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:

 

[CrashMidnick]

You will end up with all DSiware titles playable on this good old lady. Amazing project ! Thanks.

 

[RocketRobz]

So... I finally got around to trying out Shantae on my ds lite. It runs surprisingly well - Good Work! Buuut.... I keep running out of ram ("Out of memory trying to allocated 257980 bytes in module FileManager.cpp, linne 120"). This happens every time I try to leave the village (using the save file you so kindly provided, @RocketRobz!), the moment I jump over the hole in the bridge.

I also run into the same issue (the exact same number of bytes) after starting a new game, when the screens fade to white after the first tutorial/fight. But I assume that is common (and why the save is needed).

Could this be due to my choice of dsi donor? I tried finding a very small donor in case it would free up some ram, but it didn't help. I'm launching using TWiLight Menu++ (0.65.0). Maybe I should try launching it without TWiLight? Or try an older version in case this is a regression? I've tried both the EU and US version, and they run fine on my 2DS XL (both when installed and when using TWiLight). Or maybe I should just accept the memory limitations, bite the bullet and get an DSi?

The lighthouse/beach area crashes because it seems the game attempts to load large animation data for a boss.
Currently, the only way to fix this is to use either a DSi or 3DS.

 

[Slinger]

The lighthouse/beach area crashes because it seems the game attempts to load large animation data for a boss.
Currently, the only way to fix this is to use either a DSi or 3DS.

Ah, ok! I haven't played the game before and just assumed there was only one way out of the city (there is another character blocking the path in the other direction). I'll have to try it again some time.

 

[RocketRobz]

v0.67.0: Thanksgiving release
Included in TWiLight Menu++ v25.6.0 (GBATemp thread)

What's new?​

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Added support for 24 more DSiWare titles, bringing the amount of supported DSiWare on DS/DS lite (not counting debug consoles), up to a grand total of 200 titles!
  • Scroll down to see which titles are now supported.
  • Click >here< for the full list of supported titles.
• A few DSiWare can now read the TWL font table!
  • Currently, only 4 Travellers, Chuck E. Cheese's Arcade Room, Chuck E. Cheese's Alien Defense Force, Flashlight, Gunjin Shougi, and Sea Battle use it (mainly for the help/instruction manual screen).
  • Place TWLFontTable.dat (Non-CHN/KOR) in `sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/`.
• FAT cluster cache is now compressed to reduce heap shrink.
  • Should increase game compatibility, as well as fix support for SD cards with cluster size less than 32KB.

DSi & 3DS​

• If booted from flashcard, nds-bootstrap data will now be read from or saved to the flashcard.
• DSi only: FAT cluster cache is now compressed to reduce heap shrink while in DSi mode.
  • Should reduce crashes in some DSi-Enhanced games.
• When booting a TWL title from a DS flashcard booted with unlocked SCFG access, DSi BIOS dumps are now loaded from `sd:/_nds/` in order to fix some bugs such as WPA1/2 crashing the console.
  • Either bios9i.bin & bios7i.bin, or bios9i_part1.bin & bios7i_part2.bin (the part files are dumped by TWLMenu++) are used.
• Added external TWLFontTable.dat loading, needed for some out of region DSiWare to boot!
  • Place `TWLFontTable.dat` (Non-CHN/KOR) in `sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/`.
  • Place CHN (iQue) `TWLFontTable.dat` renamed to `CHNFontTable.dat` in `sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/`.
  • Place KOR `TWLFontTable.dat` renamed to `KORFontTable.dat` in `sd:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/`.

Bug fixes​

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Fixed Nintendo DSi + Internet (USA) not booting.

DSi & 3DS​

• Fixed TWL titles not booting in DSi mode from a DS flashcard booted with unlocked SCFG access.
• Fixed Kim Possible: Kimmunicator not booting.
• Fixed in-game menu not controllable when red screen error occurred in DSiWare booted from SD.

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite​

• 4 Travellers: Play French
• 4 Travellers: Play Spanish
• 505 Tangram
• Bloons TD
  • Audio is disabled on non-debug consoles to fit within RAM limitations
  • Does not save
• Captain Sub (GO Series)
• Fall in the Dark
  • Does not save
• Farm Frenzy
• Fizz
• Fuuu! Dairoujou Kai
• Maestro! Green Groove
  • Does not save
• Music on: Drums
• My Aquarium: Seven Oceans
• My Asian Farm
• My Australian Farm
• My Exotic Farm
• My Farm
• Pop+ Solo
• Puffins: Let's Fish!
• Puffins: Let's Race!
• Sea Battle
• Simply Mahjong
• Simply Minesweeper
• Simply Solitaire
• Simply Sudoku

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite debug consoles only​

• Bloons TD 4
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations
• Shawn Johnson Gymnastics

 

[RocketRobz]

v0.68.0: TWL Christmas release
Included in TWiLight Menu++ v25.7.0 (GBATemp thread)

What's new?​

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Special thanks to @Gericom: Added a huge compatibility improvement, making a lot more DS games compatible!
  • Compatibility is now near the level of DSi/3DS SD card.
• Added support for 4 more DSiWare titles!
  • Scroll down to see which titles are now supported.
  • Click >here< for the full list of supported titles.
• A few more DSiWare titles can now open the manual screen.
  • Certain ones will require a Memory Expansion Pak to open it.
• A standalone donor arm7 binary from a DSi-Enhanced ROM can now be loaded from `fat:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/` for running DSiWare.
  • File must be named `b4dsTwlDonor.bin`.
  • This saves space compared to setting an individual DSi-Enhanced ROM as a donor.
• You can now properly exit back to TWiLight Menu++ using the `Quit Game` option in the in-game menu!

Bug fixes​

• Fixed Yoshi Touch & Go (Europe) not booting.
  • An SDK2.0 donor ROM is now required for it to boot.
• Fixed saving not working in Eigo ga Nigate na Otona no DS Training: Eigo Zuke.

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Fixed static sound playing for certain users.

DSi & 3DS​

• Fixed dev/debug TWL ROMs not booting.
• Fixed `TWLFontTable.dat` being opened on non-CHN/KOR consoles.

Known bug (B4DS mode)​

• The `Quit Game` option may not work after using the `Reset Game` option.

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite​

• Goooooal America
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations
• Music on: Electric Guitar
• Music on: Electronic Keyboard
• Snakenoid Deluxe
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations

 

[Jayro]

You sir, are incredible. We totally don't deserve this, and yet here you are. Bravo, and thank you for ALL your hard work. This is amazing stuff!

 

[SylverReZ]

v0.68.0: TWL Christmas release
Included in TWiLight Menu++ v25.7.0 (GBATemp thread)

What's new?​

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Special thanks to @Gericom: Added a huge compatibility improvement, making a lot more DS games compatible!
  • Compatibility is now near the level of DSi/3DS SD card.
• Added support for 4 more DSiWare titles!
  • Scroll down to see which titles are now supported.
  • Click >here< for the full list of supported titles.
• A few more DSiWare titles can now open the manual screen.
  • Certain ones will require a Memory Expansion Pak to open it.
• A standalone donor arm7 binary from a DSi-Enhanced ROM can now be loaded from `fat:/_nds/nds-bootstrap/` for running DSiWare.
  • File must be named `b4dsTwlDonor.bin`.
  • This saves space compared to setting an individual DSi-Enhanced ROM as a donor.
• You can now properly exit back to TWiLight Menu++ using the `Quit Game` option in the in-game menu!

Bug fixes​

• Fixed Yoshi Touch & Go (Europe) not booting.
  • An SDK2.0 donor ROM is now required for it to boot.
• Fixed saving not working in Eigo ga Nigate na Otona no DS Training: Eigo Zuke.

DS & DS lite (B4DS mode)​

• Fixed static sound playing for certain users.

DSi & 3DS​

• Fixed dev/debug TWL ROMs not booting.
• Fixed `TWLFontTable.dat` being opened on non-CHN/KOR consoles.

Known bug (B4DS mode)​

• The `Quit Game` option may not work after using the `Reset Game` option.

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite​

• Goooooal America
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations
• Music on: Electric Guitar
• Music on: Electronic Keyboard
• Snakenoid Deluxe
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations

Happy Christmas, Rob.

 

[godreborn]

You sir, are incredible. We totally don't deserve this, and yet here you are. Bravo, and thank you for ALL your hard work. This is amazing stuff!

I updated both nds and 3ds, no issues to report.

 

[SylverReZ]

I updated both nds and 3ds, no issues to report.

Same. I have recently updated and no issues yet.

 

[godreborn]

Same. I have recently updated and no issues yet.

it actually seemed to boot faster, especially on the nds.

 

[Jayro]

I'll have up update it on my DSi and R4i cart and test it out.

 

[raxadian]

What is the B4DS mode?

 

[banjo2]

What is the B4DS mode?

B4DS mode is what's used when running a game on a flashcard in DS mode, under all the restrictions that come with it. It can act as an alternative to the flashcard kernel's retail game loader (which is nonexistent in some cases)

 

[raxadian]

B4DS mode is what's used when running a game on a flashcard in DS mode, under all the restrictions that come with it. It can act as an alternative to the flashcard kernel's retail game loader (which is nonexistent in some cases)

Yeah unfortunately some firmware is just lost forever. Then again most direct R4 clones are cheap and can run Wood, even if getting 1 GB and 2 GB micro ad cards is getting really hard nowadays.

Some Early DSi cards are extremely picky with firmware.

I have one of the most trashy DSi flashcards ever but thankfully I also got a R4 with Wood and another card compatible with YSmenu. Oh and a time bomb card that probably works with Ysmenu but I don't bother using.

 

[Hark0n]

As with all updates that include "translation improvements" this update regressed the German translation back to missing umlauts, turning all "ä, ü, ö" into "?" I wouldn't even comment on it but at this point I thought "This happens EVERY time... maybe I should point it out?" XD It is a very minor gripe but a persistent one XD

 

[Pk11]

As with all updates that include "translation improvements" this update regressed the German translation back to missing umlauts, turning all "ä, ü, ö" into "?" I wouldn't even comment on it but at this point I thought "This happens EVERY time... maybe I should point it out?" XD It is a very minor gripe but a persistent one XD

Weird... the umlats look fine for me... Are you somehow deleting your font files? TWiLight includes backup fonts in NitroFS that only cover ASCII, to display anything else correctly the full fonts have to be on the SD card.

 

[Hark0n]

Weird... the umlats look fine for me... Are you somehow deleting your font files? TWiLight includes backup fonts in NitroFS that only cover ASCII, to display anything else correctly the full fonts have to be on the SD card.

I did a fresh installation.

 

[RocketRobz]

v0.69.0
Included in TWiLight Menu++ v25.8.0 (GBATemp thread)

What's new?​

For DS & DS lite consoles (B4DS mode)​

• Added support for 20 more DSiWare titles!
  • Scroll down to see which titles are now supported.
  • Click >here< for the full list of supported titles.
• Upgraded volume change feature via SELECT + Up/Down to 4 levels: High/Max, Medium, Low, and Off
  • Spin Six is the only title to display the current volume level.

Bug fixes​

• Instead of all ROMs using the SDK version used by Yoshi Touch & Go (Europe) having to use a donor ROM, only said game now uses a donor ROM in order to fix other games using said SDK version not working.

For DS & DS lite consoles (B4DS mode)​

• Saving now works in GO Series: Earth Saver (Europe).

For DSi & 3DS consoles​

• Fixed Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage crashing on boot.

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite​

• Aa! Nikaku Dori
• Alien Puzzle Adventure
• All-Star Air Hockey
• Animal Puzzle Adventure
• Anyohaseyo!: Kankokugo Wado Pazuru
• Arcade Bowling
• Arcade Hoops Basketball
• Armada
  • The stage music does not play on retail consoles due to RAM limitations.
• Artillery: Knights vs. Orcs
• Astro
• ATV Fever
• ATV Quad Kings
• Bird & Beans
  • Only the Japanese version Tori to Mame boots.
  • TWL font is not displayed.
• Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics
• Clubhouse Games Express: Family Favorites
• Clubhouse Games Express: Strategy Pack
• Earth Saver: Inseki Bakuha Dai Sakuse
• Globulos Party
  • DS Download Play does not work on retail consoles due to RAM limitations.
• Music on: Acoustic Guitar
  • Does not save.
• Paper Airplane Chase
  • Only the Japanese version Kami Hikouki boots.
  • Does not save.
  • TWL font is not displayed.

 

[raxadian]

Dammit man I just updated like four hours ago before you posted!

Ah whatever, here we go again...

 

[RocketRobz]

v0.70.0: I DS⁽ⁱ⁾Ware
Included in TWiLight Menu++ v25.8.1 (GBATemp thread)

What's new?​

Do you love the Nintendo DS? Do you love the Nintendo DSi? Do you love (or like) some of it's DSiWare library?
If you've answered yes to all (or for some reason, just No. 1 & No. 3) of those questions, then Happy Valentine's Day! This nds-bootstrap release is for you!

• Why? Because we've added support for 43 more DSiWare titles to play on your DS and/or DS lite (plus 4 more for debug consoles)!
  • Scroll down to see which titles are now supported.
  • Click >here< for the full list of supported titles.

Improvement​

• @Pk11 and вухаста гітара: Updated Ukranian in-game menu translation.

Bug fixes​

• Fixed 0xC1 and 0xC2 cheat types causing a crash.
• Tried fixing Japanese DSi/3DS consoles using external TWLFontTable.dat (which isn't CHN or KOR), despite the same one existing in TWLNAND.

DSiWare titles now supported on DS & DS lite​

• 1st Class Poker & BlackJack
• 101 Pinball World
  • Previously only booted on debug consoles
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
  • Opening one of the pinball stages will cause a crash
• 18th Gate
  • Exclusive to debug consoles
• 1001 Crystal Mazes Collection
  • Music is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
• 200 Vmaja: Charen Ji Supirittsu
• 24/7 Solitaire
• 3D Mahjong
• 3D Twist Match
  • Does not save
• 3 Punten Katou Itsu: Bakumatsu Kuizu He
• 3 Punten Katou Itsu: Higashi Nihon Sengoku Kuizu He
• 3 Punten Katou Itsu: Nishinihon Sengoku Kuizu He
• 3450 Algo
• 4 Elements
• 5 in 1 Mahjong
• 7 Card Games
• 7 Wonders II
• 90's Pool
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
• Abyss
• Animal Boxing
  • Exclusive to debug consoles, but retail console users can still play the DS version
• Around the World in 80 Days
• Arrow of Laputa
  • Audio is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
• Aru Seishun no Monogatari: Kouenji Joshi Sakka
  • Requires Memory Expansion Pak to launch on retail consoles
  • FMVs are disabled on retail consoles
• Atama o Yoku Suru Anzan DS: Zou no Hana Fuusen
• Ball Fighter
• Boardwalk Ball Toss
• Bookstore Dream
• Boom Boom Squaries
  • Does not save
• Bounce & Break
• Box Pusher
• Dancing Academy
• Deep Sea Creatures
  • Exclusive to debug consoles
• Dekisugi Tingle Pack
  • A crash will occur when exiting the Dance menu for an unknown reason
• Devil Band: Rock the Underworld
  • Exclusive to debug consoles
• Divergent Shift
• Furo Jump!! Girutegia Gaiden! (ARC Style)
  • Exclusive to debug consoles
• Go! Go! Kokopolo
  • Previously only booted on debug consoles
• Hachiwandaiba DS: Naru Zouku Ha Samishougi
• Halloween Trick or Treat
  • Music is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
• Handy Hockey
• Handy Mahjong
• Hearts Spades Euchre
• Hell's Kitchen VS
• High Stakes Texas Hold'em
• Hints Hunter
• Legendary Wars: T-Rex Rumble
• Metal Torrent
  • Previously only booted on debug consoles
  • Music is disabled to fit within RAM limitations on retail consoles
  • The Japanese version has a weird bug where in menus, almost all of the bottom screen is covered by a black rectangle. This does not occur during gameplay
• Spot the Difference
  • Exclusive to debug consoles
• Touch Solitaire
• Whack-A-Friend
  • As the DSi Camera does not exist on DS or DS lite, the photo feature will redirect you to gameplay