NeoDS - A Guide to Using One of the Greatest DS Emulators
Introduction
NeoDS is a NeoGeo emulator for the DS(i) system. This is arguably one of the greatest emulators to ever emerge onto the DS homebrew scene. One question always comes up though; how do I make this work?
This guide will get you from downloading the emulator to playing your first game. Be aware, there will be at least one file that I can't link you to that is needed to convert files that you will have to locate on your own. It isn't difficult to find, but being a BIOS file, I can't give it to you here without breaking the rules. I hope you understand.
Downloading NeoDS
Step 1: Make sure to download the NeoDS emulator from the Filetrip link below. The latest version is v0.2.0.
Step 2: Unzip the file labeled [2684]NeoDs020. Open the folder, then open the single folder with in. This should take you to a directory with the 10 items pictured below included.
[thumb]http://gbatemp.net/pix/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%201.png[/thumb]
Step 3: Open the folder labeled NeoDsConvert.
Converting a ROM to Work On NeoDS
Now's the tricky portion. There are two things that should be known prior to trying to convert. NeoDS uses the MAME ROM set. Any game that works with MAME will work with NeoDS after conversion. A quick Google should find you a large repository of these games. I will not link to any MAME ROM's here.
Note: There are two ways to convert. One way uses an easy to use executable. The other way requires the use of the command line though. That method is outlined in the readme included with the download, and I will not be explaining it here.
Step 1: Obtain the neogeo BIOS files. The zip file will be labeled neogeo, and the BIOS files will be a list of items that will be of no use to you in an unzipped format. Without this file, you can not begin the converting process. I can also not link to the BIOS file here. Once again, a quick Google should yield positive results.
Step 2: Obtain a MAME ROM file. For the sake of this tutorial, I will be using a Metal Slug file to demonstrate. Leave the ROM file in a zipped format. The below picture is what your file list should resemble before a conversion. Note that the neogeo file is still compressed, as is the ROM file.
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%202.png[/thumb]
Step 3: Double click NeoDsConvert. Don't confuse this with the .sln file. Make sure you double click the executable. Upon double clicking it, you should see the Command window pop open going through tons of little processes. You should get two .neo files out of it. Below is what should be received. Of course, the ROM file will vary by name. Below is an example of what you should see. The two new files are highlighted.
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%203.png[/thumb]
Congratulations! You have successfully converted a game to work on NeoDS!
Getting That Game You Just Converted to Work On Your DS
At this point, you have two new files. One will be your converted ROM that shares the name of the ROM file's zip archive, the other will be a side file made through the conversion. At this present time, I can't find a use for the side file. The Metal Slug game used for testing worked well with and without the file being present on the MicroSD card.
Note: For testing, I am using my Original R4 with the Wood v1.27 firmware. As a piece of homebrew, the emulator may or may not work on your firmware. For any non-game conversion or loading related issues, please make a new topic inquiring about help within the proper section of GBAtemp. I will not be covering flash cart compatibility with this emulator here.
Step 1: Plug your MicroSD card into the computer and open to the root of the MicroSD card. At this point, no NeoGeo related items should be present.
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%204.png[/thumb]
Step 2: Create a folder on your MicroSD card's root with the name "NeoGeo" for easy recognition of what is in there.
Step 3: Copy all of the contents of NeoDS folder into the NeoGeo folder on your MicroSD card with the exception of the readme, the converted ROM file(s), and the NeoDsConvert folder. The below is what your MicroSD card should resemble, from NeoGeo folder creation, to placement of the emulator files.
Creation of the NeoGeo folder:
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%205.png[/thumb]
What files to transfer from the computer to the MicroSD card:
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%206.png[/thumb]
What the NeoGeo folder on your MicroSD card should look like:
[thumb]http://pix.gbatemp.net/271209/NeoDS%20Screen%207.png[/thumb]
Step 4: Now you need to place your converted ROM file(s) onto the MicroSD card. Do not place these files into the NeoGeo folder anywhere. This emulator searches the root of the MicroSD card for ROM files. Placement anywhere else will render them undetectable.
Step 5: Boot up your DS and access the NeoGeo folder. The emulator itself may only show as a DS Program File, but will be the only one in the NeoGeo folder. Boot up the emulator and it will show the list of games if you have followed every step up to this point.
Press Start to boot up your game and enjoy!
If you have any questions regarding this guide, feel free to post below. I will make sure to answer them to the best of my ability.[/p]
This tutorial is property of Nathan Drake of GBAtemp.net.
This tutorial is for use only on GBAtemp.net. This is not authorized to be copied, sold, or redistributed anywhere.
Updated May 26th, 2011 at 9:37AM PST
Reason for edit: Had to add a single word :3
DS Lite with EZ-Flash 3in1 and CycloDS Evolution with 32GB microSD (16KB clusters)
DSi running Unlaunch and TWiLight Menu++ with 32GB SD card (32KB clusters)
