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:

 

[NightScript]

Edit: NVM

 

[RocketRobz]

Can anyone test Sonic Colors?

Doesn't work.

 

[Zm1231]

so it looks like sm64ds needs a cartridge inserted to get into the castle on any version but then it crashes when loading the first level

 

[RocketRobz]

so it looks like sm64ds needs a cartridge inserted to get into the castle on any version but then it crashes when loading the first level

Going into the castle works without using a cartridge.

 

[Stack3r]

Going into the castle works without using a cartridge.

I second this, I can choose my level but it wont load past a white screen

 

[Zm1231]

Going into the castle works without using a cartridge.

Every Version of the game i try i can only get into the castle with a cartridge in the slot other wise i get a black screen
im using commit 4b08002

 

[RocketRobz]

Every Version of the game i try i can only get into the castle with a cartridge in the slot other wise i get a black screen
im using commit 4b08002

You have to wait on the black screen. It'll eventually work.

 

[DeslotlCL]

Which build of bootstrap are you guys using to run super mario 64 ds? Wanna try this out and record some gameplay.

 

[RocketRobz]

Which build of bootstrap are you guys using to run super mario 64 ds? Wanna try this out and record some gameplay.

The official card.v2 release.

 

[TheArcadeStriker]

Which build of bootstrap are you guys using to run super mario 64 ds? Wanna try this out and record some gameplay.

I tested it with the official card.v2 version. I don't know why it doesn't work for others (And I used the EUR version BTW).

 

[DeslotlCL]

The official card.v2 release.

I tested it with the official card.v2 version. I don't know why it doesn't work for others (And I used the EUR version BTW).

So the official one? Alright, will try it out now.

 

[raphamotta]

Better wait some version that has an save redirection to SD... I only have a few NDS cards...

 

[TheArcadeStriker]

Just tested again and yep, Yoshi Island DS works and it's playable with a compatible cart inserted (Loading times can take some minutes though, and they can be frequent, not to mention the slowdown in the 3D island appearance in the title screen and in the first cutscene).

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Better wait some version that has an save redirection to SD... I only have a few NDS cards...

That may take some time, but well, whatever works for you.
Anyways there are some bunch of games that only require ONE certain cart (I used SPP for like 4-6 games) and even then I have like 2 more carts for other certain type of games, and there are also games that don't require carts at all (Well, except for if you WANT saving).

 

[Zm1231]

I tested it with the official card.v2 version. I don't know why it doesn't work for others (And I used the EUR version BTW).

i just tried using the release version 2 instead of a commit and i have the same issue no cartridge i can't get into the castle black screen waited for 10 minutes. with a cartridge i can get into the castle but white screen on first level after star select. Tried both EU and US Rom

 

[DeslotlCL]

got this working on my first try, sadly the E rom of sm64ds gets stuck when you go inside the castle walls.

Im trying the US rom now

 

[Svaethier]

Well, I tried and I think I waited for 3 or 5 minutes, and it still was stuck in a black screen, not even logos or anything appeared at all.

Wait a bit, you come to error screen first after around 7 I guess

 

[TheArcadeStriker]

Wait a bit, you come to error screen first after around 7 I guess

I can't tell, though from all the duration I waited I didn't see any error screen.
You tested it with a unofficial commit, or with the official card.v2 release?

 

[DeslotlCL]

the US rom gets stuck once you enter the castle

Well it is still impressive. Can't wait for the upcoming releases!

 

[majoru]

it worked on my n3ds with card.v2 release
i could also get to the first level ..
btw i tried the us version

 

[TheArcadeStriker]

Also tried Megaman ZX again and some loading time slowdown was removed/improved, like in the WARNING sign that took some while, but it took way less time to get past, and by proxy, it will make the game a more enjoyable and playable experience (After all that is the point of this bootstrap, along with that they can be played from a SD Card).