]

Can't believe I was late to this news! This is something I've been wanting forever, but it does look like I'll have to wait more for the compatibility issues to be fixed up (is there a list of known issues?) and someone to sell these. nds-bootstrap is simply too crappy so a DSi mode solution that can work with pretty much everything like a regular flashcart can would be a godsend.

A question I have is what are the differences between running the launcher & loader on the DSpico itself, a DMA supported flashcart, and a non DMA supported flashcart?

Eh. I find nds-bootstrap is pretty damn good as long as you're running off the internal SD card on a DSi or 3DS. But yeah, running on a slot-1 card it's pretty bad and not worth it. This is so much better than nds-bootstrap on the R4iLS clone I've been using.

 

[The Catboy]

But yeah, running on a slot-1 card it's pretty bad and not worth it.

I disagree. I've been doing this for a hot minute and have not experienced any real problems.

 

[SuffahBish]

I disagree. I've been doing this for a hot minute and have not experienced any real problems.

Um... Weren't there a bunch of games that didn't have AP patches (like Pokemon HG & SS) if launched from slot-1? At least until the last update? Like I said it was great if you're running in DSi mode with full memory access.

 

[The Catboy]

Um... Weren't there a bunch of games that didn't have AP patches (like Pokemon HG & SS) if launched from slot-1? At least until the last update? Like I said it was great if you're running in DSi mode with full memory access.

That’s been long fixed.

 

[SuffahBish]

That’s been long fixed.

If "long fixed" means yesterday.

 

[111112oo_]

When DMA is not supported for a platform it can cause some compatibility issues with somes games and maybe some performance impact on some games.

Note that DMA support might be implemented for more platforms in the future. There are also some sdk versions and variants for which DMA has not been implemented yet.

Are the compatibility issues with non DMA carts present when using those carts with their original software? I run a r4ids.cn which is listed as not having DMA support and I've had no issues with it on its own.

Also, what are the differences between running the DSpico software on the DSpico itself and a DMA supported alternate flashcart?

Eh. I find nds-bootstrap is pretty damn good as long as you're running off the internal SD card on a DSi or 3DS. But yeah, running on a slot-1 card it's pretty bad and not worth it. This is so much better than nds-bootstrap on the R4iLS clone I've been using.

I run it off an internal SD card. DSi-Enhanced games are fine but I've ran into issues with some DSiware and regular DS games. No idea why anyone would want to use it on a slot 1 card.

 

[RocketRobz]

Um... Weren't there a bunch of games that didn't have AP patches (like Pokemon HG & SS) if launched from slot-1? At least until the last update? Like I said it was great if you're running in DSi mode with full memory access.

That’s been long fixed.

If "long fixed" means yesterday.

If one or some of the games listed in the v2.11.0 changelog didn't have any issues for Catboy, then it might've been a flashcard-specific thing, because plenty of users have reported HGSS (and maybe BW as well) still triggering AP on flashcards when using nds-bootstrap.

Eh. I find nds-bootstrap is pretty damn good as long as you're running off the internal SD card on a DSi or 3DS. But yeah, running on a slot-1 card it's pretty bad and not worth it. This is so much better than nds-bootstrap on the R4iLS clone I've been using.

For reasons such as improved game compatibility and fast near-instant boot times of DS games, TWiLight Menu++ now supports using Pico Loader to boot games as of v27.20.0.
nds-bootstrap's B4DS mode (used to run games in DS mode on DS flashcards) likely won't ever reach the same level of game compatibility as running from DSi/3DS SD Card, flashcard kernels, or Pico Loader due to improvements (which can cause compatibility regressions) and RAM limitations.

No idea why anyone would want to use it on a slot 1 card.

There are three reasons why some would want to use nds-bootstrap on flashcards.

1. Taking screenshots.
2. Screen swapping, which is mainly for single-screen DS (or GBA Macro) users.
3. The ability to play DSiWare games on DS and/or DS Lite consoles. Certain titles have issues or require the Memory Expansion Pak due to RAM limitations (with other titles not supported at all), but most will run just fine.

 

[SuffahBish]

nds-bootstrap's B4DS mode (used to run games in DS mode on DS flashcards) likely won't ever reach the same level of game compatibility as running from DSi/3DS SD Card, flashcard kernels, or Pico Loader due to improvements (which can cause compatibility regressions) and RAM limitations.

Yeah, that's pretty much all I was saying. I don't know why everyone always feels the need to argue with me.

 

[The Catboy]

If "long fixed" means yesterday.

Imma be real with ya, I thought it was because it didn't have issues with me for some reason. lol

 

[Gericom]

Are the compatibility issues with non DMA carts present when using those carts with their original software? I run a r4ids.cn which is listed as not having DMA support and I've had no issues with it on its own.

Also, what are the differences between running the DSpico software on the DSpico itself and a DMA supported alternate flashcart?


I run it off an internal SD card. DSi-Enhanced games are fine but I've ran into issues with some DSiware and regular DS games. No idea why anyone would want to use it on a slot 1 card.

"Are the compatibility issues with non DMA carts present when using those carts with their original software? I run a r4ids.cn which is listed as not having DMA support and I've had no issues with it on its own."

The list is about what is inplemented in Pico Loader, rather than if the card supports it. Almost every slot 1 card should be able to support dma, but for some it's more work to implement than for others. Like I said, dma support might be added for more platforms at a later time.

Also note that most games work fine without dma.

"Also, what are the differences between running the DSpico software on the DSpico itself and a DMA supported alternate flashcart?"

There should be barely a difference, at most some sd speed difference or so.

 

[ber71]

Great project.
If i understand correctly, pico-loader and pico-launcher are a flashcart thing atm.
Is dsi/3ds support planned, for running from the console sdcard?

 

[zfreeman]

DSpico Bootloader: NDS ROM that initializes the DSpico flashcart and uses Pico Loader to boot this NDS ROM (at fat:/_picoboot.nds)

Pico Loader: kernel & NDS loader for DS flashcarts

Pico Launcher: UI for launching games

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashcarts/comments/1pb8axs

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashcarts/comments/1p72cjd

(GameCube PicoLoader: Raspberry Pi Pico + Flex PCB + Diode = ODE that boots homebrew)

(PICO-8 PicoLauncher: UI and OS for consoles that run PICO-8 natively)

(Android Pico Launcher: minimalist Android UI app, controls home screen and app drawer)

 

[SylverReZ]

DSpico Bootloader: NDS ROM that initializes the DSpico cart and uses Pico Loader to boot the NDS (at fat:/_picoboot.nds)

Pico Loader: kernel/game loader for DS flashcarts

Pico Launcher: UI for launching games

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashcarts/comments/1pb8axs

https://www.reddit.com/r/flashcarts/comments/1p72cjd

(GameCube PicoLoader: Raspberry Pi Pico + Flex PCB + Diode = ODE that boots homebrew)

(PICO-8 PicoLauncher: UI and OS for consoles that run PICO-8 natively)

(Android Pico Launcher: minimalist Android UI app, controls home screen and app drawer)

Tell me about it, the naming scheme is so confusing, like, imagine trying to respond to someone asking a question about one of them. I totally understand that.

 

[111112oo_]

"Are the compatibility issues with non DMA carts present when using those carts with their original software? I run a r4ids.cn which is listed as not having DMA support and I've had no issues with it on its own."

The list is about what is inplemented in Pico Loader, rather than if the card supports it. Almost every slot 1 card should be able to support dma, but for some it's more work to implement than for others. Like I said, dma support might be added for more platforms at a later time.

Also note that most games work fine without dma.

"Also, what are the differences between running the DSpico software on the DSpico itself and a DMA supported alternate flashcart?"

There should be barely a difference, at most some sd speed difference or so.

Thanks, the DMA thing is what I expected but didn't know how to word it.

As for the non DSpico hardware differences, what about DSi mode support and whatnot, surely that doesn't work on other cards?

 

[Flame]

Great project.
If i understand correctly, pico-loader and pico-launcher are a flashcart thing atm.
Is dsi/3ds support planned, for running from the console sdcard?

i think TWiLight Menu++ added this to current version.

i checked. I must have remembered wrong