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.

 

[DSoryu]

Everything works on mine with the DS Lite. But as soon I try to use it on my 3DS XL and start a game it says arm9i error in a black screen. I updated the firmware to the version 1.1.2 with the built in auto switching NTRBoot. Unsure if that's the issue.



Edit: Yeap, that was the issue. I switched the firmware without the NTRBoot and it worked on the 3DS.

That doesn't make any sense, the "failed to load the arm9i" error only occurs if you're using bad dumps, which don't have the DSi binaries, making the rom fail to load in DSi mode.

Your new firmware may be compiled just to load anything in DS mode (no hybrid bootloader), which also means you won't be able to run anything in DSi enhanced mode or DSi ware apps.

Please go back to the previous firmware and make sure your rom dumps are good, you can check the hashes of good dumps here: https://datomatic.no-intro.org/

 

[SuffahBish]

Hmm... I tried just the hybrid bootloader on my DSi and it's not booting. I do have unlaunch 2.0 installed. So it should work. It just throws the typical error screen for a blocked cart. It does work on my softmodded 3DS. And it works on my DSi as long as I use WRFUxxed. Weird.

Edit: And it works with simple slot-1 launcher. IDK. I'll just reinstall WRFUxxed.

 

[Ghost]

Posted this for anyone interested

https://kaicolabs.com/product/dspic...WKw9OUs4FH7uZej-0Z8vgtK0vWnBqXpTumgjgDcA-33ri

 

[Auyx]

Has anyone seen any Pico Launcher themes posted anywhere? Really can't be living with lite mode. Kills my eyes.

 

[DSoryu]

Has anyone seen any Pico Launcher themes posted anywhere? Really can't be living with lite mode. Kills my eyes.

In the Discord server there's a thread hosting various themes made by the community.

 

[Auyx]

In the Discord server there's a thread hosting various themes made by the community.

Cool, I'll go take a look. Thanks.

 

[freestile]

Hi everyone.Not sure if this is where to ask. How do I apply ds pico themes? I've seen a few, but I'm not sure how. My ds pico folder strcuture is the default. I would assume what's in the _pico ---> themes is where everything is at. If I go into the themes folder in ds pico, I see the default material and raspberry folders, but if I go into there folders I dont see anything, but I see content in there if I look at my sd card. I wanted to try the Ecruteak City theme and the Minecraft 1.0 but I can't figure out how to apply. My bad.

 

[Auyx]

Hi everyone.Not sure if this is where to ask. How do I apply ds pico themes? I've seen a few, but I'm not sure how. My ds pico folder strcuture is the default. I would assume what's in the _pico ---> themes is where everything is at. If I go into the themes folder in ds pico, I see the default material and raspberry folders, but if I go into there folders I dont see anything, but I see content in there if I look at my sd card. I wanted to try the Ecruteak City theme and the Minecraft 1.0 but I can't figure out how to apply. My bad.

This fork of the launcher has a theme menu. https://github.com/MattiaTheBest115/pico-launcher/releases

 

[freestile]

This fork of the launcher has a theme menu. https://github.com/MattiaTheBest115/pico-launcher/releases

Thanks for that.

 

[SylverReZ]

Posted this for anyone interested

https://kaicolabs.com/product/dspic...WKw9OUs4FH7uZej-0Z8vgtK0vWnBqXpTumgjgDcA-33ri

It's obviously a re-labelled ChisCart. Silkscreening on the front is pretty identical, such as the fonts used. There's the circles on the bottom corners and sides just like on the Chis shell molding. Wouldn't be surprised if the creator's name was misspelled as "niehack."

Don't bother with this, unless you are a collector, the Chis one is much cheaper on AliExpress.

 

[Ghost]

It's obviously a re-labelled ChisCart. Silkscreening on the front is pretty identical, such as the fonts used. There's the circles on the bottom corners and sides just like on the Chis shell molding. Wouldn't be surprised if the creator's name was misspelled as "niehack."

Don't bother with this, unless you are a collector, the Chis one is much cheaper on AliExpress.


View attachment 556894

Yeah it’s very overpriced I do like the box though

 

[HoRy205]

My USB-C DS Pico arrived from AliExpress!
Honestly, I don't really care whether the port here is USB-C or micro USB
I hardly ever use either!

Post automatically merged: Feb 16, 2026

Here's my pico collection for you to see.

 

[speedlolita]

That USB-C certainly looks more snug. Does it still fit into the console comfortably?

 

[HoRy205]

That USB-C certainly looks more snug. Does it still fit into the console comfortably?

There's no problem with that at all.
I'll upload the photos when I get back.

 

[Hunter]

That USB-C certainly looks more snug. Does it still fit into the console comfortably?

Fits lovely in OG and n3DSxl

 

[SylverReZ]

Fits lovely in OG and n3DSxl

View attachment 557509View attachment 557510

Was it slightly stiff when inserting into the 3DS? For me, I'm using the microUSB version, and had no troubles with fitment issues.

 

[Hunter]

Was it slightly stiff when inserting into the 3DS? For me, I'm using the microUSB version, and had no troubles with fitment issues.

nah slots in nice, doesnt get stuck in the system like the 3d printed microusb ones

 

[Ghost]

USB C DS Pico arrived and I’m beyond impressed

 

[SuffahBish]

My USB-C DS Pico arrived from AliExpress!
Honestly, I don't really care whether the port here is USB-C or micro USB
I hardly ever use either!
View attachment 557187View attachment 557188

Post automatically merged: Feb 16, 2026

Here's my pico collection for you to see.
View attachment 557191
View attachment 557189View attachment 557190

USB C DS Pico arrived and I’m beyond impressed

View attachment 557677

View attachment 557678

Which one has the nicest build quality?

 

[HoRy205]

Which one has the nicest build quality?

If it has a sticker, it's USB-C; if not, it's micro USB.
For the micro USB one, you have to apply the sticker yourself, so it's better not to use it. Also, I personally prefer the micro USB one. It has superior build quality, and the purple circuit board looks cool!