ROM Hack Edit the core of DS/3DS games. Is it possible?

[pikatsu]

Any of you remembers these game editors for pokemon gba games that could make a whole new game from the begining helping you to change anything from graphics to commands. There is something similar for mario kart i think. I wonder why such tools stopped to appear. It is because it is difficult to hack the core of ds/3ds games or there is because of the lack of interest? I think many of us would like to see hacks of our favorite gba/ds games on 3ds based on their 3ds sequel

 

[migles]

i think it's related to the complexly of stuff...
8-16 bits games have a really less ammount of instructions and they are easier to modify..
it's still kinda easy to replace textures and do some visual changes, some values like stats and stuff but modify what the game does is more challenging..

 

[pikatsu]

GB/GBC: 8 bit
GBA: 32 bit
DS: 32 bit

So if we have a tool like this for 32 bit pokemon gba games we could have for ds game too. Right?

 

[VzUh]

GBA mario kart: 4MB
DS mario kart: 64MB

the bits aren't all on a game...

 

[The Real Jdbye]

GB/GBC: 8 bit
GBA: 32 bit
DS: 32 bit

So if we have a tool like this for 32 bit pokemon gba games we could have for ds game too. Right?

It's certainly possible. It's not like tools like that aren't being made anymore, there are editors for the later New Super Mario Bros. and Mario Kart games.
Editing a 3D game is a lot more work than a 2D one, because instead of just editing or replacing a sprite you have to edit/make new models and edit the textures to match, nevermind that game logic is a lot more complex for 3D games as well (as well as in general)

 

[pikatsu]

There are many good ds games that work on 2d. I think that the lack of programers and interest is the real problem

 

[Deleted User]

There are many good ds games that work on 2d. I think that the lack of programers and interest is the real problem

This isn't the "real problem".

The real problem is that we can't import certain things in certain games. Also: "Custom commands". That involves editing the Exefs, not simply the romfs.

The difference:
Exefs: The code. Like

if (pokemon_is_legal) continue_trade();

(this is just a mockup)

romFS: Where sprites, textures, models, GUI, and other things are stored. Used by exeFS to make the game

Now, you may say, "Why not just edit the code"...

because it's already compiled and we can only decompile it to a certain extent, and unless you know somebody who majors in Assembly, this is very difficult.

 

[pikatsu]

Do we have the same problem for DS games too?